Airlines are under constant pressure to improve and a new report shows which carriers have excelled at getting travelers to their destinations on time.
Key Facts:
– Delta led North American carriers with an 83.46% on-time arrival rate in 2024.
– United took second at 80.93%, followed by Alaska at 79.25%.
– Cirium’s annual rankings judge flights as “on-time” if they arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate arrival.
– Delta also placed third globally, while Aeromexico took the worldwide top spot at 86.70%.
The Rest of The Story:
Cirium’s “2024 On-Time Performance Review” analyzed millions of flights to determine which airlines reliably stick to their schedules.
Delta, with a large fleet and extensive route network, reclaimed its top status in North America for the fourth consecutive year.
Company officials credited efforts in streamlining operations, upgrading technology, and improving crew coordination.
United Airlines made a notable jump from fourth place the previous year to second place in 2024.
Its leaders say operational changes, including better coordination with airport authorities and investments in fleet management, contributed to the improvement.
Alaska Airlines also earned praise for balancing a smaller fleet with strong performance and a focus on punctual arrivals.
Elsewhere, Aeromexico soared above all other carriers worldwide, achieving the highest on-time rate at over 86%.
In North America, other familiar names like American Airlines and Southwest ranked slightly below the top three, yet still maintained competitive numbers that may reassure travelers planning their next trip.
The Bottom Line:
Travelers looking for reliability can consider Delta, United, and Alaska as strong options, based on Cirium’s data.
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Though delays are an inevitable part of air travel, carriers are under significant pressure to refine their processes and keep passengers moving on time.