Travel Delays in 2024: A Look at the Airports with the Most Flight Delays
If you’re planning a trip for yourself or a group in 2024, it means bracing for one thing: flight delays. Little else is more frustrating than having your long-awaited vacation start with hours in a crowded terminal or being stuck on the tarmac, scrolling through your phone, and waiting for updates.
But why are delays becoming so common this year, and which U.S. airports are the biggest culprits? Buckle up because the captain turned on the seatbelt sign, and we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of travel delays in 2024 and what you can do to make your journey a little smoother.
What’s Causing All These Delayed Flights?
Before we get into the specifics of which airports are the worst offenders, let’s talk about what’s causing all these delays in the first place. There are many reasons, and sometimes the universe conspires against travelers (at least it can feel that way!). However, some of the biggest culprits, according to NerdWallet, this year include:
- Staffing Shortages: Airlines face staffing shortages, especially among pilots and ground crew, causing frequent delays due to fewer staff members managing flights and operations.
- Increased Air Traffic: After the pandemic, a surge in travelers is causing record numbers at airports, leading to more congestion and delays.
- Weather Woes: Unpredictable weather, like storms and fog, continues to cause significant travel delays in 2024.
- Tech Troubles: Despite advancements, tech glitches, from air traffic control issues to plane software problems, are increasingly grounding flights.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: While beneficial in the long term, ongoing airport renovations are currently causing delays and bottlenecks.
The Worst U.S. Airports with the Most Delays and Cancellations
Now that we’ve covered the ‘why,’ let’s get into the ‘where.’ Some airports have an almost notorious reputation for never being on time and having too many cancellations. You can guess it’s because of the number of flights these major airports handle. According to a recent report by AirAdvisor, these are the 12 busiest airports where you are most likely to face domestic flight delays in 2024.
| Airport | Flight Delay Frequency | Reasons |
| Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) | ~ 37% | – Heavy air traffic – Outdated infrastructure – Severe weather |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~33% | – High tourist traffic – Extensive renovation projects |
| Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) | ~32% | – Congestion and weather disruptions, especially during hurricane season |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | ~31% | – Airport’s size, – Severe weather – Being a central hub for American Airlines |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | ~31% | – Unpredictable weather like snowstorms and high winds |
| Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) | ~31% | – Passenger volumes – Construction – Operational challenges |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) | ~30% | – High volumes of international flights – Weather disruptions |
| San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | ~30% | – Fog – Runway renovations |
| Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) | ~29% | – Winter Weather – Congestion from nearby significant airports |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | ~28% | – Summer thunderstorms – High traffic volume |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | ~28% | – Passenger volume, – Construction – Weather issues like fog and smog |
| Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) | ~27% | – Weather – Air traffic control issues |
If you’re flying through any of these airports, it’s wise to prepare for potential delays and take precautions to make your journey smoother. Of course, the above list isn’t comprehensive. It doesn’t mean you won’t face canceled flights or disruptions to your travel plans at Laguardia Airport in New York, Philadelphia International airports, or regional airports. So, travel prepared, and you’ll always travel smart — and we have some tips to get you there.
How to Navigate Air Travel Like a Pro
Now that you know where the worst delays are, what can you do to prepare? We have some tips to help you navigate travel delays and enjoy your vacation:
- Plan for Delays: It may sound pessimistic, but preparing for delays can significantly reduce your stress and uncertainty. When booking flights, consider giving yourself extra time for connections. Remember, a more extended layover is always better than missing your next flight!
- Stay Updated: Most airlines have apps that provide real-time updates on flight statuses. Make sure to download these and turn on notifications. Remember, knowledge is power, and knowing about early delays can help you adjust your plans and reduce the impact of the delay on your journey.
- Pack Smart: Always pack essentials in your carry-on, including medications, snacks, and a change of clothes.
- Buy Travel Insurance: This is where your provider can come to the rescue. Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for travel delays. Depending on your policy, meals, accommodations, and even alternative transportation can be reimbursed.
- Use Airport Lounges: If you’re a frequent flier, investing in an airport lounge membership can be worth it. Lounges offer comfortable seating, free food and drinks, and often have showers and other amenities that make a long delay much more bearable.
- Stay Calm and Keep Busy: Lastly, keep your cool. Delays are frustrating, but getting upset won’t make your plane take off faster. Bring a good book, download some movies, or use the time to catch up on work or emails.
The Benefits of Travel Insurance for Delays
One of the most frustrating things about travel delays is the cost they can rack up. Beyond the annoyance of waiting around, there’s often the expense of buying extra meals or even booking a hotel room if you’re stranded overnight. That’s where travel insurance can help.
- Travel Delay Coverage: Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include travel delay coverage. If you deal with a delay between 3 and 12 hours, you can get reimbursed for reasonable expenses like meals, hotels, and transportation. Each policy has specifics, so read the fine print and know what’s covered.
- Missed Connection Coverage: Delays or missed connections can create chaos, but this benefit can help ease the stress by reimbursing you for catching up on your trip — particularly helpful for international travel, where missing a connection can be costly.
- Trip Interruption Coverage: If a delay causes you to miss an entire trip, trip interruption coverage can reimburse you for the unused, non-refundable portion, covering anything from missed tours to prepaid hotels.
Final Boarding Call
While you can’t control the skies, you can certainly control how you prepare for them—with our help. Whether due to weather, staffing shortages, or infrastructure upgrades, we must deal with delays. But with some planning and the best travel insurance, you can turn chaos into a memory. Safe travels!