Travelers want context: how common are American delays, and how does the airline compare?
Current trends
Industry data typically shows about 20–25% of flights experience some delay annually (varies by year and season).
Average delay lengths commonly fall in the 40–50 minute range.
Holiday peaks, major storms, and system outages drive spikes.
Comparison with peers
Delta generally posts better on-time performance.
American’s delays are comparable to United; Southwest’s pattern differs due to network type.
Why statistics matter
Knowing frequency helps you plan: choose earlier flights, avoid tight connections, and consider travel insurance if timing is critical.
