Analysis by Global Work & Travel of the US Department of Transportation’s October Air Travel Consumer Report found that Delta’s network recorded the highest on-time arrival rate in August, at 77.0%, while JetBlue recorded the lowest, at 59.7%, among the reporting marketing carriers. JetBlue also had the highest cancellation rate, at 6.2%, compared with 0.4% for Allegiant, the lowest in the table. The report was released on 19 October.
How US airlines compared
August 2026. Networks include branded codeshare partners where applicable.
Jurgen Himmelmann, co-founder and CEO of Global Work & Travel, says passengers should consider how much flexibility their itinerary gives them if something goes wrong.
“Before booking, ask yourself what a disrupted journey would mean for the rest of your trip. If you are travelling for Thanksgiving dinner, a wedding or a cruise departure, arriving late could affect much more than your airport transfer. Look at the route, the departure time, the connection and the other flights available that day. Those details deserve attention alongside the fare.”
Jurgen recommends checking the frequency of services on the chosen route, particularly when an itinerary involves a connection.
“Check whether your flight is the last service of the day and what later options exist if you choose an earlier departure. More scheduled flights can give you more possibilities, although an available seat is never guaranteed. For connections, allow for the practical steps between flights. Changing terminals, going through passport control or collecting and rechecking luggage can all make a short connection feel much tighter than it looked when you booked.”
The early-flight advantage
Jurgen Himmelmann, co-founder and CEO of Global Work & Travel, says passengers should consider how much flexibility their itinerary gives them if something goes wrong.
“Before booking, ask yourself what a disrupted journey would mean for the rest of your trip. If you are travelling for Thanksgiving dinner, a wedding or a cruise departure, arriving late could affect much more than your airport transfer. Look at the route, the departure time, the connection and the other flights available that day. Those details deserve attention alongside the fare.”
Jurgen recommends checking the frequency of services on the chosen route, particularly when an itinerary involves a connection.
“Check whether your flight is the last service of the day and what later options exist if you choose an earlier departure. More scheduled flights can give you more possibilities, although an available seat is never guaranteed. For connections, allow for the practical steps between flights. Changing terminals, going through passport control or collecting and rechecking luggage can all make a short connection feel much tighter than it looked when you booked.”
The early-flight advantage
The report also found that 89.7% of departures scheduled between 6am and 6.59am were on time across the 30 largest US airports, compared with 52.8% between 8pm and 8.59pm.
Jurgen says an early departure is worth considering, provided travellers account for the journey to the airport.
“Before choosing a 6am flight, check the first train or bus and price up any taxi or overnight stay you would need. An early departure should work for your whole journey and your budget. If your arrival date is critical, consider travelling the day before where possible. Leaving some space between landing and an important commitment gives you more room to deal with disruption.”
He also recommends preparing essential information before leaving home.
“Keep your booking details, accommodation address and onward travel information accessible offline. If your plans change, having everything together makes it easier to explain your situation and work through the options.”
Methodology: Global Work & Travel reviewed Tables 1, 4 and 6 of the October 2026 Air Travel Consumer Report. Figures cover reported domestic services in August. On-time means less than 15 minutes after schedule. Airline rankings measure arrivals; hourly comparisons measure departures. Results reflect differing routes and operating conditions and do not predict holiday performance.
Post courtesy Global Work & Travel .
About Global Work & Travel: Founded in 2008, Global Work & Travel provides overseas travel experiences, including working holidays, volunteering, teaching, internships and au pair programmes.
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