American Airlines continues to lead in flight cancellations, raising concerns among holiday travelers.
Story Highlights
- American and Frontier Airlines have the highest cancellation rates for 2025.
- Allegiant Air and Hawaiian Airlines rank best for reliability.
- Delta and Southwest maintain strong performance despite holiday challenges.
American Airlines Tops Cancellation List
American Airlines has been identified as having the highest flight cancellation rate for the first half of 2025, with a rate of 2.97%. This places it at the top of the list of U.S. airlines most likely to cancel flights, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Air Travel Consumer Report. The findings highlight a significant concern for travelers, especially during peak holiday periods, when reliability is crucial.
Frontier Airlines follows closely with a cancellation rate of 1.92%. These low-cost carriers often prioritize cost efficiency, which can lead to higher disruption rates. The DOT report underscores the importance of choosing airlines carefully during the holiday season to avoid last-minute cancellations and related expenses.
Reliable Choices for Travelers
In contrast, Allegiant Air and Hawaiian Airlines have demonstrated exceptional reliability, with cancellation rates of 0.53% and 0.88%, respectively. These airlines have consistently shown strong performance, making them a preferred choice for travelers seeking dependability. Hawaiian Airlines, in particular, has a reputation for punctuality and customer satisfaction, reinforcing the value of choosing airlines with proven track records.
Delta Airlines, while experiencing some peaks in cancellations during early December, generally maintains a strong performance with a 1.61% cancellation rate. Delta’s investment in operational resilience and premium service has helped it maintain a competitive edge, particularly during holiday travel periods where disruptions are more prevalent.
Southwest Airlines: A Mixed Bag
Southwest Airlines offers a mixed performance, with an overall cancellation rate of 0.89%. While it performs well through most of the year, its vulnerability during holiday periods is highlighted by its 394 cancellations during Thanksgiving week. This reflects ongoing challenges with its point-to-point model, which can lead to cascading delays and cancellations during peak travel times.
The airlines most and least likely to cancel your flight: Data from the Department of Transportation reveals which airlines are most likely to leave you stranded https://t.co/8cY3NyH5si pic.twitter.com/o8JdJLhpBS
— Quartz (@qz) December 22, 2025
Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and consider these trends when booking flights, particularly during the busy holiday seasons. The DOT’s ongoing reporting efforts provide valuable insights into airline performance, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
Sources:
Delta vs. United vs. Southwest Flight Cancellation
The Best and Worst Airlines for Flight Delays and Cancellations
Airlines with Most and Fewest Flight Delays in 2025
Most Reliable Airlines
