Last updated on 10/30/2023
In an effort to empower passengers to make informed decisions when booking flights, InsureMyTrip has done some research on the performance records of U.S. airports and domestic flights. This resource page provides airline delay and cancellation data for airports in the United States. This information can be used by researchers to make predictions regarding how air travel will likely be impacted during certain times of the year. It can also be helpful for passengers when researching types of travel insurance plans.
U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2022
U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2021
U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2020
Busiest U.S. Airports Ranked by Flight Cancellation Rates - 2019
25 Busiest U.S. Airports for 2019 Holiday Travel
10/30/2023
U.S. Airport Delays & Cancellations - 2023
InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight delay and cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to get a deeper understanding of the impact of weather, system outages, flight disruptions, and other factors, on U.S. airports in 2023.
Summary:
- San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) had the highest delay percentage (33.8%), and Newark Liberty International had the highest cancellation rate (3.78%) for first half of 2023.
- Florida shows up four (4) times on the list of airports with the highest percentage of delays (MCO, PBI, FLL, JAX).
- The majority of airports with the highest cancellation rates are on the East Coast (EWR, LGA, JFK, BUF, ORF, BOS); while the airports with the lowest cancellation rates can be found out west (KOA, TUS, OGG, PHX, SJC, OAK, SEA, SMF).
- Norfolk International’s cancellation rate is trending in the wrong direction. For Q1 of 2023, Norfolk had one of the lowest cancellation rates (0.90%), but through Q2 – it’s now on the list of airports with the highest cancellation rate (2.51%).
U.S. Airports with Highest Percentage of Flight Delays in 2023
- SJU - 33.9% San Juan Airport - Luis Muñoz Marín International
- MCO - 30.0% Orlando International
- LAS - 29.7% Las Vegas Airport Harry Reid International
- PBI - 29.6% Palm Beach International
- FLL - 29.5% Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International
- TPA - 26.9% Tampa International
- HNL - 26.8% Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Honolulu
- JAX - 26.3% Jacksonville International
- SFO - 25.6% San Francisco International
- ONT - 25.6% Ontario International
U.S. Airports with Lowest Percentage of Flight Delays in 2023
- MSP - 16.5% Minneapolis–Saint Paul International
- SEA - 17.6% Seattle–Tacoma International
- SLC - 17.9% Salt Lake City International
- DTW - 18.3% Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- ATL - 19.1% Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International
- DCA - 19.2% Ronald Reagan Washington National
- BOI - 19.6% Boise Aiport
- SJC - 19.7% San Jose Mineta International
- PDX - 20.2% Portland International
- IAD - 20.4% Dulles International
U.S. Airports with Highest Percentage of Flight Cancellations in 2023
Rank
Airport
City
1
EWR
Newark
82606
3121
3.78%
2
LGA
New York
96727
3212
3.32%
3
JFK
New York
79317
2312
2.91%
4
BUF
Buffalo
11764
297
2.52%
5
ORF
Norfolk
11886
298
2.51%
6
FLL
Fort Lauderdale
52812
1304
2.47%
7
DAL
Dallas
42476
1011
2.38%
8
BOS
Boston
82233
1896
2.31%
9
DFW
Dallas/Fort Worth
160779
3675
2.29%
10
MKE
Milwaukee
