Amid lingering shutdown effects, staffing shortages, and unruly weather, InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest Department of Transportation data to spotlight the U.S. airports where flyers are most likely to depart on time.
The top performers were Kahului (OGG), Honolulu (HNL), Salt Lake City (SLC), San José Mineta (SJC), Oakland (OAK), John Wayne/Orange County (SNA), Portland (PDX), Los Angeles (LAX), Sacramento (SMF), and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). InsureMyTrip framed the list as a bright spot heading into peak holiday travel.
Airports with the highest share of delays were Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Palm Beach (PBI), Newark Liberty (EWR), McGhee Tyson/Knoxville (TYS), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), Norfolk (ORF), Buffalo Niagara (BUF), Jacksonville (JAX), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Memphis (MEM). Travelers using those hubs should expect continued congestion and schedule volatility.
Analysts said early departures and longer connection buffers remain the safest bets while airline staffing and demand normalize. Flexible tickets and lodging can also cushion disruptions.
InsureMyTrip suggested travelers book morning, off-peak flights and allow extra time for connections; choose refundable fares and flexible hotel or car options; track flights in real time; know that a canceled or significantly changed flight entitles you to a full refund; and consider travel insurance — especially “Cancel for Any Reason” — to add protection for delays, cancellations, and lost bags.