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Uncovering the Summer Travel Delays: Airports and Airlines to Watch

As summer approaches, travelers brace for the potential chaos associated with holiday flying, but not all airports and airlines share the same struggles. A new study by Upgraded Points dives into the data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, revealing key insights into which U.S. airports and airlines are delivering the longest flight delays during the busy summer months.

Understanding the Study

The study analyzed countless flight records spanning three summer seasons from 2022 to 2024, focusing on the 60 busiest U.S. airports and the 10 largest domestic airlines. Factors considered included:

• - Flight delay rates
• - Average wait times
• - Cancellation rates
• - Tarmac delays

Keri Stooksbury, the editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, emphasizes the impact this information can have on travelers: “Knowing where delays, cancellations, and tarmac holds happen most often empowers travelers to choose better routes, plan favorable layovers, and select airlines that help keep their vacations on track.”

This proactive approach could make a significant difference in enhancing the overall travel experience.

Airports with High Summer Delay Rates

Statistical analysis indicates that certain hubs face delays far exceeding the national average summer delay rate of 26.4%. Some of the airports that challenge this average with the highest rates of delayed flights include:

• - Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 38.9% of flights delayed
• - Chicago Midway International (MDW): 38.1%
• - Orlando International (MCO): 34.7%
• - Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL): 34.2%
• - Miami International (MIA): 32.9%

Travelers aiming to navigate crowded airports should plan accordingly when traveling through these locations.

Airports Notorious for Smooth Travels

On the flip side of the analysis, some airports manage to maintain a commendable level of punctuality throughout summer, dramatically reducing headache-inducing delays. Here are the top performers in minimizing flight disruptions:

• - Boise Airport (BOI): Only 15.6% of flights delayed
• - Anchorage International (ANC): 16.6%
• - Honolulu International (HNL): 17.1%
• - Kahului Airport (OGG): 17.4%
• - Portland International (PDX): 17.8%

Airlines with the Most Delayed Flights

Airports aren’t the only culprits for delays; the airlines themselves can face numerous challenges. Staff shortages, maintenance issues, and scheduling conflicts can all contribute to prolonged wait times. The airlines with the highest proportion of delayed flights during the summer months include:

• - JetBlue Airways: 35.6% of flights delayed
• - Frontier Airlines: 33.8%
• - Southwest Airlines: 32%
• - American Airlines: 31%
• - Spirit Airlines: 30.5%

Travelers may want to reconsider their airline options to reduce the chances of being caught in frustrating delays.

Conclusion

This analysis reveals the complex landscape of summer travel and highlights significant pain points affecting experiences in the air. By keeping these delays in mind and selecting travel routes and airlines wisely, passengers can mitigate wait times and make the journey more enjoyable. For even deeper insights, including detailed statistics on cancellations and tarmac delays, travelers can visit Upgraded Points’ full study online at www.UpgradedPoints.com.

About Upgraded Points

Founded in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points operates out of Austin, Texas, and provides invaluable research and resources for travelers seeking to navigate the intricate worlds of travel and credit cards. The company aims to maximize travel experiences through diligent analysis and informative studies.