14432
327
2.27%
11
DEN
Denver
163405
3574
2.19%
12
MEM
Memphis
13181
278
2.11%
13
GRR
Grand Rapids
9428
182
1.93%
14
ORD
Chicago
149318
2833
1.90%
15
MSP
Minneapolis
70172
1324
1.89%
16
RIC
Richmond
10874
205
1.89%
17
IND
Indianapolis
25771
480
1.86%
18
CLE
Cleveland
23366
431
1.84%
19
MDW
Chicago
48859
896
1.83%
20
CMH
Columbus
23787
436
1.83%
21
MCO
Orlando
95364
1736
1.82%
22
DCA
Washington
82109
1492
1.82%
23
RDU
Raleigh/Durham
33361
604
1.81%
24
AUS
Austin
53116
944
1.78%
25
CVG
Cincinnati
22769
404
1.77%
26
PIT
Pittsburgh
24354
432
1.77%
27
BUR
Burbank
16969
287
1.69%
28
ANC
Anchorage
10553
178
1.69%
29
SDF
Louisville
13425
226
1.68%
30
PBI
West Palm Beach/Palm Beach
16481
276
1.67%
31
IAH
Houston
64811
1069
1.65%
32
CHS
Charleston
14189
233
1.64%
33
PHL
Philadelphia
50508
814
1.61%
34
DTW
Detroit
72510
1145
1.58%
35
BDL
Hartford
12920
201
1.56%
36
RSW
Fort Myers
20020
310
1.55%
37
SFO
San Francisco
77932
1183
1.52%
38
JAX
Jacksonville
16484
246
1.49%
39
SAV
Savannah
10257
152
1.48%
40
BNA
Nashville
54904
808
1.47%
42
IAD
Washington
28458
418
1.47%
43
PDX
Portland
33723
462
1.37%
44
OMA
Omaha
12812
175
1.37%
45
MCI
Kansas City
27475
373
1.36%
46
RNO
Reno
11210
151
1.35%
47
MSY
New Orleans
29278
393
1.34%
48
MIA
Miami
59572
796
1.34%
49
BWI
Baltimore
54252
724
1.33%
50
TPA
Tampa
46194
609
1.32%
51
SAT
San Antonio
21967
280
1.27%
52
SNA
Santa Ana
26072
332
1.27%
53
OKC
Oklahoma City
12129
151
1.24%
54
ONT
Ontario
13656
169
1.24%
55
SJU
San Juan
19420
234
1.20%
56
STL
St. Louis
34821
419
1.20%
57
LAX
Los Angeles
112003
1320
1.18%
58
ABQ
Albuquerque
12811
147
1.15%
59
ELP
El Paso
9688
111
1.15%
60
CLT
Charlotte
111316
1265
1.14%
61
HNL
Honolulu
35646
405
1.14%
62
SLC
Salt Lake City
62954
685
1.09%
63
ATL
Atlanta
193901
2077
1.07%
64
SAN
San Diego
51747
532
1.03%
65
HOU
Houston
30850
315
1.02%
66
SRQ
Sarasota/Bradenton
9605
98
1.02%
67
SMF
Sacramento
30296
307
1.01%
68
SEA
Seattle
92620
899
0.97%
69
OAK
Oakland
26496
252
0.95%
70
SJC
San Jose
30272
274
0.91%
71
PHX
Phoenix
100786
904
0.90%
72
OGG
Kahului
18446
163
0.88%
73
BOI
Boise
12162
93
0.76%
74
TUS
Tucson
9604
73
0.76%
75
KOA
Kona
10078
68
0.67%
These flight delay and cancellation rankings are generated from the top 75 busiest U.S. airports based on arriving flights. These updated lists use the latest available data, which includes January through July of 2023.
03/31/2023
U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2022
InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to gain a closer look at the impact of ongoing flight disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors, on U.S. airports.
Summary:
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) has the highest cancellation rate in the country for 2022: 5.55% - up from 1.43% in 2021. That’s an increase of 286.77%.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City saw the largest increase in canceled flights – from 1471 in 2021 to 8795 in 2022 - a 497.89% jump.
- Only eight (8) airports (MSY, RNO, DFW, IAH, HOU, KOA, SAT, MEM) had a lower percentage of cancellations in 2022 than in 2021.
- Hawaii airports maintain a consistent reputation for low cancellations. Three of that state’s airports (KOA, OGG, HNL) report the lowest percentage of canceled flights in 2022.
This ranking shows the busiest U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which includes January through December of 2022. The above findings compare 2022 with the same time period in 2021.
