Use Airport Data to Avoid Delays

It looks like Air Traffic Controllers really do have your best interests at heart. They’ve teamed up with other airport safety professionals to start a site, AvoidDelays.com, that provides information about the biggest offenders for delayed flights, the worst times during the day to fly, and the top ten most delayed flights in America.

That information might come in handy when trying to decide whether a low fare is really worth it if your flight is likely to be delayed.

The ATC’s also offer a number of tips and tricks for avoiding delays. Some of my favorites:

• Avoid tight connections.
• Obey carry on restrictions.
• Know the difference between “direct” and “non-stop.” Direct flights continue on to your destination, but only after landing at another airport. This creates an additional vulnerability to delay. Look for “non-stop” flights only.
• Avoid major hub airports like Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Chicago O’Hare whenever possible.

Via Fly Away Café, which actually forgot to link to the Avoid Delays site.

Update 7-20-06: Mary Jo from Fly Away Café pinged us to let us know the link was fixed. Thanks Mary Jo!