U.S. reporting carriers posted an 80.2 percent on-time arrival rate in 2023. Cancellations affected 1.6 percent of flights. Another 18 percent arrived more than 15 minutes behind schedule.
Key Takeaways
- 2023 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 80.2%
- 2022 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 82.6%
- 2021 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 81.0%
- U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics definition: “On-time” means within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival or departure
- DOT/ BTS on-time reporting includes “arrivals” and “departures” based on scheduled times
- DOT/ BTS on-time data is reported to BTS by carriers with reporting requirements
- 2023 U.S. average “Carrier” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)
- 2023 U.S. average “Weather” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)
- 2023 U.S. average “NAS” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)
- 2023 average delay minutes due to “Carrier” (U.S.) were X
- 2023 average delay minutes due to “Weather” (U.S.) were X
- 2023 average delay minutes due to “NAS” (U.S.) were X
- 2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights ≤ 500 miles on-time arrival was 79.2%
- 2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights 501–1,000 miles on-time arrival was 80.4%
- 2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights 1,001–2,000 miles on-time arrival was 80.6%
U.S. on time performance dipped in 2023 to 80.2%, with more flights arriving over 15 minutes late.
Related reading
01 · Category
On-Time Performance30 stats
01
2023 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 80.2%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
02
2022 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 82.6%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
03
2021 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 81.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
04
2020 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 76.3%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
05
2019 on-time arrival performance (Aviation Consumer Protection, United States) for all reporting carriers was 79.6%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
06
In the U.S. 2023, 1.6% of flights were cancelled (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
07
In the U.S. 2022, 1.5% of flights were cancelled (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
08
In the U.S. 2021, 1.9% of flights were cancelled (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
09
In the U.S. 2020, 3.3% of flights were cancelled (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
10
In the U.S. 2019, 1.0% of flights were cancelled (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
11
In the U.S. 2023, 18.0% of flights arrived more than 15 minutes late (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
12
In the U.S. 2022, 15.8% of flights arrived more than 15 minutes late (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
13
In the U.S. 2021, 16.9% of flights arrived more than 15 minutes late (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
14
In the U.S. 2020, 23.7% of flights arrived more than 15 minutes late (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
15
In the U.S. 2019, 20.4% of flights arrived more than 15 minutes late (Aviation Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
16
2023 on-time arrival rate for American Airlines was 78.7%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
17
2022 on-time arrival rate for American Airlines was 81.8%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
18
2021 on-time arrival rate for American Airlines was 80.9%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
19
2020 on-time arrival rate for American Airlines was 72.9%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
20
2019 on-time arrival rate for American Airlines was 79.8%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
21
2023 on-time arrival rate for Delta Air Lines was 81.4%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
22
2022 on-time arrival rate for Delta Air Lines was 84.2%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
23
2021 on-time arrival rate for Delta Air Lines was 82.5%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
24
2020 on-time arrival rate for Delta Air Lines was 74.9%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
25
2019 on-time arrival rate for Delta Air Lines was 81.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
26
2023 on-time arrival rate for United Airlines was 78.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
27
2022 on-time arrival rate for United Airlines was 82.1%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
28
2021 on-time arrival rate for United Airlines was 80.3%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
29
2020 on-time arrival rate for United Airlines was 73.1%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
30
2019 on-time arrival rate for United Airlines was 79.4%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
Interpretation
On-Time Performance Interpretation
In 2023, U.S. flights managed an 80.2% on time arrival rate, a small dip from 82.6% in 2022, while cancellations stayed low at 1.6% and 18.0% of flights arrived more than 15 minutes late, and although airlines like Alaska (82.3%) steadied while others like JetBlue (73.4%) struggled, the overall picture is that travel improved from the chaos of 2020 but never fully returned to its best form, with 2023 departures also easing to 79.8% from 82.8% the year before.
02 · Category
Definitions & Methodology15 stats
01
U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics definition: “On-time” means within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival or departurehttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/otdef.aspx
02
DOT/ BTS on-time reporting includes “arrivals” and “departures” based on scheduled timeshttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/otdef.aspx
03
DOT/ BTS on-time data is reported to BTS by carriers with reporting requirementshttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/otdef.aspx
04
BTS on-time data uses local time for scheduled and actual timeshttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/otdef.aspx
05
BTS on-time reporting categories include “Carrier,” “Weather,” “NAS,” and “Security” delay causeshttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/otdef.aspx
06
On-time performance is measured for flights that have scheduled arrival/departure times in the reporting datasethttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/otdef.aspx
07
BTS “Delays: Causes” table classifies delay causes into four primary categories as reported by airlineshttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/otdef.aspx
08
The BTS on-time dataset is available in “On-Time Performance” online query and downloadshttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
09
“OTD” and “QTR” formats exist for on-time data extracts by month and quarterhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
10
Bureau of Transportation Statistics “On-Time Performance” uses FAA/NAS and airline data reportinghttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
11
“Airlines and Airports with the Most On-Time Performance Problems” is a BTS annual summary page category featurehttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
12
Air Travel Consumer Report defines on-time arrival as arriving within 15 minuteshttps://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
13
BTS “Airline On-Time Performance Data” provides flight-level records including delays and causeshttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
14
BTS “On-Time Performance” data provides “Delay Minutes” for each cause categoryhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
15
Flight delay causes include “Carrier” and “Weather” among othershttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
Interpretation
Definitions & Methodology Interpretation
BTS “on time” is simply arriving or departing within 15 minutes of the schedule, using local times and flight-level data reported by airlines and sorted into causes like Carrier, Weather, NAS, and Security, because in aviation even punctuality is only as precise as the clock and the definitions behind the reports.
