This Popular US Airport Tops The List For Flight Delays

There's no question that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has a lot going for it. It ranks third in the world for passenger count, has direct flights to every continent apart from Africa, and contributes $37 billion in economic activity to the region. However, not all is peaches and cream on the North Texas plains — DFW tops the list for flight delays in the United States. If you're flying through this Texas-sized mega hub (it's so big that it has its own zip code and covers five separate terminal buildings), you may need to prepare yourself in case things go awry.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, DFW Airport sits in last place for on-time departures among major U.S. airports this year. Between January and June 2025, only 70% of flights departing from Dallas-Ft. Worth left on time. Compare this to first place, which is Salt Lake City (SLC) with 84% of on-time departures. Moreover, Transfeero, a private transportation company, conducted its own analysis and found that these flights are mainly late due to bad weather (via San Antonio Express News). Most of these weather-related delays are a result of tornadoes, thunderstorms, fog, or snow. When DFW gets hit with bad weather, or more recently, technical issues, it can cause cascading disruptions to entire flight operations across the country, especially for major carriers at the airport like American Airlines.

The airport also struggled with delays in 2024, with just 74% of domestic flights arriving on time. However, to be fair, flight delays are a nationwide problem. Last year, one in five domestic flights were delayed at major airports across the country (via KXAN). 

Delays at DFW aren't only common — they're long, too. The airport has the unenviable reputation of having the longest average delays of all major airports in the country. Travel website Places to Travel conducted a study over 13 months and found that DFW had an average delay of nearly an hour and a half (via Business Traveler). If you do happen to find yourself delayed in Dallas, you will have plenty of places to relax, grab a bite to eat, and embrace the hardships that often come with air travel.

In terminals across the airport, you'll find 19 airport lounges and relaxation spaces to unwind in, along with over 100 restaurants, cafes, and bars. Transferring between terminals is relatively easy: Either get your steps in by walking the full 1.5 miles across (the longest distance of any U.S. airport), or hop on the airport's Skylink train, which runs between all terminal buildings.

If you'd rather stay put near your gate, you can settle in next to one of the many power ports, though the FBI warns travelers not to charge phones at the airport as it could put your privacy at risk. Keep in mind that if the airport suffers from a weather-related delay, many of the airport lounges and nearby hotels fill up quickly. Based on personal experience being delayed at DFW for several hours on multiple trips, the D1 to D4 area of Terminal D is often quieter and feels like an airport lounge.

Unfortunately for passengers in the United States, airlines are not required to provide additional compensation if a domestic flight is delayed due to an event out of their control, such as a weather event, air traffic control strike, or security incident. That said, it never hurts to ask for further assistance in addition to a seat on the next available flight.

Be sincere, tell them about the hardship you've faced, and politely ask with a smile. You could get a meal voucher, hotel compensation, or a credit to use for future travel. Also, if you have status with the airline or are a frequent flyer, be sure to let the customer service agent know. And don't forget: Showing your appreciation goes a long way. You can also request a refund if your flight is "significantly delayed," with more details available from the Department of Transportation.

Though impossible to predict and avoid entirely, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of flight delays. If you are flying through a busy airport such as DFW, opt for a direct flight to your destination first thing in the morning. If possible, avoid airlines with poor on-time performance and peak bad-weather seasons. For a late-night flight, which is more prone to a delay or cancellation, keep a change of clothes and a toothbrush handy in your carry-on, just in case you have to get a hotel or camp out at the terminal. If you're not willing to risk your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance or using a credit card with travel insurance as a perk. If the dreaded announcement is made, there are several things you can do immediately if your flight is delayed to keep your travel plans on track.