Most punctual U.S. airlines

Based on data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation during the first quarter of 2024, these are the three major American airlines whose flights arrive as scheduled most often:

Delta is by far the most punctual American airline, with an on-time rate almost four percentage points higher than its nearest competitor.

The most reliably on-time U.S.-based airline is Delta, whose flights arrived as scheduled 83.61% of the time during Q1 2024. No other airline’s on-time record breached the 80% mark.

Delta is a great choice for folks who travel anywhere in the U.S., as it offers a large array of routes and operates more U.S. flights than any other carrier except for American Airlines.

• U.S. states served: 49
• U.S. airports served: 161

1. Delta: 83.61% on-time arrival

Hawaiian Airlines is second-most reliable with an on-time arrival rate of 79.68%. However, Hawaiian operates fewer total flights among major carriers and serves only specific routes between Hawaiian Islands and some major American cities, mostly in the West.

• U.S. states served: 10
• U.S. airports served: 21

2. Hawaiian Airlines: 79.68% on-time arrival

United Airlines comes in third place at less than a percentage point behind Hawaiian Airlines. United flies to and from domestic locations, serving airports in all U.S. states as well as additional airports in other countries.

• U.S. states served: 50
• U.S. airports served: 213

3. United Airlines: 79.10% on-time arrival

Least punctual U.S. airlines

Based on data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation during the first quarter of 2024, these are the three major American airlines with the highest proportions of late arrivals. One thing they all have in common: they’re budget airlines that charge passengers for carry-on bags.

JetBlue takes the cake as the most delayed major American airline in Q1 2024, with an on-time percentage just over 60%. Ouch.

1. JetBlue Airways: 60.94% on-time arrival

Of the largest U.S. airlines, JetBlue, which mostly serves major cities on the American East Coast, West Coast, and the Caribbean, was the least punctual, arriving on time only 60.94% of the time.

• U.S. states served: 31
• U.S. airports served: 102

2. Frontier Airlines: 63.17% on-time arrival

Frontier Airlines, a Colorado-based budget carrier known for having photos of animals on their planes’ tails, was the second-least punctual in Q1 2024, with just 63.17% of flights arriving on schedule.

• U.S. states served: 38
• U.S. airports served: 115

3. Spirit Airlines: 65.12% on-time arrival

Spirit Airlines, often ridiculed for onboard brawls and frequent cancellations, performed slightly better than its peers with a 65.12% on-time arrival rate in the first quarter of 2024.

• U.S. states served: 32
• U.S. airports served: 89

Tips for mitigating flight delays

Unfortunately, flight delays are an inevitable part of air travel, but there are several strategies you can employ to mitigate their impact. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the challenges of delayed flights:

Choose the Right Airline

As our data shows, some airlines have a better track record for punctuality than others. If you have flexibility in choosing your carrier, opt for airlines like Delta or United, which have higher on-time arrival rates. This simple choice can significantly reduce your chances of encountering delays.

Fly Non-Stop Whenever Possible

Connecting flights increase the risk of delays, as each additional leg of your journey introduces another opportunity for things to go wrong. Non-stop flights eliminate this risk, making it more likely that you’ll arrive at your destination on time.

Book Flights During Off-Peak Hours

Flights scheduled during peak travel times, such as early morning and late afternoon, are more prone to delays due to air traffic congestion. Midday flights or those late at night are often less crowded and more likely to depart and arrive on time.

Check the Weather

Weather conditions can be a major factor in flight delays. Before booking your flight, check the weather forecast for both your departure and arrival cities. If inclement weather is expected, consider rescheduling your trip or choosing an alternative route.

Sign Up for Flight Alerts

Stay informed about your flight status by signing up for alerts from your airline. Many airlines offer real-time updates via email or SMS, allowing you to stay ahead of any potential delays and make alternative arrangements if necessary.

Arrive Early

While arriving early won’t prevent delays, it can help you manage the situation better. If you arrive at the airport well in advance, you’ll have more time to explore alternative flights, rebook connections, or make other necessary adjustments.

Consider Travel Insurance

If you travel frequently for business, investing in travel insurance can be worthwhile. Depending on your coverage, you may be reimbursed for delays, cancellations, and other travel disruptions. Some plans even cover the cost of booking a similar flight while you’re still in transit.

Skip Checked Baggage

Delays often mean tight connections, and waiting for checked baggage can add precious minutes to your transit time. Traveling with carry-on luggage only can help you make a quick exit from the airport and potentially catch a rescheduled flight or make it to your meeting on time.

By employing these strategies, you can better navigate the unpredictable nature of air travel and minimize the impact of flight delays on your schedule and budget.