Delta Shines as Most Reliable Airline During 2021 Holiday Rush
The 2021 holiday season saw nearly 39 million passengers pass through U.S. airports between December 19 and January 2. A new analysis by FinanceBuzz has now revealed which airlines performed best—and worst—during this busy travel period.
Delta Air Lines stood out as the most reliable carrier, with the fewest delays and cancellations. The airline also received top honours from Forbes in its Verified Air Travel Awards, winning five accolades, including Best U.S. Airline.
Delta’s flights experienced an average delay of 63 minutes, shorter than many competitors. The airline also recorded the lowest percentage of disrupted flights among those studied by FinanceBuzz.
At the other end of the spectrum, Spirit Airlines struggled the most. It had the highest number of delays and cancellations, along with the longest average wait times.
For travellers seeking punctuality, Southwest Airlines led with the shortest average delay of 50 minutes. Hawaiian Airlines followed closely at 52 minutes, while Alaska Airlines came in third with a 53-minute average delay.
The FinanceBuzz report highlights how performance varied widely across carriers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Delta’s strong showing aligns with its recent recognition from Forbes, reinforcing its reputation for reliability.
The data provides a clear picture of airline efficiency during peak travel times. Delta’s combination of low disruption rates and industry awards sets it apart. Meanwhile, Spirit’s challenges with delays and cancellations suggest ongoing operational hurdles for the budget carrier.
