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May 8, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
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BWI Applauded By Customers For Few Delays
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
There are more delayed flights than ever before in the U.S.
Kelly McPherson reports BWI Airport is doing better than most places.
It's a grim time to fly. Nearly one in three U.S. flights is delayed or canceled.
But on the BWI flight board, there's hardly a flight that isn't on time.
"BWI is really a low-delay airport. We're fortunate that things work pretty well here. The answer nationally is some improved technologies. I know the FAA and some airlines are working on that. It may be some years off, however," said Jonathan Dean with BWI.
Nationally, 70 percent of flights arrive on time. That's the lowest it's ever been.
BWI is at 76 percent on time. That's the best score among all airports in the northeast and is only beat by Phoenix.
"We've never had any bad experience," said Pat Walston.
"I have not had any trouble out of BWI coming or leaving. Maybe I've been fortunate," said business traveler Pam Wilson.
BWI is ranked second in the country for on time arrivals, but overall the number of on-time flights has gone down since 2003.
Five years ago, 83 percent of BWI flights were on time. Each year the number has dropped a few percentage points.
Passengers notice it's better at BWI than in other cities.
"Oh, fantastic! I drive from Southern Maryland to come here. I'd rather travel from BWI," said Jeanette Riley. "The parking, the convenience and I don't like all the clutter in Virginia."
For now, the increasingly rare on-schedule flight will keep travelers coming back.
The most common reason for a delay is an aircraft arriving late to the gate.
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