U.S. airlines scrubbed just 0.8 percent of their nearly 638 800 scheduled flights in April 2025, according to the latest Air Travel Consumer Report from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The figure marks the industry's best monthly performance in a year, edging below April 2024's 0.9 percent and well under March 2025's 1.1 percent. Fewer lost bags and a modest drop in consumer complaints round out the good news, signaling leaner schedules and steadier operations as summer peak travel begins.
Key Points
- Why it matters: The odds of a domestic flight getting canceled fell to one in 125.
- Total April operations: 638 800 flights, up 2.5 percent year over year.
- Lowest cancellation rates: Allegiant 0.1 %, JetBlue 0.2 %, Spirit 0.4 %.
- Highest cancellation rates: American Airlines network 1.6 %, Frontier 1.2 %, Hawaiian 0.9 %.
- Mishandled-bag rate dropped to 0.43 %, its best showing since mid-2023.
Snapshot
DOT's monthly Air Travel Consumer Report tracks fourteen major U.S. marketing carriers and their regional partners. It logs every scheduled domestic flight, cancellation, on-time arrival, mishandled bag, disability claim, and customer complaint. April's data reflect leaner spring schedules after airlines trimmed winter capacity, better crew positioning, and calmer weather across most hubs. The result is a slimmer disruption risk profile just as travelers pivot from spring breaks to summer vacations.
Background
Cancellations peaked above five percent during the pandemic, then settled near 1.3 percent for full-year 2023. March 2025 ticked up to 1.1 percent as storms and staffing gaps lingered, prompting concern that reliability would backslide again. (Related: our March cancellation breakdown shows why early-spring flying remains volatile.) April's sub-one-percent reading signals that staffing increases, schedule cuts, and stronger DOT oversight are paying dividends.
Latest Developments
Airlines flew 19 000 fewer domestic legs in April than in March, yet still posted stronger operational metrics. The 638 800 departures represent a 2.5 percent year-over-year gain, confirming that demand remains robust. Meanwhile, consumer submissions to DOT fell to 5 500, down five percent from a year earlier.
Cancellations by Carrier
- Top performers: Allegiant led with just 0.1 percent cancellations, while JetBlue and Spirit kept rates below half a percent. Delta, Alaska, and Southwest all finished under one percent.
- Lagging carriers: American's combined mainline and regional network posted 1.6 percent, Frontier 1.2 percent, and Hawaiian 0.9 percent. Travelers on those airlines faced a one-in-60 chance of a scrubbed flight.
Baggage Handling
Carriers processed 38.8 million checked bags, two million fewer than a year ago, and mishandled only 0.43 percent. That translates to about one lost, delayed, or damaged bag for every 233 checked-down from one in 217 last April.
Consumer Complaints
DOT logged 5 500 complaints, inquiries, and opinions. Nearly 75 percent targeted U.S. airlines, 22 percent foreign carriers, and two percent travel agencies. Despite the overall drop, submissions aimed at the ten largest domestic networks edged up two percent, underscoring persistent pain points around refunds and schedule changes.
Analysis * What Travelers Should Do
Improved reliability does not erase disruption risk, but it tilts the odds in your favor. Booking carriers with sub-0.5 percent cancellation records-Allegiant, JetBlue, Delta, Alaska, or Spirit-cuts the chance of an itinerary going sideways. American and Frontier flyers should leave longer connection buffers or select earlier departures to allow same-day rebooking. The lower mishandled-bag rate is encouraging, yet travelers checking valuables should still use Apple AirTags or similar trackers and keep a change of clothes in carry-on. Fewer complaints suggest refund and customer-service processes are stabilizing, but receipts and screenshots remain essential when claiming compensation.
Final Thoughts
April's numbers show that U.S. airlines are entering summer on steadier footing, with fewer cancellations, better baggage care, and a slight dip in grievances. Travelers who choose historically reliable carriers, build slack into tight itineraries, and pack smart can expect smoother skies ahead-and a higher likelihood that their next flight lands on time. April 2025 flight cancellations may be low, but preparation keeps surprise disruptions from grounding your plans.