We saw the drama unfold earlier this year as record fuel prices bankrupted several carriers and put many others in critical financial condition. To avoid catastrophic losses, airlines began the equivalent of looking under the furniture cushions for extra coins. They found plenty and introduced a wide variety of add-on fees, including fuel surcharges. The price of fuel is dramatically lower but the fees are here to stay, and the one charge that literally bears the word fuel is having less to do with the price of oil and more to do with making up for lost time – and revenue.

For carriers in Europe and the United States, August proved to be the best of the summer months. View the most recently available statistics.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released international traffic data for August that confirmed a continuing downturn.

With more fees to check baggage and fewer flights operating this season, you might think baggage handling performance is bound to improve. See for yourself.

Need to know how much an airline charges for choice seating, or a second checked bag? Here is a list of the most common fees on the most popular airlines.

What airports rank busiest in the world? Airports Council International (ACI) provides its rankings for the top 30 airports with the latest data available.

Airlines appear eager to convert their aircraft into virtual wireless hot spots, with the age of commercial in-flight internet access arriving. At least on one US aircraft: an American Airlines' B767-200 is providing free broadband internet access on two flights between New York and Los Angeles.

Do you remember the days when people used to travel for pleasure? Before the continuous airport delays, intensive security checks and lost baggage? Whether we travel for business or pleasure, once we arrive at our destination, whatever our remit, we make the most of the time we are there. Unfortunately for many of us the thought of the trip there and back can send shivers down our spines.

What do you think the chances are of your flight arriving late? If you're traveling to, from or within the UK, the answer is about about 1 in 3, according to the latest official figures, which show that the percentage of flights with an on-time arrival fell from 72% to 68% in the first quarter of 2008.

The Association of European Airlines (AEA) has issued its latest report detailing its member's on-time performance and baggage delivery performance for July to September 2007. The punctuality data is provided by 28 AEA member airlines, and 25 airlines contributed to the baggage statistics.