Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and spending time with loved ones. However, for many of us, the holiday season also means traveling, and that can be a frustrating experience, especially when it comes to flying. From delayed flights to lost luggage, there are many things that can go wrong when traveling by air during the holidays.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of passengers flying during the Christmas and New Year's holidays increases by as much as 10% compared to the rest of the year. This surge in demand can put a strain on airlines, airports, and air traffic control, leading to a higher likelihood of delays and cancellations.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at seven common Christmas flying frustrations, by the numbers.
1. Flight Delays
Flight delays are one of the most common frustrations for holiday travelers. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average delay time for flights during the Christmas season is around 64 minutes. This can be especially frustrating for those with tight connections or limited time to spend with loved ones.
In 2020, the top five airports for flight delays during the Christmas season were:
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 23.1% of flights delayed
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) - 20.6% of flights delayed
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 19.4% of flights delayed
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 18.6% of flights delayed
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - 18.4% of flights delayed
Causes of Flight Delays
Flight delays can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Weather conditions (43.8% of delays)
- Air traffic control (23.1% of delays)
- Mechanical issues (14.1% of delays)
- Late-arriving aircraft (8.5% of delays)
- Other factors (10.5% of delays)
2. Flight Cancellations
Flight cancellations can be even more frustrating than delays, especially if they occur at the last minute. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of flight cancellations during the Christmas season increases by as much as 15% compared to the rest of the year.
In 2020, the top five airports for flight cancellations during the Christmas season were:
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 4.3% of flights cancelled
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) - 3.9% of flights cancelled
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 3.7% of flights cancelled
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 3.5% of flights cancelled
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - 3.4% of flights cancelled
Causes of Flight Cancellations
Flight cancellations can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Weather conditions (55.6% of cancellations)
- Mechanical issues (21.1% of cancellations)
- Air traffic control (11.4% of cancellations)
- Late-arriving aircraft (6.3% of cancellations)
- Other factors (5.6% of cancellations)
3. Lost Luggage
Lost luggage can be a major frustration for holiday travelers, especially if it contains gifts or essential items. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of lost luggage reports during the Christmas season increases by as much as 20% compared to the rest of the year.
In 2020, the top five airports for lost luggage reports during the Christmas season were:
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 3.4 reports per 1,000 passengers
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) - 3.2 reports per 1,000 passengers
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 3.1 reports per 1,000 passengers
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 2.9 reports per 1,000 passengers
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - 2.8 reports per 1,000 passengers
Causes of Lost Luggage
Lost luggage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Incorrect labeling (34.5% of lost luggage reports)
- Late check-in (23.1% of lost luggage reports)
- Overloading of baggage systems (17.4% of lost luggage reports)
- Failure to scan baggage (13.5% of lost luggage reports)
- Other factors (11.5% of lost luggage reports)
4. Long Security Lines
Long security lines can be a major frustration for holiday travelers, especially if they are running late for their flight. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the average wait time in security lines during the Christmas season is around 10-15 minutes.
However, some airports experience much longer wait times, including:
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 20-30 minute wait times
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) - 15-25 minute wait times
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 10-20 minute wait times
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 10-20 minute wait times
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - 10-20 minute wait times
Tips for Reducing Wait Times
There are several ways to reduce wait times in security lines, including:
- Arriving early at the airport
- Using TSA Precheck or CLEAR
- Avoiding peak travel times
- Wearing easy-to-remove shoes and avoiding bulky clothing
- Using a carry-on bag to avoid checking luggage
5. Flight Price Increases
Flight price increases can be a major frustration for holiday travelers, especially if they are on a tight budget. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average domestic airfare during the Christmas season increases by as much as 15% compared to the rest of the year.
In 2020, the top five most expensive airports for flights during the Christmas season were:
- Honolulu International Airport (HNL) - $543 average round-trip fare
- Kahului Airport (OGG) - $434 average round-trip fare
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - $393 average round-trip fare
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - $384 average round-trip fare
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - $374 average round-trip fare
Tips for Finding Cheaper Flights
There are several ways to find cheaper flights during the Christmas season, including:
- Booking flights well in advance
- Using fare comparison tools
- Flying on off-peak days (such as Christmas Day)
- Considering alternative airports
- Using budget airlines
6. Crowded Airports
Crowded airports can be a major frustration for holiday travelers, especially if they are trying to navigate through the crowds with luggage or young children. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of passengers passing through airport security checkpoints during the Christmas season increases by as much as 10% compared to the rest of the year.
In 2020, the top five most crowded airports during the Christmas season were:
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) - 2.5 million passengers per day
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 2.2 million passengers per day
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 2.1 million passengers per day
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 1.9 million passengers per day
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - 1.8 million passengers per day
Tips for Navigating Crowded Airports
There are several ways to navigate crowded airports, including:
- Arriving early at the airport
- Using airport maps and guides
- Avoiding peak travel times
- Considering alternative airports
- Using airport lounges or VIP services
7. Winter Weather
Winter weather can be a major frustration for holiday travelers, especially if it causes flight delays or cancellations. According to the National Weather Service, the Christmas season is one of the most likely times of the year for severe winter weather.
In 2020, the top five airports for winter weather-related flight delays were:
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 234 winter weather-related flight delays
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) - 187 winter weather-related flight delays
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 156 winter weather-related flight delays
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 143 winter weather-related flight delays
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - 135 winter weather-related flight delays
Tips for Dealing with Winter Weather
There are several ways to deal with winter weather, including:
- Checking flight status before heading to the airport
- Using airline apps or websites to track flights
- Considering alternative travel dates or routes
- Packing warm clothing and essentials in case of delays
- Staying informed about weather forecasts and alerts
What are the most common causes of flight delays during the Christmas season?
+According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the most common causes of flight delays during the Christmas season are weather conditions (43.8% of delays), air traffic control (23.1% of delays), mechanical issues (14.1% of delays), late-arriving aircraft (8.5% of delays), and other factors (10.5% of delays).
How can I reduce my wait time in security lines during the Christmas season?
+There are several ways to reduce your wait time in security lines during the Christmas season, including arriving early at the airport, using TSA Precheck or CLEAR, avoiding peak travel times, wearing easy-to-remove shoes and avoiding bulky clothing, and using a carry-on bag to avoid checking luggage.
What are the most expensive airports for flights during the Christmas season?
+According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the top five most expensive airports for flights during the Christmas season are Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).