In recent memory, air travel seems to have become more of a burden than a joy. Longer time spent in security, the chance for delays, the possibility of lost luggage: All these factors combine to make the air travelers’ trips more stressful. Austin even had the 13th most delayed flight route in the country this year (Southwest's Austin to Phoenix flight).

However, all this negative perception may not actually bear out the facts. The reality is that there were fewer major delays of over two hours or more on the tarmac this year than any time in the past five years. Austin boasts one of the better airport performance ratings in the country, as well, for the size of the airport. More flights across the country are arriving on time; 2012 boasts the best on-time percentage in the past 20 years.  Austin’s air travel has more options with new nonstop routes opening up for the summer (like Portlant, Washington D.C., and Cancun)

Although by some measures air travel has gotten better, there's still the stress of travel planning, waiting in long lines and going through security.  If planning a vacation, consider consulting an  Austin travel agent who may be able to offer discountsand give you advice on navigating Austin's airport.

Want to know where major US airlines rank on service? Check out our Come Fly With Me: Customer Service Ratings for US Airlines graphic and see who had the fewest complaints and who has the most lost luggage.