It has been a turbulent year for air travel in the United States. About 21.2% of all flights in 2023 were delayed, continuing to upend travel schedules for millions of travelers. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the 10 largest U.S. airlines as a group had an on-time performance rate of 78.29% for the first half of 2023. This represents a modest uptick compared to other years, but delays are widespread, driven by everything from operational inefficiencies to bad weather to technical problems. With these disruptions continuing to plague the industry, knowing which airline is the most delayed can help you make informed travel choices.
List of Airlines With the Most Delays
To give you a better idea of which airlines are most impacted by delays, here’s a breakdown of the airlines with the worst delays in the U.S., based on 2023 flight delay data. To help travelers understand which airlines are most prone to disruption, the data-sourced from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics-provides a look at each carrier’s delay rate as well as the total number of flights.
| Airline | Percentage of Flights Delayed | Total Number of Flights |
| Turkish Airlines | 36.38% | 220,000 |
| Frontier Airlines | 30.7% | 94,000 |
| JetBlue Airways | 30.4% | 214,000 |
| Air France | 29.31% | 201,000 |
| Spirit Airlines | 28.5% | 98,000 |
| Lufthansa | 28.11% | 205,000 |
| United Airlines | 18.6% | 520,000 |
| American Airlines | 18.55% | 800,000 |
| Southwest Airlines | <17% | 735,000 |
This table summarizes the airlines with the most delays and other airlines that frequently experience delays. Turkish Airlines has the highest delay rate, at 36.38%, while Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines have the second and third highest delay rates, both exceeding 30%. The data represent current industry trends and are vital for passengers trying to avoid disruptions when making their travel plans.
Why Do Flights Get Delayed?
Flight delays can occur for a variety of reasons, both within and beyond the airline’s control. Understanding the main causes of delays can help travelers better prepare for potential disruptions. Below are some of the most common issues that lead to flight delays:
- 🌩️ Weather-Related Delays – adverse conditions such as thunderstorms, fog, snowstorms, or strong winds often make it unsafe for planes to take off or land.
- 🔧 Technical Issues – mechanical failures or unscheduled maintenance needs can ground planes until repairs are completed.
- ⏱️ Operational Factors – late-arriving crews or aircraft, as well as scheduling problems, can cause further delays.
- 🛫 Air Traffic Control Restrictions – high traffic volumes or airspace congestion often lead to hold-ups as planes wait for clearance to take off or land.
- 🛂 Security Checks and Ground Handling – delays can result from extended security screenings or inefficiencies in handling luggage, refueling, or loading passengers.
- 🔄 Waiting for Connecting Passengers – flights can sometimes be delayed to accommodate passengers arriving from delayed connecting flights.
By being aware of these common causes of flight delays, travelers can manage their expectations and plan for potential disruptions in their travel plans.
Should Airlines Compensate for Delays?
Generally, air carriers are obliged to compensate passengers in cases of delay, especially if the delay is within the airline’s control. For example, passengers can claim compensation if the flight is delayed due to operational issues, such as a shortage of crew or technical faults. Compensation may be monetary, or it may be provided in the form of meal vouchers and accommodation, depending on the length and circumstances of the delay.
However, airlines usually do not compensate for delays due to circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather or air traffic control restrictions. Each airline may have its own policy, and specific regulations, such as EU261 in Europe, stipulate when compensation is payable. Travelers should check the terms of the airline or any applicable rules for specifics on what to expect in case of delays.
FAQ
A number of airlines are flying in delays, and the latest on this list is Turkish Airlines with 36.38%. The rest are Frontier Airlines with 30.7% of flights delayed and JetBlue Airways with 30.4%. These airlines rank among the most delayed according to the latest flight delay statistics for 2023.
Flights still get delayed regularly, and most of them record relevant delays. In 2023, Turkish Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue Airways were some of the airlines that recorded over 30% flight delays. The regularity of the delay, however, depends on the airline, time of the year, and external factors like weather and air traffic control restrictions.