The number of airlines arriving on time has gone down to 71 percent so far in 2007, the lowest level since the Department of Transportation starting tracking performance 20 years ago.

Airlines are flying more jammed packed than ever before. The airport system is so stressed, and that is impacting consumers everyday.

Which airports should you avoid? Using data from the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, we feature some of the worst and best airports as it relates to on time performance. The lower the number, the better the airport.

Most Miserable Airports
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The Kent family of Chicago, Ill., is packing up for a trip to Florida -one of a couple vacations they’ve taken already this year.

“My wife loves to pack a lot, but she doesn’t like to carry it,” says John Kent.

And the family has experienced some tough lessons about losing what they’ve packed. Like Dad’s trip last month to Texas.

“He was having an asthma attack and I asked him where his inhaler was,” Julie said. “And he said, ‘it’s in Chicago.’”

So for this trip, they’re bypassing the airline check-in process. They’re using a company called Baggage Quest to pick up and deliver their luggage ahead of time.

“I’d rather pay a little more money to guarantee a good trip and ease of trip,” John said.

Baggage Quest founder Dave Williams says two years ago when he started the business, he shipped over 1,000 bags. This year, he’ll ship 25,000.

“In my opinion, the airlines are understaffed and drowning with the work right now,” Williams said.

At least half a dozen companies are in business now that offer door-to-door luggage service, in addition to the option of using UPS or Federal Express.

Cost depends on company, luggage weight, destination and shipping time. To ship a 20-pound bag from Los Angeles to New York City, expect to pay between $75 and $110 dollars for a three-to-five day delivery.

And to ship that same bag overnight, the cost would be double.

“It was easy,” John said. “It was on time. It was worth it.”

The Kent family admits it’s money well-spent for hassle-free holiday travel.

Now that you’ve made it to the airport and located a parking spot, only to find yourself staring at a long security line.

Here are a few things you can try to help speed your way through airport security checkpoints.
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1. Check in for your flight and print your boarding pass on your home computer the night before.

2. Upon your arrival to the airport (especially for a morning flight), skip the departure level. It will be a traffic jam. Remember, you have no baggage to check and you already have your boarding pass. Instead, avoid the people and car traffic and go straight for the arrivals level. First thing in the morning, it’s almost empty (most of the time). Head upstairs and go through security to your gate.
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“Learn How To Earn an Extra 83,647 Frequent Flyer Miles before the end of 2007, without Getting Out of Your Office or Living Room Chair.”

If You Travel Via Commercial Airlines and Carry a Laptop Computer Or Briefcase and/or Luggage… This is Vital Information to Know!

This scam involves two persons who look for a victim carrying a laptop computer or other valuable carry-on baggage and approaching a metal detector. They position themselves in front of the unsuspecting passenger and stall until their mark puts the laptop on the conveyor belt.
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The last thing any traveler wants to do is stand in long checkpoint lines. So don’t. Many large airports have extra screening points that, while a little out of the way, more than make up for the inconvenience by being rarely used.
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