As the holiday season approaches, travelers are gearing up for festive getaways, with over 92,000 searches for “Christmas travel”, an increase of 117% in the past month.
Alongside this, Google searches for “flights for Christmas” have jumped by 98%, further signaling an increase in demand for travel this festive season. While holiday travel brings excitement, the frustration of delays and cancellations is also expected.
The 10 Most Punctual Airports in the US
With 2024 already seeing the 10 busiest TSA travel days in history, Christmas and New Year’s travel are anticipated to be just as, if not more, crowded than Thanksgiving’s estimated 18.3 million travelers.
Travel Republic has revealed the most punctual U.S. airports—just in time to help you plan your perfect Christmas getaway and help make festive vacations a little less stressful.
| Rank | Airport | On-time departures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 81.90% |
| 2= | Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) | 80.00% |
| 2= | Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) | 80.00% |
| 2= | San Diego Lindbergh Field (SAN) | 80.00% |
| 5 | Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) | 79.60% |
| 6 | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | 78.90% |
| 7 | Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) | 78.70% |
| 8 | Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) | 77.10% |
| 9 | Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW) | 75.90% |
| 10 | Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | 75.60% |
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been crowned the most punctual U.S. airport With an impressive 81.90% on-time rate, LAX leads the way in reliability, ensuring your vacation is as stress-free as possible. No one wants to miss a flight during the busy holiday season, and LAX’s dependability sets the standard for timely travel this Christmas.
2=. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the second most punctual US airport. Whether you’re heading home for Christmas or going on a tropical getaway, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ranks fourth with an 80% punctuality rate, offering festive travelers a reliable travel experience this Christmas.
2=. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) takes third place for its dependability Also holding a strong 80% punctuality rate, Salt Lake City International is a top contender for efficient festive travel, ensuring you kick off your Christmas vacation on time.
2=. San Diego Lindbergh Field (SAN)
San Diego Lindbergh Field (SAN) is the fourth-most punctual airport in the US During the Christmas rush, SAN stands out as a top choice for avoiding delays and getting you on your way with a solid 80.00% punctuality rate.
5. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Austin-Bergstrom takes fifth place with a punctuality rate of 79.60%, meaning you can count on smooth travels during the holiday season when flying from AUS.
6. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
On the sixth place, we have Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). It has a Punctuality rate of 78.90%.
7. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) ranks seventh, boasting a punctuality rate of 78.70%.
8. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) secures the eighth position with a 77.10% on-time performance.
9. Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW)
In the ninth place, we have Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW). It has a punctuality rate of 75.90%.
10. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
On the tenth place, we have Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). It has a punctuality rate of 75.60%.
Gemma Brown, Head of Product at Travel Republic, added: “To ensure a stress-free travel experience during the busy festive season, it’s a good idea to arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours before international trips. This allows extra time for potential delays, especially if security lines are longer than usual. This list of the 10 most punctual airports in the US gives you stress-free travel options.”
Brown also said, “It’s also a good idea to keep your documents organized, ensuring your passport meets entry requirements and your boarding passes are easily accessible, helping to speed up check-in and boarding times.”
“To avoid surprises and additional fees, it’s also wise to familiarize yourself with your airline’s baggage policies in advance, including size, weight, and any restricted or prohibited items that cannot be packed in carry-on or checked luggage,” added Gemma Brown.
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