Yes, flights are still being delayed, but the reasons and frequency change daily

Flight delays happen almost every day at major U.S. airports, though the number of delayed flights varies by weather, staffing, and time of year. There is no single answer to whether delays are happening right now—you need to check your specific flight, airport, and airline. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishes real-time delay information, and most airlines post updates on their websites and apps within minutes of a change.

Delays are most common in summer (June through August) and around holidays, when airports handle peak passenger volume. Winter weather, especially snow and ice, also causes widespread delays. If you have a flight booked, the best way to know if it will be delayed is to check your airline's website or app the day before and the morning of your flight—not general news about delays elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Flight delays happen daily at U.S. airports, but you must check your specific flight and airline to know if yours will be affected.
  • The FAA website and your airline's app show real-time delay information and are updated within minutes of changes.
  • Summer months, holidays, and winter weather cause the highest number of delays across the country.
  • Checking your flight status the day before and morning of travel gives you the most accurate picture of whether your flight will be on time.
  • Staffing shortages at airports and air traffic control facilities can cause delays even on clear-weather days.

Where to check your flight status right now

Your airline's website or mobile app is the fastest place to see whether your specific flight is delayed. Log in with your confirmation number or ticket, and the app will show the current departure and arrival times. Most airlines update this information every 5 to 15 minutes once you are within 24 hours of your flight.

The FAA's website (faa.gov) has a section called "Airport Status and Delays" that shows which airports nationwide are experiencing delays and the average delay time. This tells you whether your departure or arrival airport is congested, but it does not tell you about your individual flight. The FAA also publishes a list of airports with the most delays over the past month, which can help you understand whether your airport is typically slow.

FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are free tracking websites that show real-time flight positions and delays. You can search by flight number or route and see whether your plane is on the ground, in the air, or delayed. These sites pull data from the FAA and airlines, so the information is current but may lag by a few minutes.

Common reasons flights get delayed today

Weather is the most common reason for delays. Thunderstorms, fog, snow, and wind can slow down takeoffs and landings. Even if your airport has clear skies, delays can happen if your destination airport is experiencing weather—your plane may be held on the ground to avoid landing in a storm.

Staffing shortages at airports and air traffic control facilities cause delays even on good-weather days. The FAA has faced staffing challenges at some facilities, which can slow down the number of planes that can take off or land per hour. Airlines also sometimes have crew shortages, which delays flights while the airline waits for a pilot or flight attendant to arrive.

Mechanical issues with aircraft, security screening delays, and congestion at busy airports also cause delays. If a plane needs a repair before it can fly, the airline will delay the flight rather than risk a safety issue. During peak travel times, the sheer number of planes at an airport can slow down the sequence of takeoffs and landings.

What to do if your flight is delayed

Check your airline's website or app first. Most airlines automatically rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost if your flight is delayed by more than a few hours. You do not need to call—the airline will send you a notification with your new flight details.

If your flight is delayed more than three hours and you choose not to take the rebooking, you may be may have access to to a refund of your ticket price under the Department of Transportation's rules. However, this applies only to flights within, to, or from the United States. Check your airline's policy on their website for the exact rules.

If you are stuck at the airport, keep your boarding pass and any receipts for food or supplies. Some airlines provide meal vouchers or hotel rooms for long delays, depending on the reason for the delay and the airline's policy. Call your airline's customer service line to ask what they will cover.

Peak delay times and seasons

Summer travel (June through August) sees the most delays because airports handle their highest passenger volume. July is typically the worst month. Holiday periods—Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, and New Year's week—also bring heavy delays. Spring break (March and April) and Labor Day weekend are secondary peak times.

Winter weather from December through February causes delays at airports in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mountain West. A single snowstorm can delay hundreds of flights across multiple airports. Even airports that rarely see snow can experience delays if a winter storm moves through unexpectedly.

Time of day matters too. Afternoon and early evening flights (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) tend to have higher delay rates than early morning flights, because delays from earlier in the day cascade into later flights. If you have flexibility, booking an early morning flight reduces your statistical risk of delay.

How airlines notify you of delays

Airlines send delay notifications through the method you chose when you booked: email, text message, or push notification on their app. These notifications usually arrive within 15 to 30 minutes of the airline deciding to delay a flight. If you booked through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak rather than directly with the airline, you may get a notification from that site as well, though it may arrive slightly later.

You can also turn on push notifications in your airline's app to get alerts even if you do not open the app. This is the fastest way to learn about changes. Some airlines also post updates on their social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook) if there are widespread delays affecting many flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do flight delays usually last?

Most delays last 30 minutes to two hours. Weather delays can last longer if a storm is moving through an airport. Mechanical delays depend on what needs to be fixed—some take 30 minutes, others several hours. Check your airline's app for the updated departure time, which is revised as the situation changes.

Can I get money back if my flight is delayed?

The Department of Transportation does not require refunds for delays alone. However, if your flight is delayed more than three hours and you do not want to take a later flight, you can request a refund of your ticket price from the airline. Rules vary by airline and reason for delay, so check your airline's policy.

Will my connecting flight wait if my first flight is delayed?

If you booked both flights on the same ticket, the airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination, even if it means rebooking you on a later connection. If you booked two separate tickets, the airline has no obligation to hold your connection. You would need to rebook the second flight yourself.

What should I do if I miss my flight because of a delay?

Contact your airline when ready. If the delay was caused by the airline (mechanical issue, crew shortage), they will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost. If you missed your connection because of a delay on your first flight that was on the same ticket, the airline is responsible for rebooking you.

Are early morning flights less likely to be delayed?

Yes, statistically. Early morning flights (before 10 a.m.) have lower delay rates because they have not been affected by earlier delays in the day. However, weather and mechanical issues can delay any flight regardless of time. Booking early does not may provide no delay, but it reduces your risk.