The actual number of cancelled flights varies by season and airline

There is no single answer to how many flights are cancelled because the number changes week to week and depends on which airline you fly, what time of year it is, and what counts as a cancellation. The U.S. Department of Transportation tracks cancellations for airlines that carry at least 0.05 percent of total U.S. passenger traffic, and those numbers are public, but they shift constantly.

In normal conditions, major U.S. carriers cancel roughly 1 to 2 percent of their scheduled flights. During winter months—particularly December through February—that rate climbs because of weather. Summer can also see higher cancellations around holiday weekends. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cancellation rates spiked to 2 to 3 percent or higher when airlines faced staffing shortages. Right now, the rate sits lower than it did in 2022 and 2023, when staffing problems were acute, but it still varies by week.

Key Takeaways

  • Major U.S. airlines cancel 1 to 2 percent of flights in normal conditions, but this rises during winter weather and summer holidays.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation publishes monthly cancellation data by airline, which you can check before booking.
  • Weather, crew shortages, mechanical issues, and air traffic control delays are the four main reasons airlines cancel flights.
  • Your airline must offer a rebooking or refund if they cancel your flight, though the rules differ slightly between carriers.

Where to find cancellation rates for specific airlines

The U.S. Department of Transportation publishes a monthly report called the Air Travel Consumer Report, which lists cancellation percentages for each major airline. You can read this report from the DOT website at transportation.gov. The report shows data from the previous month, so it is never current, but it gives you a real picture of which airlines cancel more often than others.

Individual airlines also publish their own on-time performance statistics on their websites, though these are sometimes presented in ways that make them look better than the DOT numbers. The DOT figures are more reliable because they use the same method for every airline. If you are deciding between carriers for an important trip, checking the DOT report for the past three months will show you which airline has been more reliable.

Why airlines cancel flights

Weather is the most common reason for cancellations, especially thunderstorms, heavy snow, and fog. Airlines cannot legally take off in certain weather conditions, and they will not risk it. Winter months see the most weather-related cancellations because of snow and ice on runways and taxiways.

Crew shortages are the second major cause. If a pilot or flight attendant calls in sick or misses a connection, and the airline does not have a backup crew member in that city, they may cancel rather than delay. This became a widespread problem in 2022 and 2023 when airlines were understaffed, and it still happens, though less often now.

Mechanical issues—a broken engine, a hydraulic leak, a faulty door latch—force cancellations when the repair takes longer than the airline can absorb. Airlines try to fix problems quickly, but some repairs require parts that have to be shipped in or work that takes hours.

Air traffic control delays and airport congestion can also lead to cancellations, though this is less common. If an airport is so backed up that an airline cannot get a gate or a takeoff slot, they may cancel a flight rather than hold it on the tarmac for hours.

Cancellation rates by season

Winter (December through February) sees the highest cancellation rates because of snow, ice, and fog. January is typically the worst month. If you are flying in winter, expect a higher chance of cancellation and book flights earlier in the day when possible, because weather often worsens as the day goes on.

Spring (March through May) usually has lower cancellation rates, though severe thunderstorms in April and May can spike them temporarily. Summer (June through August) is generally reliable except around major holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day, when airports are crowded and delays cascade into cancellations. Fall (September through November) is typically the most reliable season.

What happens if your flight is cancelled

If your airline cancels your flight, they must offer you either a rebooking on the next available flight to your destination or a refund of your ticket price. You do not have to accept the first rebooking they offer—you can ask to be rebooked on a competitor's flight if that gets you there sooner, though the airline is not required to pay extra for that option.

If the cancellation is the airline's fault (mechanical issue, crew shortage, scheduling problem), you may be may have access to to compensation under Department of Transportation rules, though the amount depends on how long the delay ends up being and whether you reach your destination within a certain window. If the cancellation is due to weather or air traffic control, the airline is not required to pay compensation, only to rebook or refund you.

Keep your booking confirmation and any communication from the airline about the cancellation. If you paid with a credit card, you can also dispute the charge with your card issuer if the airline refuses to refund you.

How to reduce your risk of being caught in a cancellation

Book flights earlier in the day. Morning flights are less likely to be cancelled because weather and crew issues have not had time to cascade through the day. An 8 a.m. flight is safer than a 6 p.m. flight on the same route.

Avoid connecting flights when possible. If your first flight is cancelled, a direct flight does not leave you stranded in another city. If you must connect, build in at least two hours between flights so a delay on the first leg does not cause you to miss the second.

Check the DOT report before you book. If one airline has a 2 percent cancellation rate and another has a 1.5 percent rate on the same route, the difference adds up over time. Choosing the more reliable carrier is a small edge, but it is real.

During winter, book flights on weekdays rather than weekends. Weekend flights are more likely to be cancelled because bad weather often hits Friday through Sunday, and the airline has less flexibility to reroute you on a weekday when there are more flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of flights get cancelled on average?

Major U.S. airlines cancel about 1 to 2 percent of flights in normal conditions. This rises to 2 to 3 percent or higher during winter months and around major holidays. The exact rate varies by airline and week.

Can I learn about a specific flight has been cancelled before I go to the airport?

Yes. Check your airline's website or app, or call the airline directly. Most airlines send email or text alerts to passengers if a flight is cancelled, but do not rely on that alone—check the website yourself a few hours before your flight, especially if weather is bad in your area.

Do I get money back if my flight is cancelled?

You are may have access to to either a refund or a rebooking on another flight. If the airline caused the cancellation (mechanical issue, crew shortage), you may also be may have access to to compensation, but weather and air traffic control delays do not trigger compensation—only a refund or rebooking.

Which airlines cancel the most flights?

This changes month to month, but you can check the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report to see which carriers had the highest cancellation rates in the previous month. The report is updated monthly and is free to read from transportation.gov.

Is flying on a Tuesday safer than flying on a Friday?

Weekday flights generally have lower cancellation rates than weekend flights, especially in winter. Friday through Sunday see more weather disruptions, and the airline has fewer backup flights to reroute you on. Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the safest days to fly.