BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — With summer travel season starting, AAA Northeast shared a new study that analyzed flight data in the summer months.
TSA has predicted the busiest summer travel season ever, and AAA said that TSA is preparing for 270 million air passengers to travel throughout the 2024 summer season.
Summer flights have an increased risk of delays and cancellations. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, from June to August 2023, around 73% of flights departed on time, which was 7% lower compared to the entire year.
At Boston Logan International Airport, around 76% of flights left on time in 2023. From June to August, the average dropped to about 70%, and the flights during those months accounted for almost 44% of cancellations for the entire year.
However, there is a way to decrease the risk of having a delayed flight, said AAA. Early flights are significantly more likely to depart on time based on data from June to August 2023.
Over 80% of flights departing between 6 and 9 a.m. took off on time, while less than 60% of flights between 6 and 9 p.m. left as scheduled.
The hour with the worst percentage of on-time flights was 7 p.m., and flights that left on schedule peaked in the 6 a.m. hour.
The data comes from 30 of the largest U.S. airports.
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“The best thing travelers who are concerned about delays or cancellations can do is choose flights earlier in the day, as we consistently see that early morning flights are most likely to take off on time,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson at AAA Northeast.
“Travelers should prepare by signing up for text alerts and downloading apps for the airline they’ve booked and an alternative airline, as that can be the quickest way to rebook if needed.”
Although the DOT announced a new rule that requires airlines to promptly give refunds to passengers with significantly delayed flights or checked bags, the rule does not go into effect until October, after the busy summer travel season ends.
“Travelers taking to the skies this summer should know that this rule is not yet in effect, and does not apply to every type of delay,” said Schieldrop.
He recommended that travelers consider travel insurance, which "can offer peace of mind for issues ranging from delays and cancellations to illnesses and lost or stolen travel documents.”
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