Upgraded Points Study Unveils the Airports That Waste the Most Time for Travelers: A Comprehensive Look at Inefficiencies

Published on October 29, 2024

A recent study by Upgraded Points reveals which U.S. airports tend to waste the most travel time due to extended delays, tarmac waits, and long taxi-out times. Using data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Google Flights, the study provides travelers with insights into where they might face the longest delays, helping them plan accordingly.

Time-Efficient Airports: The Fastest Departures

The study highlighted several airports where passengers experience minimal wasted time:

1. Kahului Airport (OGG), Maui, Hawaii
   • Average Departure Delay: 5.7 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 10.5 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 16.2 minutes
     Known for quick turnarounds, Kahului ranks as the most time-efficient airport in the study.
2. Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), California
   • Average Departure Delay: 5.9 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 12.4 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 18.2 minutes
     San José offers one of the fastest departure times, making it ideal for those seeking smooth and quick flights.
3. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston, Texas
   • Average Departure Delay: 7.6 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 11.8 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 19.4 minutes
     With a total wasted time of under 20 minutes, Hobby Airport provides efficient departures for Houston travelers.
4. Sacramento International Airport (SMF), California
   • Average Departure Delay: 8.7 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 12 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 20.7 minutes
     Sacramento keeps delays at a minimum, with average waits below many other U.S. airports.
5. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
   • Average Departure Delay: 6.3 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 15.8 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 22 minutes
     Despite its large size, Atlanta’s airport maintains a respectable efficiency compared to other large U.S. airports.

High Time-Wasting Airports: Where You Might Lose the Most Minutes

On the flip side, some major airports consistently waste travelers’ time due to high departure delays and taxi-out times:

1. Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
   • Average Departure Delay: 24.6 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 22.6 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 47.1 minutes
     Miami holds the top spot for wasted time, with nearly an hour lost on average.
2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
   • Average Departure Delay: 20.5 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 20.8 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 41.3 minutes
     Travelers in San Francisco can expect significant delays, with one of the highest combined times of waiting.
3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
   • Average Departure Delay: 19.2 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 18.7 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 37.9 minutes
     Dallas Fort Worth is another major hub where travelers face extended wait times.
4. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania
   • Average Departure Delay: 15.8 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 21.1 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 36.9 minutes
     With long taxi-out times, Philadelphia ranks high for lost time on the tarmac.
5. LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York
   • Average Departure Delay: 13.5 minutes
   • Average Taxi-Out Time: 23 minutes
   • Total Average Wasted Time: 36.5 minutes
     Known for its congestion, LaGuardia’s limited runways lead to extended taxi times.

Study Methodology

The study gathered data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics on average departure delays and taxi-out times across 40 major U.S. airports. Additionally, data from over 30,000 flights from Google Flights provided insights into layover times, offering a comprehensive look at airports with the longest and shortest waits.