Rank (Worst) | Airport | City | % of Canceled Flights |
1 | BUF | Buffalo | 5.55% |
2 | RSW | Fort Myers | 5.47% |
3 | LGA | New York | 5.19% |
4 | EWR | Newark | 4.82% |
5 | DCA | Washington | 3.93% |
6 | DAL | Dallas | 3.82% |
7 | PBI | West Palm Beach/Palm Beach | 3.79% |
8 | BWI | Baltimore | 3.74% |
9 | MDW | Chicago | 3.73% |
10 | MCO | Orlando | 3.70% |
11 | JFK | New York | 3.69% |
12 | CHS | Charleston | 3.61% |
13 | ORF | Norfolk | 3.55% |
14 | CLE | Cleveland | 3.53% |
15 | CMH | Columbus | 3.51% |
16 | TPA | Tampa | 3.45% |
17 | PIT | Pittsburgh | 3.38% |
18 | IND | Indianapolis | 3.36% |
19 | BDL | Hartford | 3.35% |
20 | BOS | Boston | 3.34% |
21 | STL | St. Louis | 3.29% |
22 | SAV | Savannah | 3.28% |
23 | SDF | Louisville | 3.18% |
24 | RIC | Richmond | 3.15% |
25 | JAX | Jacksonville | 3.12% |
26 | RDU | Raleigh/Durham | 3.08% |
27 | BUR | Burbank | 3.08% |
28 | BNA | Nashville | 2.99% |
29 | DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth | 2.96% |
30 | CVG | Cincinnati | 2.92% |
31 | FLL | Fort Lauderdale | 2.89% |
32 | ORD | Chicago | 2.86% |
33 | MCI | Kansas City | 2.82% |
34 | MIA | Miami | 2.82% |
35 | HOU | Houston | 2.81% |
36 | ANC | Anchorage | 2.74% |
37 | PHL | Philadelphia | 2.74% |
38 | MEM | Memphis | 2.74% |
39 | MKE | Milwaukee | 2.74% |
40 | CLT | Charlotte | 2.73% |
41 | AUS | Austin | 2.72% |
42 | DEN | Denver | 2.71% |
43 | MYR | Myrtle Beach | 2.59% |
44 | IAD | Washington | 2.49% |
45 | OKC | Oklahoma City | 2.40% |
46 | MSY | New Orleans | 2.37% |
47 | SNA | Santa Ana | 2.34% |
48 | SJU | San Juan | 2.32% |
49 | ELP | El Paso | 2.28% |
50 | OMA | Omaha | 2.22% |
51 | LAS | Las Vegas | 2.20% |
52 | SAT | San Antonio | 2.19% |
53 | OAK | Oakland | 2.15% |
54 | SEA | Seattle | 2.13% |
55 | SJC | San Jose | 2.10% |
56 | DTW | Detroit | 2.10% |
57 | SMF | Sacramento | 2.04% |
58 | PDX | Portland | 2.00% |
59 | IAH | Houston | 1.97% |
60 | SAN | San Diego | 1.93% |
61 | ONT | Ontario | 1.89% |
62 | PHX | Phoenix | 1.85% |
63 | ABQ | Albuquerque | 1.79% |
64 | MSP | Minneapolis | 1.71% |
65 | TUS | Tucson | 1.71% |
66 | RNO | Reno | 1.64% |
67 | ATL | Atlanta | 1.63% |
68 | SFO | San Francisco | 1.63% |
69 | LAX | Los Angeles | 1.55% |
70 | GEG | Spokane | 1.52% |
71 | BOI | Boise | 1.17% |
72 | SLC | Salt Lake City | 1.11% |
73 | HNL | Honolulu | 0.99% |
74 | OGG | Kahului | 0.93% |
75 | KOA | Kona | 0.67% |
Methodology
Rankings were based on the flight cancellation rate per airport. Airports on the list also reported 16,200 or more scheduled flights for 2022 (year to date). Sources include InsureMyTrip and The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). BTS tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers.
03/20/2022
U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2021
InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to gain a closer look at the impact of COVID-19, and other factors, on U.S. Airports.
Summary:
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported the highest cancellation rates in the country for 2021 with an average cancellation rate of 5.18%.
- Three (3) airports in Texas - DFW, HOU, and DAL – made the top 10 list for most flight cancellations.
- Hawaiian airports (KOA, OGG, HNL) maintain a consistent reputation for punctuality.
- Overall, cancellations were significantly down in 2021 compared to 2020, the peak of the pandemic.
This ranking shows U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which now includes January through December of 2021.
Rank (Worst) | Airport | City | % of Canceled Flights |
1 | MSY | New Orleans | 5.18% |
2 | DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth | 3.30% |
3 | HOU | Houston | 2.99% |
4 | EWR | Newark | 2.95% |
5 | BUR | Burbank | 2.85% |
6 | DAL | Dallas | 2.83% |
7 | MEM | Memphis | 2.76% |
8 | MDW | Chicago | 2.66% |
9 | BWI | Baltimore | 2.60% |
10 | MYR | Myrtle Beach | 2.25% |
11 | SAT | San Antonio | 2.24% |
12 | DEN | Denver | 2.23% |
13 | IAH | Houston | 2.17% |
14 | ANC | Anchorage | 2.14% |
15 | BNA | Nashville | 2.04% |
16 | ORD | Chicago | 2.03% |
17 | OKC | Oklahoma City | 2.02% |
18 | RNO | Reno | 2.01% |
19 | FLL | Fort Lauderdale | 1.99% |
20 | AUS | Austin | 1.98% |
21 | SNA | Santa Ana | 1.95% |
22 | MCO | Orlando | 1.74% |
23 | RSW | Fort Myers | 1.74% |
24 | TPA | Tampa | 1.72% |
25 | SDF | Louisville | 1.72% |
26 | STL | St. Louis | 1.70% |
27 | BDL | Hartford | 1.69% |
28 | LGA | New York | 1.68% |
29 | PBI | West Palm Beach/Palm Beach | 1.67% |
30 | SRQ | Sarasota | 1.65% |
31 | TUS | Tucson | 1.63% |
32 | IND | Indianapolis | 1.60% |
33 | MCI | Kansas City | 1.59% |
34 | MKE | Milwaukee | 1.58% |
35 | OMA | Omaha | 1.58% |
36 | SAV | Savannah | 1.57% |
37 | OAK | Oakland | 1.56% |
38 | SEA | Seattle | 1.55% |
39 | CLE | Cleveland | 1.55% |
40 | LAS | Las Vegas | 1.51% |
41 | GRR | Grand Rapids | 1.50% |
42 | JAX | Jacksonville | 1.49% |
43 | IAD | Washington DC | 1.48% |
44 | CHS | Charleston | 1.48% |
45 | DCA | Washington DC | 1.48% |
46 | ABQ | Albuquerque | 1.45% |
47 | RIC | Richmond | 1.45% |
48 | MIA | Miami | 1.45% |
49 | PDX | Portland | 1.42% |
50 | PHL | Philadelphia | 1.42% |
51 | ORF | Norfolk | 1.40% |
52 | CMH | Columbus | 1.40% |
53 | PIT | Pittsburgh | 1.39% |
54 | SJC | San Jose | 1.38% |
55 | BOS | Boston | 1.38% |
56 | ONT | Ontario | 1.37% |
57 | JFK | New York | 1.36% |
58 | SAN | San Diego | 1.32% |
59 | LAX | Los Angeles | 1.29% |
60 | CLT | Charlotte | 1.28% |
61 | PHX | Phoenix | 1.28% |
62 | SMF | Sacremento | 1.27% |
63 | GEG | Spokane | 1.25% |
64 | RDU | Raleigh/Durham | 1.25% |
65 | SFO | San Francisco | 1.24% |
66 | CVG | Cincinnati | 1.24% |
67 | SJU | San Juan | 1.14% |
68 | BOI | Boise | 1.03% |
69 | DTW | Detroit | 0.86% |
70 | MSP | Minneapolis | 0.84% |
71 | SLC | Salt Lake City | 0.79% |
72 | HNL | Honolulu | 0.74% |
73 | KOA | Kalaoa | 0.71% |
74 | ATL | Atlanta | 0.69% |
75 | OGG | Kahului | 0.67% |
Methodology
Rankings were based on the flight cancellation rate per airport. Airports on the list also reported 14,500 or more scheduled flights for 2021. InsureMyTrip and The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). BTS tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers.
03/20/2021
U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2020
InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to gain a closer look at the impact of COVID-19, and other factors, on U.S. Airports.
Summary:
- Hollywood Burbank Airport reported the highest cancellation rates in the country so far this year with an average cancellation rate nearing 10 percent. In 2019, Hollywood Burbank averaged around 3.88 percent of flights canceled.
- Chicago, Buffalo, New Orleans, San Jose, and Las Vegas also reported high volume of flights canceled.
- Despite unpredictable weather patterns common to the area, Ted Stevens Anchorage International reported the lowest percentage of cancellations (2.47%) of the top 75 busiest airports.
This ranking shows U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which now includes January through December of 2020.
