How to Avoid Flight Delays This Christmas: Tips for Choosing the Best Airlines and Airports

Published on December 14, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for winter travel, with many preparing to visit family, go on vacations, or enjoy the festivities. However, the holiday travel season can also bring a significant amount of stress as travelers face the potential for flight delays and airport congestion. According to Saily, a company specializing in eSIM services, a new analysis of flight data has revealed the least reliable airlines and airports based on on-time performance during the last two holiday seasons.

In light of this, knowing which airlines and airports tend to experience the most delays is crucial for business travellers and tourists alike, as holiday travel tends to be busier than any other time of year. Here’s what you need to know to avoid getting caught in disruptions and ensure a smoother trip this December.

Top 5 Most Reliable Airlines for Holiday Travel

When planning your holiday flight, it’s important to choose airlines that are known for reliable service and on-time performance. According to the analysis, these are the five most reliable airlines for the holiday period:

1. Republic Airlines – 86.79% on-time performance.
2. Delta Air Lines – 85.17% on-time performance.
3. Endeavor Air – 83.89% on-time performance.
4. Hawaiian Airlines – 83.50% on-time performance.
5. United Airlines – 83.46% on-time performance.

These airlines consistently deliver on-time service, which is especially important when you’re travelling for important business meetings or trying to get to a holiday destination with minimal disruption.

Quick Tips for Business and Leisure Travelers:

• Book with reliable airlines: Choose airlines with high on-time performance to minimize the risk of delays.
• Check for updates: Regularly monitor flight status to stay informed about potential delays or cancellations.
• Consider direct flights: Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to reduce the chances of connecting flight disruptions.

5 Least Reliable US Airlines for Holiday Travel

While some airlines excel in on-time performance, others are plagued by delays and disruptions, which can be frustrating, especially during the holidays. The analysis from Saily shows that these five airlines had the worst on-time performance during the holiday periods:

1. JetBlue Airways – 69.89% on-time performance.
2. Allegiant Air – 75.79% on-time performance.
3. Spirit Airlines – 76.21% on-time performance.
4. Frontier Airlines – 76.22% on-time performance.
5. PSA Airlines – 76.22% on-time performance.

These airlines are more likely to experience delays, especially as weather conditions and air traffic cause further complications. For tourists and business travellers seeking a reliable travel experience, it may be worth reconsidering flights with these carriers during the busy holiday season.

Quick Tip for Business Travelers:

• Be mindful of your flight options: If you’re flying with these less reliable airlines, allow extra time for potential delays, especially if you have tight schedules.

5 Most Reliable Airports for Holiday Travel

In addition to choosing the right airline, selecting the right airport is equally important for a smooth travel experience. The following airports are known for their high on-time performance and efficient operations during the holiday season:

1. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 85.91% on-time performance.
2. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – 84.08% on-time performance.
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 83.03% on-time performance.
4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – 82.54% on-time performance.
5. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) – 82.42% on-time performance.

These airports are known for efficient check-in procedures, minimal delays, and excellent customer service, making them a great choice for travellers seeking to avoid long wait times and complicated processes during the busy season.

Quick Tips for Tourists and Business Travelers:

• Use efficient airports: If you’re travelling through these airports, you’re more likely to experience smooth travel and fewer delays.
• Check for amenities: These airports also offer a variety of food options and lounges, making it more comfortable to pass the time during unexpected delays.

5 Least Reliable Airports for Holiday Travel

While some airports handle traffic smoothly, others are known for long queues, delays, and poor customer service. According to the Saily report, these five airports have the lowest on-time performance during the holiday season:

1. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – 69.72% on-time performance.
2. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – 71.16% on-time performance.
3. San Diego International Airport (SAN) – 78.49% on-time performance.
4. Miami International Airport (MIA) – 75.23% on-time performance.
5. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 76.22% on-time performance.

These airports experience frequent delays, especially during peak travel times, and can lead to frustrating experiences for passengers, particularly business travellers on tight schedules.

Quick Tips for Avoiding Delays at Less Reliable Airports:

• Arrive early: Expect long queues and potential delays at these airports, so arrive with extra time.
• Be prepared for delays: If you’re travelling through these airports, keep an eye on your flight status and have a plan for potential disruptions.

The Impact of Delays on Business Travel and Tourism

The upcoming holiday season will see record numbers of travellers across the United States and Europe. Business travellers will be particularly affected by delays, as tight schedules and important meetings are often disrupted by late flights. Tourists, on the other hand, may face difficulty in reaching holiday destinations on time, leading to cancellations or adjustments to their travel plans.

For tourists heading to popular destinations like Disneyland, New York, or the Grand Canyon, knowing which airlines and airports have the best on-time performance can help reduce the chances of disruptions to their holiday.

Conclusion: How to Minimize Travel Delays This Holiday Season

As the holiday travel season approaches, it’s essential for tourists and business travellers to plan ahead and stay informed about the least reliable airlines and airports. By choosing the right carriers and airports, and by allowing extra time for your travels, you can reduce the stress of potential delays and disruptions.

By staying flexible and informed, you’ll be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the busy travel season. Keep in mind that while weather, mechanical issues, and high air traffic volumes can cause delays, making informed choices can still help you navigate the chaos with minimal impact on your trip.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated