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Here Are the Most (And Least) Reliable Airlines for Holiday Travel

A new study reveals which airlines you can count on to get you home for the holidays.

By Amanda Teague

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Nov. 17, 2025

If you've ever spent a holiday stranded in an airport, clutching a cup of overpriced coffee while your flight gets delayed again (and again), you know the true meaning of travel chaos. From misplaced luggage to endless gate changes, some airlines make it far harder to start traveling more during the most wonderful time of the year.

Now, thanks to a new study from FinanceBuzz, we finally know which airlines can actually get you home for the holidays, and which ones might leave you singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas" from the terminal instead.

FinanceBuzz looked at data published by the Department of Transportation for all flights operated by airlines in November and December each year from 2021 to 2024. Here's which airlines you can trust for a smooth holiday getaway, as well as the ones you might want to avoid if you can.

Delta Air Lines

Travel score: 35.9/50

Delta reigns supreme for holiday reliability, with only 13.7% of flights delayed (less than half JetBlue's rate) and the lowest cancellation rate (0.7%) in the industry.

Even while operating over 600,000 flights, Delta still manages better-than-average baggage handling and punctuality. If you want to actually make it to Grandma's house on time, Delta's your best bet.

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Hawaiian Airlines

Travel score: 32.9/50

Hawaiian keeps its chill even during the holiday rush. With 19.5% of flights delayed and just 1.2% cancelled, it beats the national averages in both categories.

Average delay times hover around 52 minutes, well below the 64-minute industry mean, making it one of the calmest, most consistent choices if you're island-hopping or headed to paradise.

Southwest Airlines

Travel score: 27/50

Despite past holiday meltdowns, Southwest's numbers look surprisingly solid: 2.4% cancellations and 18.8% delays, both right near the average. Its 50-minute average delay is actually the shortest of all airlines studied.

Bags are handled well, too. So while last year's chaos might still sting, the stats show Southwest is back on track for smoother skies.

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United Airlines

Travel score: 26.2/50

United performs decently but not dazzlingly, with 17.2% of flights delayed and 0.9% cancelled — both slightly better than average.

Average delays of 66 minutes are longer than Delta's or Hawaiian's, though United ranks among the top three for highest percentage of lost or damaged luggage. Book confidently, but maybe keep your carry-on close.

Spirit Airlines

Travel score: 20.6/50

Spirit's 22.9% delay rate and 1.7% cancellation rate are both above average, though its 63-minute average delay mirrors the overall industry.

On the plus side, baggage handling isn't terrible. Still, if you're flying Spirit for the holidays, factor in potential chaos, and maybe pack an extra granola bar or two.

American Airlines

Travel score: 20/50

American keeps delays relatively manageable (18.9%) and cancellations low (0.8%), but here's the kicker: it mishandles more bags than any other airline (nearly one bag per flight).

Average delays also stretch to 75 minutes, which is the longest alongside Allegiant. Translation: if you're flying American this season, double-tag your luggage and pack patience in your carry-on.

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Frontier Airlines

Travel score: 18.7/50

Frontier's 25.6% delay rate is among the worst, and its 72-minute average delay doesn't help. While it's impressively good with baggage (only 0.4% mishandled), you might spend a little too much quality time at the gate.

For budget travelers, the savings could be worth it, but maybe avoid tight connections.

Allegiant

Travel score: 18.4/50

Allegiant's numbers tell a mixed story: 26.6% of flights delayed and 2.2% cancelled make it one of the least punctual airlines, with 75-minute average delays.

The good news? It's the best at baggage handling, with just 0.17% lost or damaged. Sure, you might arrive late, but at least your suitcase probably will too.

Alaska Airlines

Travel score: 16.5/50

Alaska suffers the highest cancellation rate in the nation (2.5%), a full percentage point above average. Delays affect 22% of flights but average just 53 minutes, which isn't terrible.

Baggage handling, however, is shaky, ranking second-worst. If winter weather's involved, brace for both literal and logistical turbulence.

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JetBlue

Travel score: 15.9/50

JetBlue lands dead last for reliability, with 27.5% of holiday flights delayed, the worst of any carrier, and average delays stretching 70 minutes. While its baggage handling is fine, punctuality isn't its strength.

If you have a tight connection or a family waiting at baggage claim, you might want to choose another carrier.

Bottom line

Holiday travel is always a gamble, but choosing the right airline can make all the difference. Delta and Hawaiian continue to prove they're the most reliable carriers, while JetBlue and Alaska might test your patience before you even reach the gate.

Across the 3.3 million flights studied, more than 600,000 were delayed and nearly 50,000 were cancelled, meaning over one in five flights didn't leave on time. If you want to save money on travel (and stress), booking with a dependable airline is worth every penny.

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