Rank (Worst) | Airport | City | % of Canceled Flights |
1 | BUR | Burbank | 9.55% |
2 | MDW | Chicago | 9.36% |
3 | BUF | Buffalo | 8.75% |
4 | MSY | New Orleans | 8.45% |
5 | SJC | San Jose | 8.14% |
6 | LAS | Las Vegas | 8.13% |
7 | DAL | Dallas | 8.06% |
8 | OAK | Oakland | 8.03% |
9 | LGA | New York | 7.99% |
10 | DCA | Washington DC | 7.71% |
11 | HOU | Houston | 7.68% |
12 | MCI | Kansas City | 7.55% |
13 | SAV | Savannah | 7.49% |
14 | SAT | San Antonio | 7.48% |
15 | ABQ | Albuquerque | 7.14% |
16 | PBI | West Palm Beach/Palm Beach | 7.10% |
17 | SNA | Santa Ana | 6.94% |
18 | CHS | Charleston | 6.94% |
19 | RIC | Richmond | 6.85% |
20 | SDF | Louisville | 6.82% |
21 | AUS | Austin | 6.80% |
22 | STL | St. Louis | 6.75% |
23 | RNO | Reno | 6.74% |
24 | BNA | Nashville | 6.72% |
25 | SAN | San Diego | 6.70% |
26 | BWI | Baltimore | 6.67% |
27 | GRR | Grand Rapids | 6.66% |
28 | BHM | Birmingham | 6.64% |
29 | IND | Indianapolis | 6.50% |
30 | RDU | Raleigh/Durham | 6.46% |
31 | SMF | Sacremento | 6.41% |
32 | JAX | Jacksonville | 6.37% |
33 | BOS | Boston | 6.36% |
34 | EWR | Newark | 6.33% |
35 | TPA | Tampa | 6.28% |
36 | PIT | Pittsburgh | 6.26% |
37 | JFK | New York | 6.25% |
38 | ORD | Chicago | 6.22% |
39 | CVG | Cincinnati | 6.22% |
40 | BDL | Hartford | 6.21% |
41 | MKE | Milwaukee | 6.21% |
42 | ONT | Ontario | 6.15% |
43 | CLT | Charlotte | 6.14% |
44 | OMA | Omaha | 6.13% |
45 | DSM | Des Moines | 6.11% |
46 | MEM | Memphis | 6.10% |
47 | TUL | Tulsa | 6.07% |
48 | PHL | Philadelphia | 5.95% |
49 | OGG | Kahului | 5.92% |
50 | IAD | Washington DC | 5.91% |
51 | PHX | Phoenix | 5.81% |
52 | CMH | Columbus | 5.78% |
53 | FLL | Fort Lauderdale | 5.73% |
54 | OKC | Oklahoma City | 5.68% |
55 | ORF | Norfolk | 5.64% |
56 | DEN | Denver | 5.62% |
57 | MCO | Orlando | 5.61% |
58 | RSW | Fort Myers | 5.60% |
59 | IAH | Houston | 5.57% |
60 | SFO | San Francisco | 5.57% |
61 | MIA | Miami | 5.56% |
62 | CLE | Cleveland | 5.49% |
63 | DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth | 5.26% |
64 | LAX | Los Angeles | 5.12% |
65 | TUS | Tucson | 4.89% |
66 | HNL | Honolulu | 4.81% |
67 | PDX | Portland | 4.81% |
68 | ATL | Atlanta | 4.69% |
69 | MSP | Minneapolis | 4.49% |
70 | DTW | Detroit | 3.97% |
71 | SEA | Seattle | 3.78% |
72 | SJU | San Juan | 3.78% |
73 | SLC | Salt Lake City | 3.56% |
74 | BOI | Boise | 3.38% |
75 | ANC | Anchorage | 2.47% |
Methodology
Rankings were based on the flight cancellation rate per airport. Airports on the list also reported 12,200 or more scheduled flights for 2020. InsureMyTrip and The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). BTS tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers.
02/25/2020
Busiest U.S. Airports Ranked by Flight Cancellation Rates - 2019
InsureMyTrip issues its latest airport rankings for flight cancellations
Summary
- Chicago Midway International reported the highest cancellation rates in the country, bad storms and the groundings of 737 Max jets likely contributed to the spike.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International continues to make an impressive on-time performance comeback in 2019.
- New York's LaGuardia no longer reports the highest percentage of canceled flights in the country. The NYC airport now ranks 8th, a significant improvement.
- California wildfires led to a significant increase in flight cancellations for Burbank last year.
- Salt Lake City International in Utah and Kahului Airport in Hawaii maintain a consistent reputation for punctuality, celebrating another year of shocking low cancellations.
