Few issues are extra irritating than a delayed or canceled flight.
Air journey is each liberating and limiting: It could possibly take you throughout the globe in hours, but leaves you stranded when issues go incorrect. In contrast to catching one other bus or calling an Uber, there’s typically no fast backup — particularly when it’s essential to cross the pond on your cousin’s marriage ceremony or a vital convention.
Fortunately, the vast majority of flights truly arrive on time. Typically, although, delays occur. ClaimHelp notes widespread causes for these flight disruptions.
Causes for airline flight delays:
- Climate situations
- Air site visitors congestion
- Mechanical points
- Airline operations
- Safety checks
Final December, the U.S. Division of Transportation below then-President Joe Biden required public touch upon the rulemaking course of about whether or not air carriers needs to be required to pay $200 to $300 for home delays of as much as three hours and as much as $775 for longer delays.
Now, the federal government plans to ditch the proposal that was closely criticized by U.S. airways.
In June 2025, most flight delays had been resulting from airline-related points, not climate.
Picture supply: Hennessy/SOPA Pictures/LightRocket by way of Getty Pictures
Authorities drops flight delay compensation proposal
The Division of Transportation plans to eradicate a proposed rule requiring that airways compensate passengers for non-weather-related flight delays and cancellations, reported Reuters.
The White Home lately confirmed that the Division plans to withdraw the discover “consistent with department and administration priorities.”
Associated: The US simply doubled what it prices European, British vacationers
Airways for America (previously referred to as Air Transport Affiliation of America), a commerce affiliation and lobbying group representing main North American airways since 1936, praised the transfer.
“We are encouraged by this Department of Transportation reviewing unnecessary and burdensome regulations that exceed its authority and don’t solve issues important to our customers,” Airways for America acknowledged.
And former Biden-administration financial adviser Brharat Ramamurti commented on the proposed rule, saying that the thought behind it was not solely compensating passengers with actual money, but in addition guaranteeing “far fewer delayed and canceled flights within the first place.”
The majority of flights are on time, but delays also happen
Bureau of Transportation Statistics data from June 2025 revealed that 70.15% of flights made it on time. The Bureau considers a flight delayed when it arrives 15 or more minutes later than the scheduled time.
On-time flight performance numbers for June 2025:
- 70.15% arrived on time.
- 10.67% of aircraft arrived late.
- 8.19% occurred due to air carrier delays.
- 7.46% were national aviation system delays.
- 1.33% delays involved security.
- 1.77% of flights were canceled.
- 0.39% of flights were diverted.
It turns out that, at least according to June 2025 data, the most common reason for flight delays wasn’t weather but air carrier delays, which include airline-controlled issues such as technical problems, late crew, or air traffic control congestion.
Related: A major airline is significantly expanding its Mexico presence
Similar compensation rules like those in the proposal that was denied already exist in Canada, with airlines having to pay compensation for some flight delays and cancellations under certain conditions, thanks to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).
A spokesperson for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Department of Transportation “will faithfully implement all aviation shopper safety necessities mandated by Congress,” adding that some rules proposed under Biden “went past what Congress has required by statute, and we intend to rethink these extra-statutory necessities.”
How to deal with flight delays
Beyond delays and cancellations, air travel stress often stems from long security lines, crowds, and time pressure. Travelers must follow strict packing rules — from weight limits to 3.4-ounce liquid containers, removing electronics, and carrying valid ID or passports.
Adding to the confusion, TSA rules frequently change. This year, it ended the 23-year-old shoe removal policy — one of the most unpopular requirements.
The agency also reminded travelers that cordless irons and hair straighteners are banned in checked bags, and that electronic toothbrushes must follow specific battery-related packing guidelines.
These are the things you can impact to avoid stress at the security checks by informing yourself on time, and packing accordingly.
But what about delays or cancellations that are out of your control? Regardless of the cause of delay, ClaimHelp offers the following important advice for passengers.
Strategies to mitigate impact of flight delays and cancellations:
- Stay informed by using airline apps or airport information screens for real-time updates.
- Know your rights (some carriers outside of the U.S. are obliged to compensate passengers for delays over three hours).
- Pack smart by keeping travel documents, chargers, and snacks in your carry-on.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)
Make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Associated: This is a horrifying nationwide park hazard you should fear about
