Navigating Holiday Delays: Insights from the Latest Study on U.S. Airports

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and often, considerable travel challenges. A new study sheds light on how prepared travelers might need to be this December, particularly in navigating the most congested airports in the U.S.

What the Study Reveals

A recent analysis by SkyRefund, a flight compensation company, has unveiled notable insights regarding flight delays across major U.S. airports during the bustling Christmas travel season. This study analyzed Bureau of Transportation Statistics data from the last three years, specifically from Decembers 2021 to 2023.

Orlando International Airport at the Bottom

Orlando International Airport (MCO) tops the list as the airport with the highest rate of flight delays, averaging a staggering 26.39%. This means that over one in four flights are subject to delays. Given Orlando’s status as a prime vacation spot, especially for families visiting attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, the figure is concerning for holiday travelers.

A Closer Look at the Data

SkyRefund’s CEO, Ivalyo Danailov, emphasized that the combination of the holiday travel rush and often unpredictable weather significantly complicates travel during this time. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, flights experiencing delays are defined as those arriving 15 minutes or more after their scheduled time.

Florida Airports Struggling

Following Orlando, Miami International Airport (MIA) isn’t far behind, ranking second with 24.5% of flights delayed. The study highlighted that Florida airports have consistently faced challenges during the holiday season over the last few years. Factors contributing to these issues include poor weather and technical difficulties. Notably, both Orlando and Miami have struggled to maintain smooth operations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The Competition Among Major Airports

Interestingly, the study found that these Florida airports outperformed more notorious challenges faced by New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Newark Liberty International (EWR) airports, which tied for third place with a delay rate of 24.32%. While JFK and Newark are often criticized for their operations, the consistent issues in Florida show a troubling trend for frequent flyers in the Sunshine State.

California’s Advantage

In contrast, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has seen a relatively brisk travel process with only 18.67% of flights delayed, the lowest among the examined airports. Danailov attributed this to California’s generally favorable weather, allowing LAX to operate more smoothly compared to its counterparts on the East Coast and in Florida.

Other Noteworthy Airports

Despite being the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) found itself ranked lower on the list at No. 14, with a delay rate of 20%. The findings serve as a reminder that not all busy airports handle holiday travel disruptions the same way, and geographic positioning often plays a significant role.

Preparing for Delays

With high travel numbers anticipated this holiday season, it’s vital for travelers to be well-informed. Danailov advised travelers to understand their airline’s policies regarding potential support in case of delays or cancellations. This insight can be particularly valuable, given the unpredictability associated with December travel.

By arming themselves with knowledge and being prepared for disruptions, holiday travelers can better navigate the festive chaos that often comes hand-in-hand with the joy of the season.