Flight delays can be frustrating. Whether due to weather or air traffic control congestion, they can throw a wrench in your travel plans.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing delays when you fly. Some tips include flying nonstop routes and booking flights on airlines with a good history of on-time departures.
Book Your Flight Early
Flight delays are one of the most frustrating things to deal with while traveling, especially when they add extra time (and money) to your trip. They can cause travelers to miss meetings, lose reservations or even have to spend the night at the airport. And while flight delays are unavoidable, there are several things you can do to reduce the chances of them happening to you.
In general, flights departing early in the morning are less likely to experience delays. This is because the airspace and runways are usually less busy, and it’s much easier to keep flights on schedule during this time of day. However, as the day goes on, the likelihood of delays starts to rise due to weather and other factors. For example, 77% of flights take off on time between 7:00 and 8:00 AM; however, by 11:00 AM that number drops to 69%.
Another way to decrease the risk of flight delays is by flying on airlines that have a good track record of on-time departures. You can also book a nonstop flight whenever possible to minimize the chance of delays, and try to avoid connecting flights during peak travel times when possible. This will help you get to your destination faster and avoid unnecessary stress.
Check the Flight Schedule
Flight delays are the bane of many traveler’s existence, but they don’t have to be. Whether due to weather conditions, airport congestion or other factors beyond the airline’s control, delays cause chaos for travelers and are a major source of frustration. The best way to avoid delay is to book nonstop flights whenever possible and, if you must book a connecting flight, consider longer layover times to make up for any potential delays.
While you may think that your arrival time is simply a matter of luck, it’s actually a result of an intricate matrix known as airline schedule planning. There are entire teams dedicated to applying mathematical calculations per a variety of variables to determine your flight’s departure and arrival time.
One factor that affects flight delays is how long a jet aircraft can safely fly over thunderstorms. This is because the higher the aircraft goes, the greater its risk of being engulfed by the turbulence-producing clouds.
Another factor is how busy a particular day or season is, and the ability of an airport to accommodate all the people flying. When you can, choose a flight at a less-busy time and try to fly to or from a larger airport, as smaller ones often have limited capacity.
Book a Non-Stop Flight
While avoiding flight delays entirely is impossible, there are some things you can do to minimize the impact of these irregular operations. The best way to do that is to book nonstop flights whenever possible. While they are usually more expensive than connecting flights, cutting out a stop reduces the likelihood of a delay.
It also helps to fly early in the day. This is when airlines experience the fewest disruptions because their schedules are starting anew and haven’t been affected by issues that might affect later flights.
In addition, flying during the week is more reliable than flying on weekends because airlines are more focused on getting their employees to and from work. Lastly, avoid flying out of the busiest airports in your region. These are more likely to be impacted by weather, staffing problems and other variables beyond the airline’s control.
It’s also a good idea to book a flight with an airline that is known for its punctuality. OAG tracks the on-time performance of airlines and publishes an annual Punctuality League report.
Book a Non-Stop Route
If you’re looking to avoid flight delays, book a non-stop route. While this option may cost more than a connecting flight, it will save you time and money in the long run. Plus, a non-stop flight will be less likely to be delayed due to weather conditions at other destinations along the way. There are reasons to avoid booking with an agent online which you can check on the link attached here.
Another way to avoid flight delays is to fly on a weekday rather than a weekend. Flights are much less busy on weekdays, and airlines tend to offer cheaper fares. If possible, try to avoid flying at the beginning or end of the week, as these days are known for having the highest number of flight delays.
Finally, try to fly in the morning if you can. This is because flights are more likely to depart and arrive on time when they depart from or land at an airport in the early part of the day. On the other hand, delays are more common as the day wears on and as air traffic increases.
It’s also a good idea to choose an airline with a good on-time performance record. This can be done by researching the airline online or checking reviews from other travelers. In addition, be sure to check the recommended connection times for your chosen itinerary.
Book a Point-to-Point Flight
Flight delays are traveler’s worst nightmares and cause a lot of frustration. They can force you to reschedule your trip or spend the night at an airport, and they also cost the airline industry billions each year. Fortunately, you can avoid flight delays by following these tips.
The best way to ensure that you’re on time for your flight is to book a nonstop flight. While it’s more expensive than booking a connecting flight, the extra money can be worth it. If you must book a connecting flight, try to avoid flying during high-demand times, such as the summer or holiday season. These times are more crowded with passengers, which can lead to more flight delays and cancellations.
Additionally, if you can, book your flight on an airline with a good record for on-time departures. Finally, when possible, fly in the morning. Flight delays are often caused by the aircraft arriving late from its previous destination, which causes a ripple effect. Early morning flights tend to depart on time because the airspace and runways are less busy. However, if you must fly in the afternoon, try to avoid flying into a large airport in an area known for bad weather.
Book a Late-Afternoon Flight
Flight delays are a travel nightmare, cutting into valuable vacation time and potentially ruining your trip. But they can be avoided if you know the best times to fly and what tips to follow.
If you can manage to avoid flying during peak travel season and around major holidays, flight delays should be less of a problem. You should also book nonstop flights instead of connecting routes, and you should book your flight on airlines (or through airports) that have a good record of on-time departures.
You can also lower your chances of flight delays by flying early in the day. Flights are more likely to depart on time first thing in the morning, as airports get to work anew after a busy night of maintenance and passenger arrivals. At the busiest airports, where scheduling patterns can magnify delays, 80% of flights leave on time between 6am and 11am.
Travel experts also recommend avoiding afternoon flights, when turbulence is more common because the air has had more time to warm up and cause bumpiness. In addition, weather delays are more frequent in the afternoon and are especially problematic during the summer when hot temperatures can reduce visibility. If you do encounter a delay on your flight, remember that airline passengers have rights that can help you rebook or compensate you for missed connections and other inconveniences.
