Author Description

This is our report on the audit of air carrier departure data. The objectives of the audit were to assess: (1) the methodologies and systems used by air carriers to report departure times and (2) the accuracy of air carrier reported departure times. In addressing these objectives, we analyzed 10 years of data relating to air carrier departure times. We also met with representatives of the air carriers regarding their reporting systems and conducted unannounced observations of departing flights at 14 domestic airports. During the course of the audit, we also analyzed air carrier data to assess changes in gate-to-gate times for flights to and from the 28 largest domestic airports.