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Planning your holiday getaway is exciting, but there’s one thing that can turn festive cheer into frustration: flight delays. Between winter storms, mechanical hiccups, and jam-packed air traffic, even the most carefully planned trips can hit turbulence before you even leave the ground.
If you’re flying this holiday season, knowing which airlines and airports are prone to delays can save you stress, missed connections, and extra hours in the terminal. eSIM service Saily recently analyzed the last two holiday seasons’ data from the U.S. Department of Transportation to rank airlines and airports based on on-time performance, helping travelers plan smarter.
Airlines That Could Ruin Your Schedule
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While regional carriers often impress with smaller-scale operations and shorter routes, some major airlines struggle to stay on time during the December rush. According to Saily’s rankings, the five least reliable airlines over the past two holiday seasons are:
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JetBlue Airways – Only 69.89% of flights on time
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Allegiant Air – 75.79% on time
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Spirit Airlines – 76.21% on time
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Frontier Airlines – 76.22% on time
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PSA Airlines – 76.22% on time
These airlines tend to experience more delays during peak travel, so if your schedule is tight, consider alternatives or allow extra buffer time for connections.
Airports That Test Your Patience
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The airport you choose can also influence your travel experience. Some hubs manage holiday chaos better than others, while certain airports consistently see longer waits and more disruptions. The five least reliable airports for holiday travel are:
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Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – 69.72% on time
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Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) – 71.16% on time
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Miami International Airport (MIA) – 75.23% on time
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Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 76.22% on time
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San Diego International Airport (SAN) – 78.49% on time
If you’re flying out of these locations, plan ahead, check real-time updates, and consider traveling during off-peak hours to avoid the worst of the delays.
Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel
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Saily CEO Vykintas Maknickas emphasizes that “holiday travel puts enormous pressure on airports and airlines, and even small delays can quickly add up.” Here are a few practical tips to stay ahead:
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Check your airline’s track record – Smaller regional carriers or airlines with higher on-time rates could save you headaches.
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Monitor weather closely – Winter storms can wreak havoc on schedules, especially in December.
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Leave buffer time – Even reliable operators can experience disruptions. Adding extra time between connections is smart planning.
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Stay flexible – Real-time updates and a backup plan can be your best travel companions.
While delays are sometimes unavoidable, knowing which airlines and airports are more likely to run late gives you the upper hand. With a little foresight, your holiday trip can stay merry and bright, from takeoff to touchdown.
