Based on the first seven months of 2007, Scovel's report
found more than 54,000 scheduled flights affecting nearly
3.7 million passengers experienced ground delays of 1 to 5
hours or more. That is an increase of nearly 42 percent over
2006.

Congress is considering legislation that would force
airlines to address the issue. Airlines oppose the measure,
saying lawmaker interference could do more harm than good.