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Navigating Flight Delays: Expert Tips for Smoother Travel
Flight delays can disrupt travel plans and negatively impact the start of any holiday. While some disruptions are unavoidable, a travel expert from KAYAK offers key insights to decrease the likelihood of encountering airport chaos. Discover the optimal times to book flights and strategies to improve your travel experience.
Best Times to Fly to Avoid Delays
Optimal Months for Travel
Rachel Mumford, the travel expert, suggests that late spring presents the most favorable period for booking a trouble-free getaway. According to Mumford, “For travelers prioritizing on-time arrival at their destination, May stands out as an appealing month to fly. Data reveals only 31% of flights experienced delays in May, contrasting significantly with July and September of the previous year, which saw 44% of flights delayed.”
Dates to Avoid in July
For those who must travel during July, certain dates present a higher probability of encountering issues. “Individuals flying in July should aim to circumvent the 17th and 29th, as these dates recorded the highest ticket prices last year and are expected to be peak travel days,” Mumford advises.
Busiest Travel Day
The expert further notes, “August 1st is anticipated to be the most congested day for air travel. Choosing an alternative date around this period could be beneficial in avoiding substantial crowds and potential delays.”
Time of Day Matters: Early Flights Minimize Disruptions
Selecting an early departure is a highly effective method for mitigating the risk of flight delays.
The Advantage of Morning Flights
KAYAK’s analysis indicates that a mere 15% of flights departing at 5:00 AM experienced delays. This figure sharply contrasts with the 51% delay rate for flights scheduled between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Mumford elaborates, “Opting for flights before 7:00 AM is ideal. However, if this doesn’t align with your schedule, it’s advisable to avoid booking flights during the afternoon and evening hours.”
She further points out the financial benefits of early flights for international travel: “For those embarking on international journeys, selecting an earlier 5:00 AM flight can be more economical than choosing late-night flights between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.”
UK Airports: Punctuality Rankings
Most Punctual Airports
Research indicates that British travelers departing from East Midlands Airport are statistically the least likely to face flight delays.
- East Midlands Airport: KAYAK data reveals that only 15% of flights from East Midlands Airport were delayed in 2024, with an average delay duration of 19 minutes.
- Liverpool, Belfast, and Bournemouth Airports: These airports also demonstrate strong punctuality records, with delay rates under 20%.
Airports with Higher Delay Rates
Conversely, London Gatwick Airport exhibits the poorest performance in terms of on-time departures.
- London Gatwick: A significant 57% of departures from Gatwick experienced delays, with an average delay time of 37 minutes.
- Other Airports with Lower Punctuality: London Heathrow, Manchester, London Stansted, and Birmingham Airports also rank lower in punctuality.
Regional Airport Performance
Mumford clarifies, “East Midlands, Liverpool, and Bournemouth airports distinguished themselves as some of the most punctual airports in the UK last year, in comparison to major hubs like London City, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Belfast.”
However, she cautions against generalizations about smaller airports: “It’s important to note that not all smaller airports are uniformly reliable. Aberdeen Airport, for instance, recorded the highest rate of flight cancellations, at 3.1%.”
Layover Considerations
Mumford offers advice for travelers using larger, busier airports: “For passengers who must navigate through major, congested airports, it is crucial to allocate generous layover time to accommodate potential delays.”
She concludes with a recommendation for long-haul travel: “For intercontinental flights, consider utilizing smaller airports or opting for direct flights to bypass layovers and minimize potential disruptions.”