April 7, 2008 Study: Complaints about airlines rise Play video

(NECN/ABC) - A new survey of airline passengers finds their dissatisfaction when flying high. The high costs are taking a toll on service. Complaints are up at 15 of the 16 biggest airlines and passengers are fed up.

On time arrivals dropped five years in a row with more than 25% of all flights late. The number of passengers bumped from overbooked flights and mishandled bags also jumped in 2007.

U.S. Airways was at the top of the complaint list. Southwest was at the bottom with 80% of their flights arriving on time.

These poor marks add to already turbulent times for the airline industry.

Overdue maintenance at Southwest and safety concerns at American, United and Delta recently grounded planes.

Skybus was just one of three carriers that declared bankruptcy in the last week.

Spiking fuel costs have airlines scrambling to stay in business.

A few months into 2008, customer satisfaction is being tested with airlines trying to raise the fares, cutting flights and people.

ABC News reporter Viviana Hurtado takes a closer look.