MarketWatch recently evaluated fares at various US airports during the holiday season.
So which airports offer the best holiday travel experience?
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The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, which means it's time to book your flights to visit your loved ones – parents, in-laws, siblings, friends or even to treat yourself to that well-deserved solo getaway. But before you make your plans, be sure to consider all your flight options, as some airports are better suited for holiday travelers than others.
To help you find the perfect airport, MarketWatch
In addition, the team analyzed fare and flight disruption data for more than 200 airports based on the 2023 holiday season. This information can assist you in selecting the best airport for your holiday travels.
According to MarketWatch, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) near Las Vegas is the best airport for holiday travel. It has lower fares, around $100 less than the average major airport ($382). The Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida came in second due to its cheaper-than-average fares, but it had a slightly higher rate of delays. Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Florida ranked third, followed by LaGuardia (LGA) in New York, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) in Georgia, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP) in Minnesota, Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) in Arizona, Nashville International (BNA) in Tennessee, Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) in Illinois, and Salt Lake City International (SLC) in Utah to round out the top 10.
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The good news is that holiday flight cancellations decreased in 2023 compared to 2022. Only about 0.3% of flights were canceled in November 2023 and December 2023, down from 3.33% in 2022, with notable improvements in the final 2 weeks of the year.
According to the findings, there are a few airports you may want to steer clear of. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in California was ranked the lowest due to its unusually high fares. Meanwhile, the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Washington experienced the most weather-related delays. In addition, Chicago Midway International Airport (ORD) is one to try to avoid, as it had a higher rate of weather-related cancellations in November and December 2023 than "the next 4 airports combined." The findings also noted that this airport has "had a rough stretch lately" and was ranked the second-most stressful major airport in another recent review.
The survey revealed that nearly all Americans surveyed (96%) who plan to fly this holiday season have concerns about their trip, with 70% specifically stating they fear delays.
The MarketWatch research team also suggested that it might be a good idea to avoid Spirit Airlines, which experienced the most delays of any airline during the 2023 season, with 27% of its flights getting delayed. JetBlue Airways followed closely behind, with 26% of its flights also experiencing delays. So, it's recommended to either make alternative arrangements or learn some anxiety-reducing tips to help manage the stress of holiday travel, whatever challenges come your way.
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