Study Highlights Top U.S. Airports for Weather Delays During the Holidays

As holiday travel approaches, a new Upgraded Points study identifies the U.S. airports most and least impacted by weather-related delays, helping travelers plan around potential disruptions.

Using historical data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the study focused on delays from November to January, with the goal of revealing the airports most prone to setbacks from fog, storms, and icy conditions.

Most Weather-Delayed Airports

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – With a 42.3% delay rate, SFO tops the list, primarily due to December fog.
2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Facing severe winter storms, EWR sees a 42.1% delay rate.
3. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Winter storms put LGA in third, with a 38.3% delay rate.
4. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Persistent rain and fog give SEA a 38.1% delay rate.
5. Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston’s icy winters contribute to a 31.3% delay rate.

Least Weather-Delayed Airports

1. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – Only 11% of delays are weather-related, making it an ideal holiday choice.
2. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) – Houston’s Hobby Airport boasts a low 12.3% delay rate.
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Clear skies keep LAX delays at 12.4%.
4. Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Mild conditions bring a 12.7% delay rate.
5. San Diego International (SAN) and Miami International (MIA) – Both tied at 13.1%, these coastal airports offer minimal holiday weather delays.

Editor-in-Chief Keri Stooksbury notes that by pinpointing these delay-prone hubs, travelers can better prepare for smooth holiday journeys.