In a ranking of airlines around the world by a flight delay compensation company, American Airlines got the highest score among U.S. airlines.
American ranked 2nd globally in the ranking by flight delay compensation firm AirHelp based on passenger surveys, claim processing and on-time performance.
Fort Worth, Texas-based American came in behind Qatar Airways in the No. 1 spot. Chicago-based United Airlines ranked 16th.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines came in 17th out of 72 airlines ranked globally.
Among airports around the world, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport came in 34th among 132 airports ranked. The airport rankings were based on on-time performance, passenger surveys, and food and shops.
Companies like AirHelp assist passengers such as those traveling where European Union law sets rules on compensation for passengers subjected to long delays, cancellations or denied boarding.
“It is clear the global airline industry is in need of significant improvement, with overbooked flights and cancellations making national headlines month after month, and consistent mistreatment of passengers,” said AirHelp CEO and co-founder Henrik Zillmer in written statement.
In the United States, there are no federal rules or laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with compensation when their flights are delayed. When flights are canceled in the U.S., airlines are also not required to provide compensation for a hotel room, food, transportation or any other costs that fall outside of the cancelled airline ticket and fees. There are rules for compensation for passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding under certain circumstances.
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