The number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines and on flights to and from the United States on foreign airlines declined in 2008 by 3.5 percent from 2007, dropping to 809 million, the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported. BTS, a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, in a release of preliminary data, reported that U.S. airlines carried 3.7 percent fewer total system passengers in 2008 than in 2007. U.S. airlines carried 4.3 percent fewer domestic passengers in 2008 and 1.2 percent more international passengers than in 2007.

Passengers to and from the United States on foreign carriers decreased 1.5 percent from 2007. This release includes data on U.S. carrier scheduled domestic and international service and foreign carrier scheduled international service to and from the United States. BTS regular monthly air traffic releases include data on U.S. carrier scheduled service only. Total passengers on U.S. airlines and on foreign airlines to and from the United States declined in each of the last nine months of 2008 from the same month in 2007. The largest decline of 12.8 percent took place in November.

Southwest Airlines carried more total system passengers in 2008 than any other U.S. airline for the second consecutive year. American Airlines carried more international passengers to and from the United States in 2008 than any other U.S. or foreign carrier for the 19th consecutive year. More total system passengers boarded planes in 2008 at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International than at any other U.S. airport, and more international passengers boarded planes at New York’s John F. Kennedy than at any other U.S. airport. U.S. carriers and foreign carriers serving the United States operated 10.7 million domestic and international flights in 2008, 4.8 percent fewer than were operated in 2007. New York JFK was the busiest U.S. airport for international travel in 2008, with 10.6 million international passenger boardings. For more information, visit www.dot.gov.
 

Reader Comments

The airlines should go back to being regulated. We knew what was going on then; didn't have to wait and guess. Then: change distribution back to travel agents; eliminate all thes eon-line newcomers; have airlines put information on line for people to "check out" what is going on in order to be informed. But, make all reseervations through registered appointed travel agents or he airlines only. Change the size of seats so an average person can actually fit in one without feeling like they're being crushed to death. Go back to them being treated like human beings again. I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist. Maybe then the airlines can go back to being profitableDolores, FL

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