The Department of Transportation is reporting that airlines were on-time fewer times and mishandled more baggage in 2006:

The airlines posted a lower rate of on-time flights and more reports of mishandled baggage.

Findings from data submitted by 20 carriers showed on on-time arrival rate of just over 75 percent in 2006, down 2 percent from 2005

The airlines also reported 6.73 reports of mishandled baggage per 1,000 travelers last year vs. 6.64 the year before.

Airlines also bumped more people in 2006, but only killed one pet in December. Oddly, consumer complaints filed against airlines are down, so perhaps you are becoming resigned to the way you are treated by airlines. —MEGHANN MARCO

Airlines Report Lower Marks for On-Time Flights [MSN]

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