Hate when flights are late? We’re right there with you. So, next time, you may want to book with Delta Airlines.
The Atlanta-based carrier was recognized as the most punctual airline in the United States during 2022. The data is courtesy of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR).
“The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines,” the DOT explained. “[The] DOT uses the data from the ATCR, consumer complaints, and other information it secures from the airlines to inform its enforcement activities and the adequacy of existing rules.”
A flight is considered to be on time if it lands within 15 minutes of its scheduled arrival time.
Delta topped the ranking with an on-time rate of 82.1 percent. They were followed by Alaska Airlines with a score of 79.1 percentage, and United Airlines with 78.7 percent. The top five was rounded out with American Airlines with 77.1 percent and Hawaiian Airlines with 75.8 percent.
While those may be the best carriers to book a trip with, you may want to avoid JetBlue and Allegiant Air. They clocked in with 64.6 and 63.4 percent, respectively.
Southwest Airlines, which canceled thousands of flights during December, saw its on-time rate drop from 73.2 percent to 60.7 percent.