7 Airports With the Fewest Delays To Consider This Holiday Season

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For holiday travelers airports can be a pain. From long lines at security checkpoints to last-minute gate changes, trying to get to a destination on time is sometimes easier said than done. And it isn’t just airport logistics that make traveling a headache. Stories of delayed departures and late arrivals seem to plague headlines this time of year.

However, not all airports are created equal when it comes to on-time flights. Financial tech company SmartAsset recently ranked 75 of the largest airports in the United States based on their typical arrival and departure delay rates. Below are the seven airports with the fewest delays to consider this holiday season.

Also here are the best ways to secure holiday travel deals.

Honolulu International Airport (HNL)

The airport with the fewest delays was Honolulu International Airport (HNL). The island airport has a total on-time rate of 87%. Of the 6,151 flights that arrive each month, 86% are on time, while an astounding 88% of departing flights occur without delay. Hawaii for the holidays is sounding pretty good right now.

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

Another destination airport with fewer delays than most is the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) located in West Palm Beach/Palm Beach, Florida. According to SmartAsset, the airport boasts an overall on-time rate of 86%. An enviable 88% of flights take off without delay, while 84% of flights arrive on time.

Palm Beach-bound travelers, however, should be aware of planned upgrades to the airport that could affect arrival and department times. The Palm Beach International Airport is undergoing an expansion and modernization of Concourse B which may help to increase capacity at the airport.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Ranking third on the list for most on-time arrivals and departures is John Wayne Airport (SNA) located in Santa Ana, California. The Orange County airport sees around 8,000 total flights each month, with a total on-time rate of 85%. Departures from the airport are slightly less likely to be delayed with 87% departing on time, compared to 83% of arrivals.

While delays may not be as frequent at the airports on this list, they can still happen. According to NPR, travelers should try to book early morning flights to avoid delays or cancellations.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International Airport has a total on-time rate of around 83%. Of the around 10,300 arriving flights each month, 82% are on time. Around 84% of departing flights take off without delay, making Salt Lake City the airport with the fourth fewest delays.

Kahului Airport (OGG)

Honolulu International isn’t the only Hawaiian airport with an impressive on-time rate. Kahului Airport on the island of Maui has an overall on-time rate of nearly 82%. While smaller than its counterpart in Honolulu, 81% of the airports over 2,200 flights arrive without delay each month, while just shy of 82% of flights depart on-time.

Alburquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

The so-called “Gateway of New Mexico” ranks sixth on the list of airports with the fewest delays. Alburquerque International Sunport has a total on-time rate of 81%. However, the airport does note that flight patterns may be rerouted due to runway maintenance by the FAA.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Southwest Florida International Airport hosts 4,630 flights each month, with around 81% arriving and departing on time. The impressive on-time rate means that travelers are less likely to be delayed when traveling through the Fort Myers airport.

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