The Worst Airports for Delays and How to Avoid Them This Summer

Let me start with a confession: I’ve spent way too much of my life sitting in airports. It’s taken me a while to understand the best way to navigate air travel, especially airports.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this, not all airports are created equal! With the summer travel season in full swing, I want to share some eye-opening insights from a recent study that could save you a lot of time and maybe even your sanity.

A new report by exoticca.com analyzed over 7.5 million flights from the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and the findings are a wake-up call for anyone planning to fly this summer.

The biggest offender? Decatur, Illinois. They have the longest average delays in the country at 32.89 minutes per flight. That’s right: if you’re flying out of Decatur, expect to wait nearly half an hour before takeoff, on average.

The Worst Offenders: A Closer Look

Let me break down the top 10 airports with the longest average delays in 2024, so you know what you’re up against:

1. Decatur, IL (DEC) – 32.89 minutes per flight, 2.31% cancellation rate
2. Plattsburgh, NY (PBG) – 32.23 minutes per flight, 3.99% cancellation rate
3. Christiansted, VI (STX) – 31.23 minutes per flight, 1.17% cancellation rate
4. Mason City, IA (MCW) – 30.85 minutes per flight, 3.67% cancellation rate
5. Concord, NC (USA) – 29.72 minutes per flight, 2.28% cancellation rate
6. Prescott, AZ (PRC) – 29.07 minutes per flight, 0.55% cancellation rate
7. Dodge City, KS (DDC) – 28.95 minutes per flight, 3.03% cancellation rate
8. Aspen, CO (ASE) – 28.69 minutes per flight, 6.54% cancellation rate
9. Sault Ste. Marie, MI (CIU) – 28.02 minutes per flight, 1.37% cancellation rate
10. Belleville, IL (BLV) – 27.77 minutes per flight, 2.55% cancellation rate

What stands out here? Regional airports dominate the list, with smaller facilities like Decatur and Plattsburgh consistently ranking high for delays. And then there’s Aspen, a popular ski destination with a cancellation rate of 6.54%, more than twice the rate of most other airports on the list. If you’re flying into Aspen, you’re not just dealing with delays, you’re rolling the dice on whether your flight will even take off. This is great information to keep handy as you book travel in 2025.

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Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

Why Are These Airports So Bad?

Here’s the thing, regional airports often lack the resources and infrastructure of major hubs, making them more vulnerable to delays caused by weather, staffing shortages, or technical issues. Aspen, for example, is prone to weather-related disruptions due to its mountain location. And smaller airports like Decatur and Plattsburgh simply don’t have the capacity to handle the same volume of flights as larger facilities, which can lead to bottlenecks. These are things that most travelers are unaware of and you can be sure the airlines are not going to educate you on these facts.

What This Means for You

If you’re planning to fly this summer, here’s my advice: avoid these airports for layovers. Look for flights with layovers at larger, more reliable hubs or book direct flights whenever possible. Leave plenty of time for your connection in the big city airport like O’Hare or Dallas or Atlanta, even if it means cooling your heels there for a couple hours. 

Why Direct Flights Are Your Best Bet

If you get one thing out of this article other than to avoid flying from or through Decatur, Illinois, let it be this: direct flights are worth every penny. They eliminate the risk of missing a connection due to delays or cancellations. Sure, they might cost a bit more, but the peace of mind is worth it, especially during peak travel season. Read more on my rant about short layovers here.

If a direct flight isn’t an option, give yourself plenty of time between connections. I recommend a layover of at least two hours, especially if you’re flying through a regional airport.

Pro Tips for Avoiding Delays

1. Check Delay Stats Before You Book: Websites like FlightAware can give you historical data on delays and cancellations for specific airports. I use their app all of the time.
2. Avoid Short Layovers: If you must book a connecting flight, don’t risk a tight layover. Give yourself at least two hours, especially if your connection is at a regional airport.
3. Be Weather-Wise: If you’re flying into a mountain or coastal destination (looking at you, Aspen), keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for disruptions.
4. Stay Flexible: Consider travel insurance or book refundable tickets in case you need to adjust your plans.

Don’t Learn Travel Lessons the Hard Way – Trust Us!

Travel is supposed to be an adventure, but it’s always better when you’re prepared. This summer, knowing which airports to avoid and how to plan around them can make all the difference. Check out our other expert travel tips:

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