These US airports will be handing out delays, not deals, this Thanksgiving

Remember last Thanksgiving when airports in the US were flooded with travelers? The TSA has screened 3.08 million people in one day (the Sunday after the holiday), a record, and also a reminder that holiday travel is as much a reunion as it is a test of endurance. Most travelers have made it home, but not without their fair share of delays, warnings and weary gate crowds across the country.

2025 may be just as busy. If you’re flying from a major hub in November, it helps to know which ones tend to slow down as the crowds roll in. Some airports experience more weather delays, while others just reach their limits once the runways are full. Either way, a little planning can save a lot of waiting. To use POINT’s timely data from November 2024 and F.A.A passenger numbers, Way.com ranked the major U.S. airports most likely to back up during the holidays and how to make your trip run on time.

Likely delays from hotspots at major airports

Some airports are slower than others during the holidays. It’s not always someone’s fault. Sometimes there is fog, sometimes there are full runways, and sometimes a dozen planes are waiting at the same gate. These are some of the airports that were behind schedule last November, along with the number of passengers who passed through there that year.

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark is at the top of the list for all the wrong reasons. Only 71.5% of flights arrived on time last November, the lowest rate among major U.S. hubs. Blame it on congestion in the Northeast, limited runway capacity and the chain reaction that begins every time bad weather moves through New York’s airspace. With more than 24 million passengers per year, even short delays can be found on thousands of routes here.

When you fly through it:

If you can, book a morning arrival and an early departure. The first wave of flights usually runs closer to schedule before problems and delays occur. For long-haul international routes, consider flying to/from JFK instead of Newark that week. According to the DOT report, JFK had a much more stable on-time rate of 88% last November.

2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Only 72% of flights arrived at SFO on time in November 2024. The airport’s parallel runways cannot always handle full capacity in bad weather. This means arrivals have to move, which can cause a chain reaction of delays. With more than 25 million passengers per year, that could mean a lot of dissatisfied travelers.

When you fly through it:

Afternoon flights tend to do better once the fog clears. If you’re flying to or from the Bay Area in general, Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) both saw stronger punctuality numbers in November, sitting comfortably in the mid-80s. You’ll still land close enough to get where you want to go, but with a better chance of being on time.

3. San Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Diego is smaller than most airports on this list, but still saw 7.9 million passengers last year. About 79% of flights arrived on time and landed below the national average in November. The single runway layout leaves less room for delays if a backup is made.

When you fly through it:

Book morning or afternoon flights when traffic patterns are smoother. There is a greater chance of short waiting times during evening departures. If you can, travel during the week as weekends tend to be busier with recreational traffic.

4. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the busiest airports in the country, and you can feel it during the holidays. About 80% of flights arrived on time last November, which isn’t bad considering the sheer volume here. However, with more than 42 million passengers per year, small disruptions can have a snowball effect.

When you fly through it:

Allow extra time between connections so that a short delay doesn’t derail your trip. Morning flights tend to do better before weather patterns build in the afternoon. And when possible, choose routes with multiple daily departures so you have a backup plan if things get stuck.

5. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver handled about 40 million passengers last year and 82.6% of its flights arrived on time in November. This is a solid percentage for a major hub, although the first snow of the season or high winds can still make for slow days.

When you fly through it:

Aim for a midday departure after early morning defrost delays have been resolved. If your route offers a non-stop option, take it. Fewer connections mean fewer chances of getting stuck in a queue.

6. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago O’Hare saw 38.6 million passengers last year and an on-time rate of 84.1% in November. That’s respectable for such a large hub. Still, late fall in Chicago often means longer taxi times and busy arrival banks.

When you fly through it:

Book earlier flights when activities run smoother and the wind is lighter. When you connect, give yourself at least 90 minutes. It’s better to stretch your legs than sprint across terminals.

7. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Las Vegas carried more than 28 million passengers last year and 84.2% of flights arrived on time in November. Most delays occur during heavy weekend traffic and not due to weather.

When you fly through it:

Try to avoid late evening Sunday departures when everyone else is leaving town. Choose airlines with multiple daily flights on your route so you have flexibility if the timing shifts.

8. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles handled 37.8 million passengers last year and recorded an on-time rate of 85.4% in November. The skies remain busy, but it’s the roads and sold-out LAX parking lots around the airport that test patience the most.

When you fly through it:

Before your flight, allow plenty of time for traffic and security lines. Morning departures are smoother and ride pick-ups are faster outside of rush hour.

9. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)

Atlanta remains the busiest airport in the country, with more than 52 million passengers last year and a strong on-time rate of 87.8% in November. Even when traffic spikes, this hub recovers quickly.

When you fly through it:

Expect crowds on the biggest travel days, but schedules here remain stable. Stick to morning or early afternoon flights to stay on track and plan extra time to travel between halls.

10. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK handled 31.5 million passengers last year and posted an on-time rate of 88% in November, one of the best among major U.S. hubs. It is a more regular choice for long-haul flights, especially during the holidays.

When you fly through it:

You’ll still have to deal with crowds, but the activities here are holding up well. Arrive early, give yourself room to check in your luggage and handle security, and enjoy a rare victory in New York: an airport that actually runs on time.

A note before you fly

Leisure travel will always have its drawbacks: a long line of taxis, a crowded gate, that one flight that seems to take forever to board. But most trips still get where they go, and a little timing goes a long way. Morning flights tend to be better behaved, longer layovers save headaches, and sometimes it’s worth choosing the smaller airport that just runs smoother. However you plan it, have some patience, keep your charger handy and remember that a quiet day in the air is still better than a day where you wish you were going somewhere.

How airports were ranked

To determine which airports are most likely to experience delays in November, Way.com compared two data points:

Airports with the lowest time fares and the highest number of passengers rose to the top of the list, i.e. airports where even minor disruptions affect many travelers.

This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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