#United States #holiday travel #travel insurance #Various #Flight Delays

Holiday Travel Alert: Worst Airports for Delays and Cancellations in 2024

As the holiday season nears, air travel becomes increasingly hectic, making it essential for travelers to navigate the complexities of airline schedules. Insights from InsureMyTrip’s latest data reveal which U.S. airports are most prone to delays and cancellations during this busy period in 2024.

Airports with the Highest Delays and Cancellations

San Francisco and Buffalo Lead the Pack

Notably, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) tops the list for flight delays, with a staggering 37.18% of flights delayed from January to June 2024. Meanwhile, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) recorded the highest cancellation rate, experiencing 2.74% of its flights being scrapped.

Popular Destinations with Frequent Delays

For those planning holiday trips to sunny Florida or Texas, it’s wise to prepare for delays. Airports such as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), and Tampa (TPA) are consistently reported among those with significant delays in Florida. Texas travelers should also be aware that Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Austin-Bergstrom (AUS), and San Antonio (SAT) frequently face similar issues.

Double Trouble Airports

Both San Francisco (SFO) and Miami (MIA) made it onto the top ten lists for both delays and cancellations. This situation highlights ongoing operational challenges that could frustrate travelers during the peak holiday travel season.

Weather-Related Challenges

The potential for weather-related delays further complicates holiday travel plans. Airports such as Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), and Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) have witnessed high percentages of weather-induced delays, so staying updated on weather forecasts is crucial.

Airports with Better Odds

On a more positive note, if you’re looking for smoother travels this holiday season, consider airports like Salt Lake City (SLC), Atlanta (ATL), Boise (BOI), and San Jose Mineta International (SJC). These locations reported the lowest percentages of delays and cancellations, providing a more stress-free travel experience for those keen to avoid chaos.

The Importance of Travel Insurance

Amid the potential for delays and cancellations, travelers should consider securing travel insurance. With the holiday rush, delays can lead to unexpected expenses on non-refundable trip components such as hotels, activities, and transportation arrangements. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can offer reimbursement for these costs while also covering trip cancellations, missed connections, and lost baggage, ensuring peace of mind during your travel.

Conclusion

As the busy holiday season descends, it’s essential for travelers to remain vigilant regarding flight statuses and to strategize their airport choices. The information from InsureMyTrip serves as a timely reminder to book flights wisely and always prepare for the unexpected. Travelers are encouraged to have contingency plans in place while navigating through major airports this season.