Whether they traveled for business or pleasure, almost 700 million passengers flew with U.S. carriers in 2015. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, in 2015, demand for air travel grew at the fastest rate in eight years, with passenger carriers reporting a combined operating profit of $24.1 billion — up from $14.9 billion in 2014.
The Big Four airlines — Southwest, Delta, United and American Airlines — control nearly 70 percent of the market, while low-cost carriers like Spirit and JetBlue are vying for marketshare and travelers' business. American Airlines is the latest large, passenger airline to offer more affordable flight fares, but passengers who purchase these tickets should pack a smaller bag or expect extra fees.
With so many airlines, airports and flight paths to keep track of, the data experts at WanderBat, a travel research site powered by Graphiq, curated a list of 25 facts you should know about traveling by air in the U.S. For most calculations, they used the Bureau of Transportation Statistics' 2015 data — the most recent full calendar year of data available. The facts are ordered on the number value of the answers to the flight questions the analysts asked themselves.
From airports with the most flight delays and largest price hikes to airports you'll love to fly out of, WanderBat has got you covered.
Compiled by Taylor Johnson | Additional reporting by Haley Sorensen
WanderBat.com