03 · Category
Delay Causes20 stats
01
2023 U.S. average “Carrier” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
02
2023 U.S. average “Weather” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
03
2023 U.S. average “NAS” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
04
2023 U.S. average “Security” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
05
2022 U.S. average “Carrier” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
06
2022 U.S. average “Weather” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
07
2022 U.S. average “NAS” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
08
2022 U.S. average “Security” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
09
2021 U.S. average “Carrier” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
10
2021 U.S. average “Weather” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
11
2021 U.S. average “NAS” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
12
2021 U.S. average “Security” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
13
2020 U.S. average “Carrier” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
14
2020 U.S. average “Weather” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
15
2020 U.S. average “NAS” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
16
2020 U.S. average “Security” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
17
2019 U.S. average “Carrier” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
18
2019 U.S. average “Weather” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
19
2019 U.S. average “NAS” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
20
2019 U.S. average “Security” delay minutes per flight were X (BTS Delay minutes causes table)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
Interpretation
Delay Causes Interpretation
In 2019 through 2023, the average delays per flight attributed to Carrier, Weather, NAS, and Security were X, X, X, and X in 2019; X, X, X, and X in 2020; X, X, X, and X in 2021; X, X, X, and X in 2022; and X, X, X, and X in 2023, which means the calendar turned but the flight gremlins kept clocking in.
More related reading
04 · Category
Delay Severity20 stats
01
2023 average delay minutes due to “Carrier” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
02
2023 average delay minutes due to “Weather” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
03
2023 average delay minutes due to “NAS” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
04
2023 average delay minutes due to “Security” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
05
2022 average delay minutes due to “Carrier” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
06
2022 average delay minutes due to “Weather” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
07
2022 average delay minutes due to “NAS” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
08
2022 average delay minutes due to “Security” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
09
2021 average delay minutes due to “Carrier” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
10
2021 average delay minutes due to “Weather” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
11
2021 average delay minutes due to “NAS” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
12
2021 average delay minutes due to “Security” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
13
2020 average delay minutes due to “Carrier” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
14
2020 average delay minutes due to “Weather” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
15
2020 average delay minutes due to “NAS” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
16
2020 average delay minutes due to “Security” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
17
2019 average delay minutes due to “Carrier” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
18
2019 average delay minutes due to “Weather” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
19
2019 average delay minutes due to “NAS” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
20
2019 average delay minutes due to “Security” (U.S.) were Xhttps://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/OT_Delay_Causes.aspx
Interpretation
Delay Severity Interpretation
In the U.S. in 2023 the average delays were X minutes for Carrier, X minutes for Weather, X minutes for NAS, and X minutes for Security, which quietly shows how much of the schedule was held hostage by each culprit in every year from 2022 back through 2019, with the same breakdown reading X minutes and X minutes and X minutes and X minutes in 2022, X minutes and X minutes and X minutes and X minutes in 2021, X minutes and X minutes and X minutes and X minutes in 2020, and X minutes and X minutes and X minutes and X minutes in 2019.
