Thanksgiving Travel: Top US Airports for Delays

The holiday season is upon us, and for many, that means hitting the skies for Thanksgiving! While the joy of reuniting with loved ones is immense, the reality of holiday travel can sometimes feel more like an endurance test. Remember last Thanksgiving? Record numbers of travelers meant a surge in delays and crowded terminals. If you’re planning to fly this November, knowing which airports tend to be delay hotspots can help you prepare and hopefully make your journey smoother.

Understanding the Delay Factors

Why do some airports experience more delays than others, especially during peak travel times? It’s often a mix of factors. Weather, like fog or snow, can wreak havoc, particularly in congested airspaces. Limited runway capacity means planes have to wait, creating a domino effect. And sometimes, it’s simply the sheer volume of passengers overwhelming the airport’s infrastructure, from gates to security lines.

To help travelers navigate this, Way.com analyzed U.S. Department of Transportation data on on-time arrival rates from November 2024 and combined it with FAA passenger volume data. The result? A ranked list of major U.S. airports most likely to experience backups this Thanksgiving season.

Top Airports Likely to See Delays

Based on the data, here are some of the airports where you might want to build in extra buffer time:

1. **Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR):** With only 71.5% of flights arriving on time last November and over 24 million passengers annually, EWR often struggles with Northeast congestion and weather. Consider JFK (88% on-time rate) if possible.
2. **San Francisco International Airport (SFO):** SFO saw a 72% on-time rate with over 25 million passengers. Its runway configuration can be challenging in bad weather. Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) might offer better alternatives.
3. **San Diego International Airport (SAN):** Despite fewer passengers (7.9 million), SAN’s single-runway layout led to a 79% on-time rate. Midweek travel is often smoother here.
4. **Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW):** Handling over 42 million passengers, DFW had an 80% on-time rate. Extra connection time is crucial here.
5. **Denver International Airport (DEN):** With 40 million passengers and an 82.6% on-time rate, DEN can be affected by early snow or winds. Midday flights are often more reliable.
6. **Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD):** Despite a respectable 84.1% on-time rate for its 38.6 million passengers, late fall weather can cause issues. Allow at least 90 minutes for connections.
7. **Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS):** Over 28 million passengers passed through LAS with an 84.2% on-time rate. Delays are more common during busy weekend traffic.
8. **Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):** LAX saw 37.8 million passengers with an 85.4% on-time rate. Be prepared for traffic and long security lines.
9. **Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL):** As the busiest airport with over 52 million passengers, ATL boasts a strong 87.8% on-time rate and tends to recover quickly from disruptions.
10. **New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):** With 31.5 million passengers and an 88% on-time rate, JFK is a reliable option, especially for international travel.

Tips for Smoother Holiday Travel

No matter which airport you’re flying through, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the holiday travel rush:

• **Book Morning Flights:** Early flights often have a better chance of departing on time before weather and congestion build up.
• **Allow Extra Time:** Give yourself ample time for check-in, security, and especially for connections. Longer layovers can save you from a missed flight.
• **Consider Alternative Airports:** If you’re flying into a major metropolitan area, check if smaller, nearby airports offer better on-time performance.
• **Pack Smart:** Keep essentials like chargers, snacks, and entertainment within easy reach.
• **Stay Flexible:** Have backup plans and be prepared for unexpected changes. Sometimes, a slower day in the air is still better than being stuck wishing you were traveling!

While holiday travel can present challenges, with a bit of foresight and patience, you can increase your chances of a smoother journey. Remember to pack your patience and enjoy the trip!