While U.S. airlines are improving their on-time performance, more passengers are filing complaints against carriers, according to new rankings from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Hawaiian Airlines and Delta Air Lines topped the on-time rankings for November 2015, released this month. The federal government considers a flight on time if it arrives within 14 minutes of its scheduled arrival time. Hawaiian arrived on time 93.9 percent of the time, while Delta landed on schedule 89.5 percent of the time.
Budget airlines Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines had the worst on-time performances, arriving on time 75.3 percent and 74 percent of the time, respectively, and also had the highest complaint rates.
Overall, flights with the 13 largest airlines arrived on time 83.7 percent of the time, up from 80.6 percent in November 2014 but down from October 2015’s rate of 87 percent.
Passengers on five domestic flights experienced a delay on the ground for more than three hours in November 2015, and on a Qatar Airways’ flight from Detroit (DTW), travelers sat on the plane for more than six hours. All incidents are in possible violation of federal rules.
Though U.S. airlines generally performed better during the time period, complaints rose 56 percent from a year earlier against U.S. carriers and 14 percent against foreign airlines. However, 989 people took the time to file a report with the government. More people — 1,272 — complained about Transportation Security Administration screeners than about the airlines.
In your travels, which airline have you found to have the best on-time performance? The worst? Do you have any complaints about carriers and/or TSA screeners? Email us. Please include your full name and location with your email.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 25, 2026Why Lake Placid Belongs on Every Holiday Travel List
Lake Placid, New York, should be on your winter travel radar. With its snow-covered Adirondack peaks, charming Main Street and winter traditions, the destination creates a sense of nostalgic holiday fun.
Sponsored Content
Get to Know TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal's program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business. TAP FORBIZ offers solutions suited to each business: travel cost reduction, more flexibility, more benefits and more value. With TAP FORBIZ, businesses can centralize purchases, control the company budget and ensure greater cost predictability with exclusive discounts and benefits tailored to each company's profile. Each trip becomes a strategic decision to travel more and spend less.
Daily
Sep 25, 2026New Branding for Luxury Palace Cairo Hotel
One of Kempinski’s most distinctive palace hotels, the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, has just been rebranded as Kempinski Palace Cairo. Conveniently and centrally positioned in New Cairo, this 5-star property combines classic European elegance with the hospitality for which Egypt is recognized. Offering 245 swish rooms and suites, The Palace Spa by Resense, expansive event spaces, and a selection of culinary experiences, the hotel provides guest with a serene base that’s just 15 minutes from Cairo International Airport.
Daily
Sep 25, 2026Orient Express Sailing Yachts Announces Ocean Rebirth Wellness Retreat with Guerlain
Oct. 12–26, 2026, Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Guerlain welcome guests to an immersive journey with Ocean Rebirth, a fourteen-night wellness retreat aboard Orient Express Corinthian.
Sponsored Content
The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines’ Global Access
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
Daily
Sep 24, 2026Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove Adds New Amenities, Programming
Opened in early 2026, Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove continues its momentous year with newly added amenities and programming. Located in one of California’s most charming and culturally rich coastal towns, the hotel brought a new luxury lifestyle offering and a fresh spirit to the Monterey Peninsula.
4 Ways to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio
Daily
Sep 23, 2026Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026Airlines
Sep 23, 2026American Airlines, Condor Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement
American Airlines and Condor Airlines expand their international partner network with a new interline agreement, providing travelers with a wide range of new connections. Passengers can expect connections to more than 150 cities through Condor’s trans-Atlantic gateways in major hubs like JFK, BOS and LAX.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Amex to Open First Centurion Lounge in Continental Europe at Amsterdam Schiphol
American Express officially became the first global credit card company to operate a lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The brand’s Centurion Lounge opened at AMS Sept. 17, spanning nearly 6,000 square feet and offering a plethora of amenities.



ShareThis