Over 77% of red-eye flights are delayed here: Worst airports for early and late flights

Posted by Admin August 7, 2024 Travel

There’s nothing more annoying than waking up at the crack of dawn and hurrying to the airport, only to find out your early-morning flight is delayed.

Flight delays are undesirable for any traveler, but they can be extra frustrating for those with early morning and late night flights — especially when places to grab food or coffee are closed or your red-eye cuts into your sleep.

To help travelers avoid delays on their next flight, Upgraded Points ranked the best and worst airports for early morning and late night flights. The travel company analyzed data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics on the 50 busiest U.S. airports, including the percentage of flights that depart before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., as well as how many flights get delayed and the average delay departure.

“Booking the first flight out or a red-eye can greatly improve your travel experience,” Alex Miller, Founder of Upgraded Points, told USA TODAY in a statement. “These off-peak flights often come with fewer crowds, meaning shorter lines at security and less hassle overall. Additionally, flights during these times are typically less expensive, offering a budget-friendly option for travelers. Early and late flights are less prone to delays since they avoid the busiest times of the day, making your travel plans more reliable.”

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“Whether you’re looking to save money, enjoy a quieter airport experience, or ensure a timely departure, choosing a flight outside of peak hours is a smart strategy.”

Read below for the best and worst U.S. airports for early morning and late night flights.

The best US airports for early morning flights

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, 13.88% early flights delayed, average delay time of 4.44 minutes
Kansas City International Airport, 14.22% early flights delayed, average delay time of 8.19 minutes
Southwest Florida International Airport, 12.42% early flights delayed, flights take off 2 minutes before schedule on average
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 16.37% early flights delayed, average delay time of 3.26 minutes
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, 21.73% early flights delayed, average delay time of 7.01 minutes

The worst US airports for early morning flights

Miami International Airport, 31.57% early flights delayed, average delay time of 7.46 minutes
Salt Lake City International Airport, 26.50% early flights delayed, average delay time of 5.01 minutes
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, 22.73% early flights delayed, average delay time of 5.88 minutes
Sky Harbor International Airport, 24.11% early flights delayed, average delay time of 4.73 minutes
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 24.18% early flights delayed, average delay time of 3.98 minutes

The best US airports for late-night flights

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, 31.72% late flights delayed, average delay time of 7.53 minutes
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, 39.48%% late flights delayed, average delay time of 11.91 minutes
Salt Lake City International Airport, 33.47% late flights delayed, average delay time of 8.85 minutes
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, 35.67% late flights delayed, average delay time of 9.8 minutes
Indianapolis International Airport, 0.3% late flights delayed, flights take off five minutes before schedule on average

The worst US airports for late-night flights

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, 77.78% late flights delayed, average delay time of 45.44 minutes
San Antonio International Airport, 40.91% late flights delayed, average delay time of 31.36 minutes
Logan International Airport, 50% late flights delayed, average delay time of 26.91 minutes
Palm Beach International Airport, 46.67% late flights delayed, average delay time of 17.27 minutes
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 46.43% late flights delayed, average delay time of 17.71 minutes