5-20-26 *INTERVIEW* Flight Delays with Danny Katz Director of CoPIRG

As we head into the busy summer travel season, a new report sheds light on the frustrating reality of flight delays and cancellations. The report, titled Plane Truth 2026, reveals that flight delays have reached their worst levels since 2014, with one in twelve flights arriving more than 16 minutes late. But what's behind this increase in delays, and what can passengers do to protect themselves? The report highlights the complex factors contributing to these issues, including air traffic control problems, overcrowding at major airports, and airlines stuffing more flights into already congested schedules. The speaker discusses the impact of these factors, including the shortage of air traffic controllers and the consequences of overscheduling at airports. It's clear that the system is in need of improvement, but what can be done to address these issues? The conversation also touches on the role of airlines in increasing profitability by slashing flights to smaller airports, while adding more flights to major hubs. This shift has led to overcrowding and delays at airports like Denver and Chicago. The speaker notes that passenger volume actually decreased slightly last year, yet we're still seeing full flights and delays. If you're planning a trip this summer, it's essential to know your rights as a passenger. The speaker shares tips on how to navigate flight delays and cancellations, including knowing how to plan your trips, avoiding direct flights, and understanding your entitlements to refunds and rebooking. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the Plain Truth 2026 report and how you can protect yourself from the headaches of flight delays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.