According to The Bureau of Transportations Statistics, 1,154,918 flights experienced departure delays in the U.S. last year alone.
As for which airports were responsible for those delays, experts at Family Destinations Guide analyzed data from the Bureau of Transportations Statistics to find out, revealing the best and worst airports for travel in the U.S. in 2022.
And, in news that likely will not shock you, NYC’s JFK airport made the list of the worst airports.
According to the data, 24.08% of JFK’s flights saw delays in 2022, landing it in the number eight spot on the list.
While this percentage is lower than it was in the summer, when 32.5% of JFK’s flights saw delays, it still accounts for almost a quarter of its flights.
And while NYC’s winter has been pretty mild so far (we’re actually on track to set a record for the longest snow-free stretch in history) weather in other parts of NY–such as Buffalo’s most recent snowstorm in December–have definitely played a part in many flight delays.
Comparatively, JFK isn’t nearly as bad as Newark Liberty airport, which just recently lost its NYC status. 26.51% of Newark’s flights were delayed last year, putting it at number two on the list.
So, while JFK may have a brand new curling rink and year-round heated rooftop pool at its TWA hotel, it also unfortunately has a tendency to delay its flights.
The good news is a spokesperson from Family Destinations Guide does have some advice when it comes to avoiding delayed flights, stating “Flights earlier in the day tend to have fewer delays, so try and book an early flight when possible. You could also try and book flights in the middle of the week, on a Tuesday or Wednesday, rather than a weekend, as fewer people travel on these days.”
As for the best U.S. airport for 2022 travel, Salt Lake City International Airport takes that title, with only 14.18% of its 2022 flights experiencing delays.