The US Airports Expecting The Most Delays This Holiday Season
Holiday Hold-Ups: San Francisco International, Chicago Midway, and Aspen-Pitkin County Airports will test your patience this season
Key Findings:
- New study reveals which airports experience the most delays in the USA
- San Francisco International Airport experiences the most delays overall, while Chicago Midway flights are delayed for the longest; Aspen-Pitkin County Airport has the highest percentage of delayed flights
- Expert gives tips on how to avoid and deal with holiday travel delays
The holidays are here—Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas cheer, and ringing in the New Year with loved ones! But while the season is merry and bright, holiday travel can feel more like a game of “hurry up and wait.”
“With packed airports, unpredictable weather, and lines that feel longer than Santa’s naughty list, the journey to festive joy can bring more stress than sparkle,” says Palm Paradise Realty Group, a professional concierge real estate service based in Florida. That’s why the experts at Palm Paradise Realty Group have put together new data on how long the wait is at each major US airport.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Which Airports Will Test Your Patience
Palm Paradise Realty Group collected data on each US airport from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Operational Network (OPSNET) data portal. Then, each airport’s delay performance was analyzed by calculating key metrics: average delay (in minutes), total number of delays, and the percentage of flights delayed.
Based on these metrics, three separate tables were created, ranking airports by total delays, average delay time, and percentage of delayed flights.
Table 1: Top 10 US Commercial Airports Ranked By Total Number Of Delays
| Rank | Airport | Total Delays |
| 1 | San Francisco International Airport | 1568 |
| 2 | Mccarran International Airport | 1511 |
| 3 | Miami International Airport | 1073 |
| 4 | Chicago O’hare International Airport | 856 |
| 5 | John F. Kennedy International Airport | 821 |
| 6 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | 718 |
| 7 | La Guardia Airport | 667 |
| 8 | Palm Beach International Airport | 631 |
| 9 | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | 545 |
| 10 | Seattle/Tacoma International Airport | 509 |
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport came at the top of the table with a total of 1568 flights delayed. “The airport is known for its dense fog and unpredictable weather, particularly during colder months,” says Palm Paradise Realty Group. “Its location near the Pacific Coast and the surrounding hills often results in low visibility, leading to flight delays and even cancellations.”
McCarran International Airport (Harry Reid Airport)
McCarran International Airport, now known as Harry Reid Airport, came second, with 1511 flights delayed. The airport is one of the busiest hubs in the US, serving Las Vegas and the City of Sin’s many tourists.
Visitor numbers skyrocket during the holiday season, straining airport resources and increasing the likelihood of delays. The airport’s limited runway space can also make it challenging to keep up with the influx of holiday travelers.
Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport came third, with 1073 flights delayed, nearly 500 less than McCarran. The airport is a critical hub for international flights, particularly to and from Latin America and the Caribbean. Holiday travel drives up passenger numbers, and with so many international connections, delays from one area can create ripple effects.
“Additionally, Miami’s location in a subtropical climate zone can lead to storms and occasional high winds that further disrupt flight schedules,” says Palm Paradise Realty Group.
Table 2: Top 10 US Commercial Airports Ranked By Average Delay Time
| Rank | Airport | Average Delay Time (Mins) |
| 1 | Chicago Midway Airport | 127 |
| 2 | Naples Municipal Airport | 110 |
| 3 | Palm Beach International Airport | 92 |
| 4 | Eagle County Regional Airport | 85 |
| 5 | Boston Logan International Airport | 78 |
| 6 | Westchester County Airport | 71 |
| 7 | Hector International Airport | 60 |
| 8 | Southwest Florida International Airport | 58 |
| 9 | San Francisco International Airport | 55 |
| 10 | Santa Barbara Airport | 50 |
Chicago Midway Airport
Chicago Midway Airport had the longest average delay time at 127 minutes. The airport is a hub for domestic flights but has limited runway space and is in a densely populated area. Unlike Chicago O’Hare, Midway has less capacity to handle high traffic volumes, leading to congestion and longer delays.
Additionally, Chicago’s infamous winter weather, with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, can significantly increase delay times, as workers have to de-ice planes and clear snow and ice from runways.
Naples Municipal Airport
Naples Municipal Airport came second with an average delay time of 110 minutes. Naples Airport serves a high volume of private and general aviation traffic, especially during peak holiday seasons when vacationers flock to sunny Florida.