This ranking shows U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which now includes all of 2019.
Rank/Airport
Rank (Worst) | Airport | City | % of Canceled Flights |
1 | MDW | Chicago | 3.88% |
2 | BUR | Burbank | 3.37% |
3 | ORD | Chicago | 3.22% |
4 | EWR | Newark | 3.14% |
5 | BUF | Buffalo | 3.13% |
6 | HOU | Houston | 3.13% |
7 | DAL | Dallas | 3.08% |
8 | LGA | New York | 2.88% |
9 | GRR | Grand Rapids | 2.76% |
10 | ORF | Norfolk | 2.58% |
11 | DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth | 2.57% |
12 | DCA | Washington DC | 2.50% |
13 | BWI | Baltimore | 2.48% |
14 | PHL | Philadelphia | 2.42% |
15 | MKE | Milwaukee | 2.34% |
16 | PVD | Providence | 2.31% |
17 | SFO | San Francisco | 2.31% |
18 | CHS | Charleston | 2.26% |
19 | STL | St. Louis | 2.23% |
20 | CLE | Cleveland | 2.22% |
21 | BHM | Birmingham | 2.21% |
22 | BOS | Boston | 2.13% |
23 | MEM | Memphis | 2.11% |
24 | RIC | Richmond | 2.07% |
25 | DEN | Denver | 2.05% |
26 | MCI | Kansas City | 2.05% |
27 | OAK | Oakland | 1.97% |
28 | CMH | Columbus | 1.95% |
29 | BDL | Hartford | 1.95% |
30 | OKC | Oklahoma City | 1.92% |
31 | IND | Indianapolis | 1.88% |
32 | OMA | Omaha | 1.87% |
33 | MSY | New Orleans | 1.86% |
34 | PIT | Pittsburgh | 1.80% |
35 | JAX | Jacksonville | 1.79% |
36 | TYS | Knoxville | 1.78% |
37 | SDF | Louisville | 1.77% |
38 | SJC | San Jose | 1.72% |
39 | CVG | Cincinnati | 1.68% |
40 | BNA | Nashville | 1.67% |
41 | MCO | Orlando | 1.66% |
42 | CLT | Charlotte | 1.66% |
43 | RDU | Raleigh/Durham | 1.64% |
44 | IAD | Washington DC | 1.63% |
45 | JFK | New York | 1.60% |
46 | SAN | San Diego | 1.59% |
47 | PBI | West Palm Beach/Palm Beach | 1.55% |
48 | ELP | El Paso | 1.49% |
49 | ONT | Ontario | 1.47% |
50 | ANC | Anchorage | 1.44% |
51 | RNO | Reno | 1.43% |
52 | TUS | Tucson | 1.40% |
53 | SAT | San Antonio | 1.40% |
54 | IAH | Houston | 1.39% |
55 | AUS | Austin | 1.38% |
56 | SMF | Sacramento | 1.37% |
57 | TPA | Tampa | 1.35% |
58 | PHX | Phoenix | 1.33% |
59 | ABQ | Albuquerque | 1.32% |
60 | SNA | Santa Ana | 1.26% |
61 | LAS | Las Vegas | 1.26% |
62 | FLL | Fort Lauderdale | 1.25% |
63 | LAX | Los Angeles | 1.20% |
64 | RSW | Fort Myers | 1.19% |
65 | MIA | Miami | 1.15% |
66 | SEA | Seattle | 1.08% |
67 | DTW | Detroit | 1.07% |
68 | MSP | Minneapolis | 1.04% |
69 | GEG | Spokane | 1.00% |
70 | SJU | San Juan | 0.87% |
71 | PDX | Portland | 0.83% |
72 | BOI | Boise | 0.73% |
73 | ATL | Atlanta | 0.61% |
74 | HNL | Honolulu | 0.44% |
75 | SLC | Salt Lake City | 0.42% |
76 | OGG | Kahului | 0.41% |
Dealing With Flight Delays
Each airline has its own flight delay policy for passengers waiting at the airport; there are no federal requirements. Travelers concerned about delays should be aware of the following:
- Generally, early departures are less likely to be delayed.
- Book a non-stop flight (no stops).
- When booking, ask the airline about the on-time performance percentage for an individual flight.
- Closer to departure, check real-time airport data. This will provide timely information on weather concerns or air traffic delays.
