Originally Posted by
vip66
Ok, so must add to this “unlucky” qualifier. Just as another funny fact, although this is not a mechanical issue:
So we finally departed IAH-DCA on UA1528. And now we’re at … IAD. Diverted because ATC issued hold for inbound traffic but there was insufficient fuel to hold and land. So, instead, we’re refueling in IAD, then a quick hop IAD-DCA. 😂
Back to the topic: of some 14 segments I flew in the last 30 days 6 had mechanical issue, another 2-3 other delays. So that’s well above the 3% reported above. Just my bad luck, maybe.
While the data are what the data are, my anecdote is that IRROPS are higher this year, and situations go south more easily. I've actually only had two trips this year that weren't affected by at least a 30min delay. Fortunately those were the two of the three trips my partner accompanied me. 😅 But, anecdotally, I have had a much higher rate of issues than last year to this point this year, including full cancel (one day delay), misconnect (rebooked many hours later), return to gate (kind of not UA's fault, but kind of UA's fault), and multi-hour "wx"/crew-positioning delays.