SkyRefund analyzed BTS December data for 2022–2024 and found Orlando International Airport had the highest average December delay rate at 26.39%, meaning more than one in four flights arrived late. Miami was second at 24.5%, while JFK and Newark tied at 24.32%. LAX had the lowest delay rate among the 15 airports studied at 18.67%. SkyRefund’s CEO advised travelers to check airline delay and cancellation policies and prepare for potential disruptions during the busy holiday season.
Orlando Tops U.S. Holiday Delay List — More Than 1 in 4 December Flights Arrive Late
GettyA traveler looks at a screen with flight information at an airport.
A new analysis of December holiday travel data shows Orlando International Airport (MCO) had the highest average rate of flight delays among major U.S. hubs, with more than one in four flights arriving late over the last three holiday seasons.
GettyOrlando International Airport
Study Details and Key Findings
Flight compensation firm SkyRefund reviewed Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) records for December 2022, 2023 and 2024 to determine which airports experienced the highest share of delayed arrivals. The BTS defines a delay as an arrival that is 15 minutes or more past the scheduled time.
GettyInterior of Orlando International Airport
SkyRefund found Orlando International averaged 26.39% of flights delayed in December — the highest rate among the 15 major airports included in the analysis. Miami International followed at 24.5%, while John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Newark Liberty (EWR) were tied at 24.32%. At the other end of the list, Los Angeles International (LAX) reported the lowest average December delay rate among the 15 airports, at 18.67%. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) appeared near the lower end with a 20.0% delay rate and was ranked No. 14 in the SkyRefund study.
Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via GettyInterior of Miami International Airport
“The Christmas travel rush, combined with typically poor weather means that December is always one of the hardest months for airlines and airports to keep to schedule,” said SkyRefund CEO Ivalyo Danailov. He warned that higher travel volumes and pockets of adverse weather could worsen disruptions this season and urged travelers to prepare accordingly.
Why Orlando and Miami Rank High
Orlando and Miami are major holiday destinations — Orlando in particular draws large family traffic bound for theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios — which increases seasonal passenger volumes and operational strain. SkyRefund pointed to weather and occasional technical issues as additional factors that have contributed to higher delay rates at Florida airports.
Tips for Holiday Travelers
- Check your airline’s delay and cancellation policies before you travel and know what assistance or compensation may be available.
- Allow extra time for connections during December travel windows and monitor flight status closely on the day of travel.
- Consider travel insurance or compensation services if you’re worried about disruptions, especially during peak holiday periods.
SkyRefund’s analysis offers a snapshot of how a busy travel month and seasonal conditions can affect punctuality at major U.S. airports. Travelers should plan accordingly and stay informed about their airline’s policies.
