If your plans include traveling to the airport in the next few weeks, keep an eye out for potential last-minute flight delays or cancellations. Even if you
have your Real ID
and even if you haven’t
flying out of Newark
In New Jersey, you might still encounter unexpected changes in your travel plans. During 2024, flight delays surged significantly, causing on-time arrival rates to decline from February through December for nine out of ten major U.S. airlines, as reported by the authorities.
latest data
from the United States Department of Transportation.
In March 2025, newly released data shows that Hawaiian Airlines, which serves fewer airports compared to the Top 10 airlines, led with over 83.6% of flights arriving on time during December.
The good news: In 2025, if your flight gets
canceled
, you’re entitled to a full cash refund. Last year,
the Biden administration declared
Airlines have to quickly offer automatic cash refunds when flights get canceled.
For more tips on air travel, check out
our complete summer trip essentials list
and these
advice for cutting costs on airline fares
. Plus, learn
how to use AI to plan for travel
.
Which airlines have the highest rates of delays and cancellations?
Airlines’ track records for getting passengers to their destinations on time vary from month to month. In December 2024, Hawaiian Airlines had the highest percentage of on-time arrivals — 83.6% — according to the Department of Transportation’s February 2025
Air Travel Consumer Report
.
The same report noted that Southwest Airlines had the lowest number of canceled flights, at 0.83%, while Frontier Airlines had the highest number of cancellations, 2.32%.
The following are the punctuality rates for arrivals among leading U.S. airlines, as reported by the DOT.
As stated earlier, these percentages change each month. You can find historical reports at the
DOT’s website
.
Steering clear of flight delays goes beyond simply picking one carrier over another. Through thoughtful preparation, you can sidestep frustration and arrive at your destination punctually, or ensure you have the highest probability of making it on schedule. Continue reading to discover strategies for avoiding flight delays during your upcoming trip via air, along with insights into which airports boast the most reliable arrival records and which ones fall short.
1. Don’t fly too early or too late
You may find airports more crowded during specific hours of the day. The congestion typically begins around 3 p.m., with subsequent departures experiencing delays.
50% higher chance
of being canceled.
Nonetheless, you should try not to book your flight too far ahead of time if possible.
Airports generally see their highest traffic volume during peak times.
In the early morning, between 5 and 8 a.m., you’re likely to face longer waits in TSA lines. To dodge the crowd with a adaptable timetable, consider reserving a midday flight, around late morning or just post-noon.
2. Book a nonstop flight or leave extra time for layovers
A stopover can extend a lengthy journey even more. Stopovers may take as much as four hours for flights within the country, and they could stretch to an entire day—up to 24 hours—for trips between countries.
While you may save some cash by booking a flight that includes an extra stop, you might end up regretting it when your connecting flight gets delayed. By booking a nonstop flight, you’ll spend less time in airports and get to your destination earlier. You might end up paying less than you expect if you
book your flight early
.
3. Install your airline’s app on your phone
Most airlines offer a mobile app that allows you to check in to your flight ahead of time. Usually this feature is offered 24 hours before the plane takes off, which means you can save time by completing this step at home. Plus, you’ll be able to
track the status of your flight
and reschedule in case the flight is delayed or canceled.
4. Early check the weather at both airports.
The reason for this is bad weather.
75% of flight delays
The specific numbers may fluctuate based on the location and season, however, it’s advisable to review the forecast several days prior to your journey. Ensure you inspect the conditions not only at your departure point but also at your destination.
For example, perhaps a buddy is supposed to pick you up at your final stop, and you anticipate bad weather upon arrival. In this case, you could adjust your plans and help save some of your friend’s time by asking them to head to the airport after the storm has passed.
5. Don’t check bags
Not only are we seeing an increase in checked baggage
more expensive
However, they can be another cause of delays. You’ll need to allocate additional time to check in your extra bags prior to your flight, and you could end up spending much more time waiting for them at the baggage claim area.
You can bypass those additional steps if you succeed.
pack everything into your carry-on bag and personal item
This method ensures you have one fewer thing to stress over upon arriving at your destination. Additionally, traveling light is quite refreshing.
6. Prepare to spend extra time at these airports
The US has some of the world’s largest airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International topping the list. In 2023, an estimated
104.6 million people
passed through Hartsfield-Jackson. Dallas/Fort Worth International had almost 82 million passengers, and Los Angeles International had 75 million.
If you’re flying out of Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia Airport, or JFK International, your flight is more likely to be delayed because of weather.
Information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration
indicates that airports in the New York City area jointly face double the number of delays when contrasted with the second city on the ranking (Chicago). The most significant delays occur during April, May, and June.
If your travels lead you through Florida, make sure to anticipate potential delays. Six out of the ten most delayed U.S. airports are located within this sunny state.
Below are the US airports with the smallest and largest percentages of flight delays in 2024, as reported by
InsureMyTrip
.
7. Understand your entitlements regarding airline reimbursement for flights.
In case the situation turns dire and your flight gets canceled, remember that you have the option to receive a monetary reimbursement. As stated by the
US Department of Transportation
, you have the right to receive a complete reimbursement if your flight gets canceled — “no matter the cause” — or experiences significant delays.
new policy
to assist in safeguarding consumers from unexpected airline charges
went into effect in August 2024
.
In some cases, you can also get a partial refund on the cost of your ticket. If your seat is downgraded or you don’t get the services you paid for in advance, such as in-flight Wi-Fi, you should be refunded the difference.
If your flight is canceled and the airline refuses to give you a refund, the DOT recommends you
file an official complaint with the federal government
. You’ll need to provide some basic personal info like your mailing address, plus flight details (including your flight number if you have it) and a description of what happened when your flight was canceled.
For more travel tips, read about
how to pack a carry-on without causing TSA hassles
and
five great gadgets to keep you connected
when you’re on the go.
