US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season

Laurie Baratti | (TNS) TravelPulse

As the holidays approach, travelers hoping for smooth journeys will want to know at which U.S. airports the weather most often wreaks havoc. A recent analysis by Upgraded Points, using data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, revealed which airports are most likely to experience weather-related delays from November through January.

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The analysis identifies five major U.S. airports that regularly see high numbers of weather-related delays during the holiday months. These airports, which include both coastal and northern hubs, are vulnerable to various weather disruptions, from heavy rains and fog to snow and icy conditions. Travelers flying through these locations should be prepared for longer waits and potential rescheduling.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) tops the list, with a striking 42.3% of holiday delays caused by weather. December is particularly challenging at SFO, where over half of all delays in that month (50.5%) are weather-related, often due to rain and fog. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) follows closely, with 42.1% weather-related delays, driven by the frequent winter storms that hit the East Coast.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA), an East Coast hub, ranks third with 38.3% of delays attributed to inclement weather, reflecting the challenges of winter travel in the Northeast. In Seattle, November rain and fog are common, contributing to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) 38.1% weather-delay rate. Rounding out the top five, Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) has a 31.3% weather-delay rate, which spikes during the city’s harsh winter season.

For travelers looking to avoid weather-related delays, several U.S. airports typically experience fewer disruptions during the holiday months. Warm coastal climates and reliably milder weather conditions help keep these airports running smoothly.

With a low weather-related delay rate of 11%, Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the most reliable option for those aiming for hassle-free holiday travel. Thanks to Hawaii’s tropical climate, flights here face few weather disruptions even during peak travel periods. Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are close behind, each with around 12% of delays attributed to weather.

Meanwhile, Dallas Love Field (DAL), San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Miami International Airport (MIA) all see weather-related delays at rates under 13.5%, making them solid options for travelers seeking smoother travel experiences.