“Since the airport primarily accommodates smaller aircraft and doesn’t operate on the same scale as major commercial hubs, increased demand during the holidays can stretch resources thin,” says Palm Paradise Realty Group.
Palm Beach International Airport
Palm Beach International Airport faces unique holiday demand, with travelers heading to Florida’s warm beaches in winter. It had an average delay time of 92 minutes. Although less congested than larger airports, PBI has fewer runways and resources, making it vulnerable to longer delays when holiday travel spikes.
“Additionally, winter storms across the country can create ripple effects, leading to lengthy delays as flights wait for weather clearances or delayed inbound aircraft,” says Palm Paradise Realty Group. “PBI is also sometimes in the path of seasonal hurricanes, which down all flights in the area.”
Table 3: Top 10 US Commercial Airports Ranked By Percentage Of Flights Delayed
| Rank | Airport | Percentage of Flights Delayed |
| 1 | Aspen-Pitkin County Airport | 5.35 |
| 2 | San Francisco International Airport | 3.71 |
| 3 | Naples Municipal Airport | 2.87 |
| 4 | Palm Beach International Airport | 2.84 |
| 5 | Mccarran International Airport | 2.25 |
| 6 | Miami International Airport | 1.88 |
| 7 | La Guardia Airport | 1.78 |
| 8 | Friedman Memorial Airport | 1.56 |
| 9 | John F. Kennedy International Airport | 1.55 |
| 10 | Seattle/Tacoma International Airport | 1.15 |
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) in Colorado had the highest percentage of delays at 5.35%. The gap between ASE and San Francisco International is 1.64%, the biggest gap on the table.
Situated in a mountainous area, ASE is vulnerable to rapidly changing weather conditions like snow and fog during winter, impacting visibility and making navigation challenging. With only a single runway and limited taxiways, ASE also faces congestion, especially during peak travel times.
Additionally, strict air traffic control procedures are in place because of ASE’s position within a “box canyon,” which restricts aircraft movement for safety. These necessary restrictions can limit the number of aircraft movements allowed per hour, leading to delays.
A spokesperson for Palm Paradise Realty Group commented:
“Holiday travel doesn’t have to mean holiday hassle – the key is all in your timing and preparation. First, aim for early morning flights; they’re less prone to delays, and airport crowds are often lighter. Airports get busier closer to Christmas, so fly a few days earlier to dodge the biggest rush if you can.
“Pack smart as well—bring snacks, a water bottle you can refill after security, and things to keep you entertained if you end up waiting a bit longer. Download your airline’s app to get updates in real-time, and don’t forget a portable charger to keep your devices juiced up!
“For families, make a game of spotting holiday decor around the airport or counting Christmas sweaters—small distractions can go a long way in keeping the kids (and adults!) cheerful. Most importantly, embrace the spirit of the season. Delays are almost unavoidable this time of year, but keeping a positive mindset can make all the difference.”
Story credit: https://www.palmparadiserealty.com.
About Palm Paradise Realty Group
Palm Paradise Realty Group‘s mission is to help everyone get the most out of their unique Florida lifestyle. They are dedicated to providing professional concierge real estate services to property buyers, sellers, and owners to help everyone get the most out of their unique Florida lifestyle. They work with both residential and commercial properties, connecting people and building communities through competitive prices, smooth transactions, and exceptional customer service.
Methodology
To compile and rank delay data for U.S. commercial airports, delay statistics were sourced from the FAA’s OPSNET data portal, with reference airport codes obtained from the list of U.S. commercial service airports. The OPSNET data, which provides metrics on average delay times, total delay instances, and delay percentages, was cross-referenced with the commercial airport list to ensure consistency in airport code matching.
Each airport’s delay performance was then analyzed by calculating key metrics: average delay (in minutes), total number of delays, and the percentage of flights delayed. Based on these metrics, three separate tables were created, ranking airports by average delay time, total delays, and percentage of delayed flights, respectively. This ranking process allowed for a clear comparison of airports with higher delay averages, frequencies, and percentages, providing insights into delay trends across U.S. commercial service airports.
Sources: https://www.airportcodes.us/commercial-service-airports.htm#google_vignette https://aspm.faa.gov/opsnet/sys/Delays.asp
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
