These Are the Best (and Worst) Months to Fly to Avoid Delays

"The month of September had the lowest flight disruption rates of 2025, according to a new study by air passenger rights company AirHelp that was shared with Travel + Leisure. During September, only 18.3 percent of air travel passengers experienced disruptions. That was followed by April when only 20.8 percent of passengers had issues and March when only 21.3 percent of air travel passengers were disrupted."

"On the flip side were the months of July, June, and December, which had the highest disruption rates in 2025. During those months, 31.1 percent of passengers, 30.2 percent of passengers, and 30.1 percent of passengers experienced flight disruptions, respectively. It's not hard to see why: summer travel means more people and more weather delays, while December's holiday rush puts extra pressure on already busy airports and flight schedules."

"When it came to specific days to fly, AirHelp noted two days in November had the highest rates of disruptions in 2025: Nov. 30, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, when 47.5 percent of air travelers experienced disruptions; and Nov. 9 during the longest government shutdown when 49.9 percent of passengers were disrupted."

Flight disruption rates vary significantly throughout the year, with September offering the best travel conditions at 18.3% disruption rates, followed by April and March. Summer months and December experience the highest disruptions due to increased passenger volume, weather delays, and holiday travel pressure. Specific dates show extreme disruption rates, including November 30 at 47.5% and November 9 at 49.9% during the government shutdown. Severe weather events also cause significant disruptions, such as July 13's thunderstorms affecting 43.7% of travelers. Across the United States, 248 million passengers experienced disruptions, with approximately 21 million eligible for up to $650 in compensation. Airport selection matters, with Newark Liberty International Airport showing the highest disruption rate at 29.1%.

Read at Travel + Leisure