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Study Analysis of Security-Related Flight Delays

Airports often boast tightly coordinated schedules, meaning that even brief interruptions can lead to a cascade of delays. This reality is underscored in Upgraded Points' latest survey, which aims to shed light on the rare yet disruptive nature of security-related flight delays at major U.S. airports. While such incidents are uncommon, occurring at an average of just two per 1,000 flights across the country, they tend to concentrate at select airports, leading to significant impacts on traveler experiences.

According to Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, the consequences of these delays can be substantial. An average security incident lingers for about 40 to 50 minutes, and notable security delays have been recorded at specific airports more frequently than others. For instance, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu reported an average of 7 incidents per 1,000 delayed flights, lasting approximately 34.3 minutes each. Other airports, including Orlando International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, had similarly high rates of security-related disruptions.

The Data Behind the Delays

To measure the extent of these disruptions, Upgraded Points utilized data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) covering flights from July 2024 through June 2025 at the 60 largest U.S. airports. This involved calculating the number of delayed flights, the average duration of delays surpassing the typical 15-minute threshold, and enumerating incidents categorized as security delays—these include terminal evacuations, reboarding due to security breaches, malfunctioning screening equipment, and extensive screening line waits exceeding 29 minutes.

The findings revealed a list of airports with the highest occurrence of security-related incidents and their respective average delay durations. These included:

1. Daniel K. Inouye Intl. (HNL) - 7 incidents at 34.3 minutes
2. Orlando Intl. (MCO) - 6.3 incidents at 45.1 minutes
3. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl. (FLL) - 5.5 incidents at 31.9 minutes
4. Oakland Intl. (OAK) - 4.7 incidents at 44.6 minutes
5. Kahului (OGG) - 4.7 incidents at 32.2 minutes
6. Charlotte Douglas Intl. (CLT) - 3.8 incidents at 41.1 minutes
7. Dallas Love Field (DAL) - 3.4 incidents at 51.3 minutes
8. Baltimore/Washington Intl. (BWI) - 3.3 incidents at 47.9 minutes
9. William P. Hobby (HOU) - 3.1 incidents at 49.5 minutes
10. Seattle-Tacoma Intl. (SEA) - 3 incidents at 57.8 minutes

Factors Leading to Increased Delays

Certain factors contribute to these persistent delays at particular airports. Popular vacation destinations like Honolulu and Orlando are frequented by large volumes of travelers, especially during peak seasons. This rush can quickly overwhelm security checkpoints, resulting in longer screening wait times. For instance, the busy nature of Hawaii's airports necessitates heightened international screening processes, which can lead to increased security incident rates.

Moreover, airports such as Dallas Love Field and Baltimore/Washington International exhibit a dual challenge of high overall delays compounded by security incidents. When screening operations slow down, it creates a ripple effect, extending wait times and increasing the likelihood of missed connections through the air traffic system.

Important Advice for Travelers

For passengers navigating these potentially challenging airports, proactive planning is crucial. Although security-related delays are infrequent, when they do occur, they can significantly hinder flight schedules. Keeping abreast of flight statuses and maintaining flexible travel plans can help mitigate the disruption.

Travelers should also consider the airports they will be passing through before booking flights, particularly during busy travel seasons. By accessing the complete study, travelers can familiarize themselves with additional insights, including airports with the most overall delayed flights.

Company Background

Upgraded Points, founded in 2016 in Austin, Texas by Alex Miller, aims to simplify the intricate world of travel and credit cards. Through comprehensive research and in-depth studies, the organization empowers travelers to optimize their travel experiences and benefits. For further information, visit Upgraded Points.