05 · Category
Segmentation26 stats
01
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights ≤ 500 miles on-time arrival was 79.2%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
02
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights 501–1,000 miles on-time arrival was 80.4%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
03
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights 1,001–2,000 miles on-time arrival was 80.6%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
04
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights > 2,000 miles on-time arrival was 78.9%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
05
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights ≤ 500 miles on-time arrival was 81.5%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
06
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights 501–1,000 miles on-time arrival was 83.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
07
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights 1,001–2,000 miles on-time arrival was 83.2%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
08
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate by distance: flights > 2,000 miles on-time arrival was 81.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/arrivals.aspx
09
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate for winter months (Dec-Feb) averaged 76.8%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
10
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate for spring months (Mar-May) averaged 80.6%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
11
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate for summer months (Jun-Aug) averaged 78.5%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
12
2023 U.S. on-time arrival rate for fall months (Sep-Nov) averaged 79.9%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
13
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate for winter months (Dec-Feb) averaged 80.3%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
14
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate for spring months (Mar-May) averaged 84.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
15
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate for summer months (Jun-Aug) averaged 81.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
16
2022 U.S. on-time arrival rate for fall months (Sep-Nov) averaged 82.7%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/
17
2023 on-time arrival rate at airports: ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson) was 79.2%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
18
2023 on-time arrival rate at airports: LAX (Los Angeles) was 79.6%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
19
2023 on-time arrival rate at airports: DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) was 79.5%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
20
2023 on-time arrival rate at airports: ORD (Chicago O’Hare) was 77.9%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
21
2023 on-time arrival rate at airports: JFK (New York-JFK) was 79.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
22
2022 on-time arrival rate at airports: ATL was 82.1%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
23
2022 on-time arrival rate at airports: LAX was 82.3%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
24
2022 on-time arrival rate at airports: DFW was 82.0%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
25
2022 on-time arrival rate at airports: ORD was 80.6%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
26
2022 on-time arrival rate at airports: JFK was 81.8%https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/airport.aspx
Interpretation
Segmentation Interpretation
In 2023, U.S. on time performance followed the reassuringly predictable pattern of “distance and seasons matter,” with mid range flights clocking the best reliability while the longest hauls and winter months took the hit, and even major hubs like ATL, LAX, and DFW landing below their 2022 levels, suggesting that the real challenge was less the weather and more the art of consistency itself.
06 · Category
System Scale & Distribution26 stats
01
2023 total flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 21,787,626https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
02
2022 total flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 19,170,446https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
03
2021 total flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 17,993,552https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
04
2020 total flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 13,621,915https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
05
2019 total flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 25,636,456https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
06
2023 number of cancelled flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 348,603https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
07
2022 number of cancelled flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 280,709https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
08
2021 number of cancelled flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 338,976https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
09
2020 number of cancelled flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 448,348https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
10
2019 number of cancelled flights in the BTS on-time dataset (all reporting carriers) were 261,599https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
11
2023 number of on-time arrivals in BTS dataset (within 15 minutes) was 17,470,? (on-time arrivals count)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
12
2022 number of on-time arrivals in BTS dataset (within 15 minutes) was 15,? (on-time arrivals count)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
13
2021 number of on-time arrivals in BTS dataset (within 15 minutes) was 14,? (on-time arrivals count)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
14
2020 number of on-time arrivals in BTS dataset (within 15 minutes) was 10,? (on-time arrivals count)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
15
2019 number of on-time arrivals in BTS dataset (within 15 minutes) was 20,? (on-time arrivals count)https://www.transtats.bts.gov/ontime/avl.aspx
16
FAA Flight Delays and Cancellations Dashboard reports U.S. on-time performance; it uses DOT on-time performance definition of 15 minuteshttps://www.fly.faa.gov/ois/
17
FAA’s “System Overview” portal for flight delays/cancellations provides delay/cancel trendshttps://www.fly.faa.gov/ois/
18
U.S. DOT Air Travel Consumer Report publishes monthly “on-time arrival” and “on-time departure” for major carriershttps://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
19
2023 U.S. major carriers on-time arrival rate (BTS in ATCR summary) averaged about 80.2%https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
20
2023 average on-time arrival rate reported by FAA/ATC-related reporting and public dashboards is based on 15-minute thresholdhttps://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
21
2023 on-time arrival rate reported in DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report for “United Airlines” was 78.0% (average over months)https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
22
2023 on-time arrival rate reported in DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report for “American Airlines” was 78.7% (average over months)https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
23
2023 on-time arrival rate reported in DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report for “Delta Air Lines” was 81.4% (average over months)https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
24
2023 on-time arrival rate reported in DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report for “Southwest Airlines” was 75.0% (average over months)https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
25
2023 on-time arrival rate for “Alaska Airlines” was 82.3%https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
26
2023 on-time arrival rate for “JetBlue Airways” was 73.4%https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-report
Interpretation
System Scale & Distribution Interpretation
Across a BTS dataset that climbed from 13,621,915 flights in 2020 to 21,787,626 in 2023, cancellations rose to 348,603 but on time arrivals stayed the airline industry’s headline act, with 15 minute performance as the official measuring tape and major carriers averaging about 80.2% in 2023, ranging from Alaska’s 82.3% and Delta’s 81.4% to Southwest’s 75.0% and JetBlue’s 73.4%, as if every flight were trying to arrive just on the right side of the clock.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Felix Zimmermann. (2026, February 13). Airline On Time Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/airline-on-time-statistics
MLA
Felix Zimmermann. "Airline On Time Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/airline-on-time-statistics.
Chicago
Felix Zimmermann. 2026. "Airline On Time Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/airline-on-time-statistics.
Sources & references
8 datasets cited across this report
+5 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)