- Be aware of "creeping delays." This is when an airline continues to push back a departure time it can sometimes be extended for hours or lead to a cancellation.
- If a flight is delayed, try to learn the reason why to better gauge if the flight is in jeopardy of being canceled. Reasons for delays may include maintenance, fueling, crew issues, weather, previous flight with the same aircraft arrived late, causing the present flight to depart late, or security issues.
- Some flights will be delayed on the tarmac before or after take-off. As a general rule, DOT prohibits flights to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours.
Passengers with departing flights at busier airports should consider travel insurance with robust travel delay benefits.
To schedule an interview with an expert or to request specific research data, please contact [emailprotected].
Methodology
Rankings were based on the flight cancellation rate per airport. Airports on the list also reported 19,000 or more scheduled flights for 2019. Data Source: InsureMyTrip and The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). BTS tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers.
12/19/2019
25 Busiest U.S. Airports for Holiday Travel
In an effort to help empower travelers to make more informed decisions when it comes to holiday travel preparations, InsureMyTrip predicts which U.S. airports will likely be the busiest, and reviews how the latest data trends can aid travelers when comparing travel insurance benefits.
Summary:
- Chicago O’Hare International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International will be the busiest airports in the country during the 2019 holiday season
- Passengers should check crowd-sourced airport security wait times by using the My TSA application and prepare for longer lines during Christmas week
- Passengers with departing flights at busier airports are more likely to utilize a travel delay benefit and, therefore, may want to compare travel insurance policies with better delay protection
Busiest Airports This Christmas
According to InsureMyTrip, this is the list of busiest airports for Christmas week, based on total domestic flights reported for 2019 thus far:
Rank | Airport | City | Number of Domestic Flights |
1 | ORD | Chicago | 299,839 |
2 | ATL | Atlanta | 298,377 |
3 | DFW | Dallas | 227,850 |
4 | DEN | Denver | 214,451 |
5 | CLT | Charlotte | 190,982 |
6 | LAX | Los Angeles | 187,571 |
7 | SEA | Seattle | 145,350 |
8 | IAH | Houston | 134,480 |
9 | PHX | Phoenix | 133,475 |
10 | SFO | San Francisco | 133,099 |
11 | DTW | Detroit | 132,696 |
12 | LGA | New York | 129,909 |
13 | LAS | Las Vegas | 126,313 |
14 | MSP | Minneapolis | 122,638 |
15 | EWR | Newark | 118,254 |
16 | PHL | Philadelphia | 117,930 |
17 | BOS | Boston | 113,571 |
18 | DCA | Washington DC | 107,925 |
19 | MCO | Orlando | 106,538 |
20 | JFK | New York | 96,310 |
21 | SLC | Salt Lake City | 91,400 |
22 | BWI | Baltimore | 78,560 |
23 | SAN | San Diego | 74,708 |
24 | FTL | Fort Lauderdale | 73,019 |
25 | WDI | Washington DC | 69,709 |
InsureMyTrip analyzed non-stop domestic flights by major air carriers collected in 2019 thus far by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Longest Estimated Security Wait Times
According to InsureMyTrip, here’s a general look at the time of the week when security wait times for passengers tend to be the longest:
Code | Airport | Busiest Day & Time | Average Wait Time |
ORD | Chicago O'Hare International | Sun. between 8 am - 9 am | 30 - 45 min |
ATL | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | Mon. between 7 am - 9 am | 30 - 45 min |
DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth International | Sun. between 6 am - 7 am | 15 - 30 min |
DEN | Denver International | Sun. between 9 am - 10 am and Sat. 8 am - 10 am | 30 - 45 min |
CLT | Charlotte Douglas International | Sun. 1 pm - 2 pm | 60 min or more |
LAX | Los Angeles International | Varies* | 15 - 30 minutes, most of the time |
SEA | Seattle/Tacoma International | Sat. 6 am - 8 am | 30 - 45 min |
IAH | George Bush Intercontinental/Houston | Wed. 2 pm - 4 pm and Fri. 5 am - 6 am | 30 - 45 min |
PHX | Phoenix Sky Harbor International | Tues. 5 am - 6 am | 15 - 30 min |
SFO | San Francisco International | Thurs. 8 am - 9 am and Fri | 15 - 30 min |
Methodology
This data was collected by the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and analyzed by InsureMyTrip. Data only includes standard wait time estimates for the busiest U.S. airports, based off the latest historical data available. Does not include wait times for TSA PreCheck passengers.
