KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 18, 2018
by Ariana Pezeshki
According to a recent report by MagnifyMoney, Houston Hobby Airport ranked among the WORST in the country for holiday flight delays. The, Houston's Hobby Airport ranked 6th place for the worst airports in the nation for holiday flight delays.
Houston Hobby fell below New York Kennedy Airport (5th worst), Denver (4th worst) Newark Liberty (3rd worst), Chicago O'Hare (2nd worst) and Chicago Midway named as the number one worst airport for holiday delays in the U.S.
Houston Hobby had an on-time holiday rating of only 66% of flights, with the worst travel day being December 27. Bush Intercontinental Airport ranked 20 spots better than Hobby (26th worst) with on-time rating of 71% of the time and Dec 21 being its worst day to travel.
The research team dug into 10 years of DOT holiday flight data and ranked the largest 50 airports by on-time rating.
According to the study, Dec. 26 is the most unfavorable day for holiday delays at 44% of airports." Chicago ranks the highest for holiday delays. If you’re departing from one of Chicago’s two airports this holiday season, there’s about a 40% chance your flight will be late. Only 61.5% of flights departing Chicago Midway arrived at their destination on time over the past 10 years of holiday travel. O’Hare isn’t much better, with only 61.6% of flights arriving their destination on time. But it’s worse when it comes to cancellations, with nearly 5% of its flights canceled the last 10 holiday travel seasons.
The complete list of airports and their holiday delays and cancellation rankings are below:
HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS
Allow Extra Time. Traffic congestion this time of year is just as bad as busy airport traffic. Leave home early to avoid feeling panicked on the road before you make it to the airport.
General rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before your flight, to be safe around the holidays arrive three hour early, read, shop and listen to music before a flight to avoid that feeling of being rushed when arriving extra early.
Choose Early/Late Flights. Travelling while everyone is sleeping allows extra time and fewer people in security lines. If flights are cancelled you have better chance of finding another flight later in the day.
Use Apps. Apps like FlightView, FlightAware, Flight Board, Flightradar24 and FlightStats relieve some of the stress by tracking the status of your flight and send regular updates if the flight is delayed or cancelled. GateGuru sends approximate wait times for security lines.
Get Notifications. Sign up for an airline’s flight status text notifications for any changes that gives you a leg up to other passengers knowing the status of your trip. With important flight updates and information, airlines can notify you of any changes or if there is a cancellation.
Become a Member. Membership privileges can really make all the difference during the holiday travel season. Loyalty programs like dedicate special privileges and services to their valued customers like lounge areas with free food, boarding the plane first, and shorter lines.
Plan for the Unexpected. Holiday travel frustration is tradition, don't forget to breath and not stress about little mishaps that are bound to happen. Once you arrive at your detestation your family and friends can share the horror stories of Holiday travel over Christmas dinner and laugh. Be patient, and kind during the stressful Holiday rush.
HOUSTON AREA AIRPORTS
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston is 23 miles north of downtown Houston, located between Interstate 45 and interestate 69 /U.S Highway 59. IAH is United's largest hub, with 800 daily departures. IAH is the 43rd busiest airport worldwide and among the 10 busiest airports in the North America. Airlines include, United, Spirit International, Delta, British Airways and more.
Hobby Airport
Houston William P. Hobby Airport is an international airport in Houston, Texas, 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Houston, located off Interstate 45 to south of Interstate 610. Hobby is a major focus city for Southwest Airlines, which operates international and domestic flights from Houston to over 60 cities. Flying close to 10 million passengers annually. Airlines include American Airlines, Delta, jetBlue, and Southwest.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Uber. Not only can an Uber pick you up from home but you can request a ride from terminals A, B, C and E at George Bush International airport. When you're ready to walk outside, just summon the Uber ride through your app and make sure the size chosen can accommodate your party size and luggage amount.
Lyft. Select a ride type, set your pickup location, and add your destination. After you land and grab your bags, open the app to find your pickup zone. To request a ride, go down to the Baggage Claim level and follow 'TNC Pickup' signs to the location at each terminal.
SuperShuttle. Houston Airport Shuttle Service can be pre-arranged in advance and allows travel by private van alone or with a shared group.
Katy Express Limo Services. Offer airport transfers to and from IAH, Houston Hobby Airport, and others in the area in luxury sedans, choose from our luxury sedans including the Lincoln Town Car, Lexus Ls460, or Mercedes S550.
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