Summer air travel could be rough. Here's how travelers can prepare.
Summary
Air travel in the summer could face many problems like higher prices, flight delays, and cancellations. Airlines are struggling with staffing shortages, bad weather, and higher fuel costs, which may make travel plans harder for passengers.Key Facts
- In 2025, flight delays were the worst since 2014, with one in 12 flights arriving at least an hour late.
- Airlines canceled over 100,000 flights last year; American, Frontier, and JetBlue canceled the most, while Allegiant, Hawaiian, and Southwest canceled the fewest.
- Shortages of air traffic controllers and bad weather cause many delays, but airlines also schedule more flights than airports can handle.
- Some airports, like Chicago O'Hare, have limited flights to reduce delays.
- Passenger numbers are expected to increase this summer, with United Airlines forecasting 53 million travelers from June to August.
- Rising jet fuel prices, influenced by the Iran war, are causing airlines to raise prices and cut less profitable routes.
- Passengers have rights to refunds if their flights are canceled and they choose not to travel or be rescheduled.
- Budget airline Spirit Airlines has left the market, possibly improving overall on-time performance for other carriers.
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