U.S. flight delays declined in November

By Mike Ahlers
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. airlines continued to record improved on-time performance in November, a development likely aided by a decline in the number of air travelers in the months following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The monthly survey compiled by the federal Department of Transportation does not include additional time travelers spent in airport terminals because of increased security checks.

The 11 largest airlines had an 84.7 percent on-time arrival record in November -- well above the 72.8 percent rate in November 2000.

Trans World Airlines closed its operations after a final flight December 1, but for November managed the best on-time arrival rate at 87.5 percent. American Airlines has purchased the ailing airline.

Delta Air Lines and US Airways both had on-time arrival rates of 86.7 percent. Alaska Airlines had the lowest percentage of on-time flights at 75.9. United Airlines ranked tenth at 80.8 and American Eagle Airlines ninth at 81.4.

The DOT report includes a list of chronically late flights -- flights that arrive late 80 percent of the time or more. In November, there were only two flights on the list: Alaska Flight 269 from Los Angeles to Seattle, late 86.67 percent of the time, and Delta Flight 440 from Atlanta to Chicago O'Hare, late 82.76 percent of the time.