Top 7 US Airports with the Most Flight Delays (and How to Avoid Them)

Flight delays can happen anywhere, but some airports in the United States are notorious for them. According to recent FAA and DOT data, here are the top 7 airports with the highest rates of delayed departures — and how you can protect your travel plans.

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Newark consistently ranks high for delays due to congestion and weather. Tip: Book morning flights — they’re less likely to be affected.

2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Weather and high traffic volume are the main culprits. Tip: Allow extra connection time if you have a layover here.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Thunderstorms and large-scale operations mean delays can cascade. Tip: Check weather forecasts before booking.

4. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Short runways and heavy traffic cause frequent bottlenecks. Tip: Consider nearby JFK for more reliable departures.

5. Denver International Airport (DEN) Snow and high winds are common in winter. Tip: Fly midday for better odds of on-time departure.

6. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Fog and limited runway capacity mean delays are common. Tip: Early afternoon flights tend to perform better.

7. Miami International Airport (MIA) Storms and international traffic create scheduling challenges. Tip: If connecting, allow at least 2–3 hours between flights.

Pro Traveler Strategies:

• Use airline apps for real-time updates and rebooking.
• Consider nonstop flights to reduce missed connection risk.
• Travel with carry-on only for faster rerouting.

Knowing which airports are prone to delays can help you plan smarter and arrive on time — or at least with fewer headaches.