Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Boston Joins Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, JFK, Los Angeles, and More as US Flight Routes with the Most Delays This Holiday Season – What Travelers Need to Know
Published on
December 23, 2025
The U.S. holiday air travel season is a time of excitement for many, but it’s also fraught with challenges. With millions of travelers flying to various destinations, airports across the country are expected to see significant delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that flight delays are most commonly caused by a mix of weather events, increased passenger volume, and airline operational issues, such as staffing shortages and logistical bottlenecks.
According to data compiled by the FAA and official sources, flight delays tend to peak between December 20th and January 2nd, with certain flight routes suffering more than others. These delays can have a domino effect on connecting flights, creating travel chaos for passengers trying to get home or go on vacation.
1. Newark Liberty (EWR) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Most Delayed Route
Flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida are consistently the most delayed over the holiday season. This route, often popular with travelers heading south for warmer weather or returning to visit family, sees an average delay of 37 minutes during peak holiday travel times. This delay is exacerbated by the high passenger volume, with nearly 1 million passengers expected to fly this route in December alone.
The congestion at EWR and FLL, combined with Florida’s weather unpredictability, leads to frequent delays. Flight operations at both airports are sometimes stretched to their limits, making it difficult to maintain tight schedules. Travelers flying this route should consider arriving early and being prepared for potential long waits.
2. Boston (BOS) to Orlando (MCO) – A Winter Travel Hotspot
Flights between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) are also highly susceptible to delays, averaging 32 minutes during the holiday season. The route is a major gateway for winter tourists heading to Florida’s theme parks or visiting family. However, the foggy winter weather in Boston and frequent weather-related disruptions in Orlando contribute to the delays.
The Northeast to Florida route is a busy one, and as the demand for flights increases, so does the likelihood of delays. As this is a popular route for families and leisure travelers, passengers should keep in mind the possibility of additional time needed for airport security and the dense crowds at Orlando’s major terminals.
3. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Philadelphia (PHL) – A Delayed Route to the Northeast
Another flight route plagued by delays is between Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which experiences an average delay of 31 minutes during the busy holiday season. Like the other Florida-to-Northeast routes, this one faces significant congestion and operational challenges.
The winter weather conditions in Philadelphia further complicate the situation, causing delays in both arrivals and departures. With winter snowstorms a frequent concern in Philadelphia during this time of year, travelers should be mindful of possible snow and ice impacting the schedule.
4. JFK (New York) to Boston (BOS) and JFK to London Heathrow (LHR) – International and Domestic Delays
Delays aren’t confined to domestic routes. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), one of the busiest airports in the world, often sees significant delays for flights heading to Boston and London Heathrow (LHR), with both routes averaging 18 minutes in delays during the holidays. The combination of weather-related issues, airport congestion, and international flight regulations creates a perfect storm of delays, especially on flights to and from major international hubs.
Flights from JFK to Boston face the same delays as other Northeast routes, while those heading to London Heathrow often experience delays due to the heavy air traffic over the Atlantic, especially during peak travel times.
5. Other Notable Delays: JFK, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.
Other routes experiencing significant delays during the holiday season include:
JFK to Washington D.C.: The Northeast Corridor sees high demand, and JFK to D.C. flights can experience delays of 18 minutes or more, as the weather and congestion contribute to bottlenecks at both ends.Los Angeles to Phoenix: Flights from LAX to Phoenix are another high-traffic route, with delays averaging 20 minutes. This route faces delays during holiday peaks as airspace over Southern California becomes overcrowded.Weather-Related Flight Delays
Weather plays a major role in holiday travel disruptions. In 2025, severe winter storms, particularly in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest regions, are expected to cause delays. Snowstorms, fog, and icy conditions are the primary causes of disruptions, leading to cancellations and delays at major airports like Chicago O’Hare and Denver International.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has already issued winter storm warnings for certain regions, which could extend into major air traffic hubs, affecting flight schedules and passenger flow during the holidays. Travelers flying through airports prone to winter weather should prepare for extended layovers and potential delays due to snow, sleet, or low visibility.
How to Prepare for Holiday Flight Delays
While delays are inevitable during the holiday season, travelers can take steps to minimize the impact on their journey:
Book morning flights: Flights early in the day tend to face fewer delays. The earlier you fly, the better chance you have of avoiding a domino effect of delays.Use flight trackers: Keep an eye on your flight’s status via official apps like FlightAware or your airline’s app to receive real-time updates on departure and arrival times.Allow extra time for connections: If you’re flying with a connection, allow a longer layover to account for potential delays.Consider travel insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations. This can help alleviate the stress of last-minute changes to your travel plans.Conclusion: Make Smart Travel Decisions This Holiday Season
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for air travel in the U.S., and while delays are a part of the experience, being prepared can make all the difference. Understanding which routes are most likely to face delays can help you plan ahead, manage your expectations, and make the most of your travel time.
Remember, travel is about creating memories, not just reaching a destination. While delays may be unavoidable, keeping your cool and staying informed is the best strategy for surviving the holiday air travel rush.