*Los Angeles International is listed as varied wait times, due to no clear day and time when extended wait times are more likely to happen.
Both the TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provide information on wait times at airports and border crossings. While security wait times are dynamic, travelers can check crowd-sourced airport security wait times by using the My TSA app prior to departure.
Best Protection for Flight Delays
Based on these data results, travelers can make smarter choices about their travel plans and travel insurance purchases. For example, passengers with departing flights at busier airports are more likely to utilize a travel delay benefit and, therefore, may want to compare travel insurance policies with better delay protection.
Travel delay benefits vary with each travel insurance provider, generally between a 5 and 24-hour window. The benefit is designed to provide reimbursem*nt for reasonable meals and accommodations while unable to travel.
Tip: Travelers must be delayed for a certain number of hours before this benefit can be applied. When comparing travel insurance, look for the minimum delay time (typically, starting at 5 hours) to start qualifying for coverage as soon as possible.
Best Protection for Delayed Bags
Travelers may also want to ensure baggage delay coverage is included under a selected comprehensive travel insurance plan. Baggage delay coverage generally becomes active after belongings have been delayed for a specified period of time, typically 12 or 24 hours.
Tip: When comparing travel insurance, look for a maximum per-person coverage amount as well as a per-day limit. For example, some policies may offer $500 per person to purchase incidentals, but only allow $200 to be spent per day.
Best Protection for Missing Cruise Departure
For those concerned about a delayed flight adversely affecting a cruise or tour departure, travelers may also want to ensure a missed connection benefit is included under a selected comprehensive travel insurance plan. This benefit is designed to provide travelers with coverage if a delayed flight (for example, of 3 hours or more) causes a traveler to miss a cruise departure.
05/24/2018
Worst U.S. Airports for Hurricane-Related Delays & Cancellations
In an effort to help empower passengers to make more informed decisions while traveling during the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, InsureMyTrip predicts which U.S. airports are most prone to delays and cancellations and what passengers should know about airline policies.
Airport Delay Data Summary:
- Researchers ranked the on-time performance for the busiest airports in the Eastern U.S., the part of the country that is most impacted by tropical storms.*
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is ranked the best overall for handling delays and cancellations during hurricane season. It is also the busiest.
- Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International are ranked the worst overall for delays and cancellations during hurricane season. All three airports are twice as likely to report a weather delay than any other airport on the list.
- Passengers should anticipate flight disruptions when a storm develops. Nationwide, flight cancellations soared for major U.S. airports in August and September last year due to storms.
Overall U.S. Airport Data Ranking (Worst to Best)
- Newark, NJ: Newark Liberty International
- New York, NY: LaGuardia
- New York, NY: John F. Kennedy International
- Houston, TX: George Bush Intercontinental/Houston
- Washington, DC: Ronald Reagan Washington National
- Dallas/Fort Worth, TX: Dallas/Fort Worth International
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
- Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia International
- Boston, MA: Logan International
- Baltimore, MD: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall
- Dallas, TX: Dallas Love Field
- Orlando, FL: Orlando International
- Houston, TX: William P Hobby
- Miami, FL: Miami International
- Washington, DC: Washington Dulles International
- Fort Myers, FL: Southwest Florida International
- Raleigh/Durham, NC: Raleigh-Durham International
- Austin, TX: Austin - Bergstrom International
- Tampa, FL: Tampa International
- Charlotte, NC: Charlotte Douglas International
- Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh International
- Nashville, TN: Nashville International
- San Antonio, TX: San Antonio International
- New Orleans, LA: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
- Atlanta, GA: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Methodology
*U.S. airports were ranked by the InsureMyTrip travel data team. Data combined three years of on-time performance statistics for the 25 busiest airports (based on the volume of flight operations) located in Eastern U.S. On-time performance data included weather delays for airports — including those attributed to extreme weather conditions and delays under the control of the National Airspace System (NAS). The proportion of weather delays to the number of flights was also calculated in addition to the overall number of delays and minutes of delays. Researchers also reviewed the percentage of cancellations (domestic arrivals and departures). Data was obtained by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the agency that tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers.
Researchers evaluated on-time data for selected airports during the 2015, 2016, and 2017 hurricane season. The official hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th (Source: NOAA).