Flight Disruptions Surge Ahead of Memorial Day Travel Boom

With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, American travelers are facing unprecedented levels of flight delays and cancellations, prompting a surge in demand for travel insurance that offers delay-related protections.

According to Squaremouth, the nation’s largest travel insurance comparison platform, flight disruptions are now the top concern among travelers, surpassing even COVID-related worries that once dominated the industry. The company reports a 55% year-over-year increase in searches for travel delay coverage ahead of the holiday weekend.

The U.S. aviation industry is grappling with multiple compounding issues: technology failures, airline staffing shortages, and air traffic control bottlenecks have created a perfect storm. Most recently, a runway closure at Newark Liberty International Airport—a major hub for United Airlines and transatlantic flights—triggered the cancellation of 10% of United’s operations at the airport, stranding thousands.

The situation is expected to worsen in the days leading up to Memorial Day. TSA is now urging travelers to arrive at least three hours early, as new REAL ID requirements are causing confusion and extended wait times at security checkpoints.

A recent Squaremouth survey found that 48% of Memorial Day travelers this year list flight delays or cancellations as their primary concern—up sharply from 36% last year, before the wave of disruptions that began last summer.

With millions preparing to take to the skies, many are turning to travel insurance for protection.

What to Know About Travel Delay Insurance

Most policies sold on Squaremouth include Travel Delay coverage, but the company advises travelers to read the fine print to ensure adequate protection. A quality policy should:

• Provide coverage after delays of 3 hours or more

• Apply to any delay caused by a common carrier (airlines, trains, etc.)

• Include compensation for missed connections due to delays

Such policies typically cover meal costs, hotel accommodations, and transportation expenses incurred due to delays outside the traveler’s control.

All policies purchased through Squaremouth come with a Zero Complaint Guarantee, and the platform features over 30,000 verified customer reviews to help users find the right plan.