New Upgraded Points Study Reveals U.S. Airports Most Prone to Holiday Flight Delays

20 November 2023 9:09pm

There's no place like home for the holidays, and Upgraded Points has released its latest report for travelers on where they can expect serious holiday flight delays. Using key industry data, the detailed analysis offers a glimpse of flight delay trends at major U.S. airports and airlines during the winter holiday period.

The U.S. Airlines Most and Least Prone to Flight Delays.

The U.S. Airports Most and Least Prone to Flight Delays (Arrivals).

"We're always looking to help travelers during the hectic holidays," said Keri Stooksbury, Editor-in-Chief of Upgraded Points. "Understanding which airports and airlines have historically experienced more delays can help you anticipate travel hiccups and increase your overall holiday happiness."

Holiday Hold-Ups: Top 5 Airports for Departure Delays

Flying out of one of the following airports? They historically see the highest percentage of departure delays:

El Paso International Airport (ELP) - 32.78%
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) - 30.67%
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) - 30.56%
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - 30.33%
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - 30.22%

Landing Late for the Holidays: Top 5 Airports for Arrival Delays

If you're landing in one of the following airports, you're most likely to be delayed upon arrival:

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) - 30.67%
Dallas Love Field (DAL) - 30.22%
Denver International Airport (DEN) - 29.44%
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – tied at 29.44%
Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) - 29.33%

Right on Time: Airports with Lowest Delayed Arrivals and Departures

Lihue Airport (LIH) tops the charts, boasting the lowest delay rate for both departures (16.78%) and arrivals (17.33%). It's one of 4 airports in Hawaii to make the top 10 least delayed departures or arrivals.
Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) has the second-lowest delay rate when it comes to taking off (17.44%), while Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) comes in third with an 18.44% delay on arrival.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) and Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) come in fifth for the fewest departure (19.44%) and arrival (19.22%) delays, respectively.

Airlines Most and Least Prone to Holiday Flight Delays

The top 5 airlines with the most delayed departures include: