More U.S. flights delayed in December

U.S. airlines' on-time performance declined dramatically in December compared to the previous month, but improved slightly over a year earlier, the Transportation Department said. The carriers blamed weather and aviation system issues for contributing to some delays.
The DOT also said that the airlines had a significantly higher domestic flight cancellation rate and a higher mishandled baggage rate in the final month of 2008 compared to November. Even complaints about airline service were up in December compared to November.

Still, the DOT said the airlines did a better job in all four categories in December compared the same month in 2007.