Experts predict that the upcoming holiday travel season is likely to be the most punctual one yet, a significant contrast to the chaos that ensued at airports during the post-pandemic rush. According to a survey conducted by travel search site KAYAK, 84% of American travelers are concerned about potential delays during holiday travel. However, data from KAYAK reveals that only 5% of flights were delayed more than 60 minutes last Thanksgiving and 6% around Christmas, a much lower rate than during the summer season when 28.6% of flights faced long delays.
The risk of flights being canceled during the holidays is also minimal, with only 0.33% of Thanksgiving flights being canceled in 2023. Additionally, weather-related delays accounted for only 27% of the delays experienced during the holidays last year. KAYAK’s experts have debunked several travel myths surrounding holiday travel, including the belief that traveling on the actual holiday can help avoid delays. Historical data indicates that there are fewer delays on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve compared to the surrounding days, with Dec. 20 and 21 identified as the busiest travel dates this year.
Contrary to popular belief, flying early or late can impact the likelihood of delays and cancellations. Flights departing before 10 a.m. on both Christmas and Thanksgiving were found to be 12% less likely to experience delays compared to those departing in the evening after 5 p.m. While bigger airports are often perceived to be at a higher risk for delays and cancellations, data from KAYAK shows that Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, the country’s largest airport, ranked among the 20 most on-time airports during the holidays. On the other hand, Fort Lauderdale, a smaller airport, was identified as the worst offender in terms of on-time performance during the holidays.
Despite the perception that holiday travel is becoming increasingly expensive, prices are actually the lowest they have been in three years, with the average round-trip domestic trip costing $439. While 87% of travelers believe holiday trips are costly, the data provided by KAYAK shows a different reality. Therefore, travelers can expect a more punctual and less expensive holiday travel experience compared to previous years. Planning ahead and considering factors such as flight times and airport size can help travelers make informed decisions and potentially reduce the likelihood of delays and cancellations during the holiday season.
