Few things are more frustrating than a delayed or canceled flight.
Air travel is both liberating and limiting: It can take you across the globe in hours, yet leaves you stranded when things go wrong. Unlike catching another bus or calling an Uber, there’s often no quick backup — especially when you must cross the pond for your cousin’s wedding or a crucial conference.
Thankfully, the majority of flights actually arrive on time. Sometimes, though, delays happen. ClaimHelp notes common reasons for these flight disruptions.
Reasons for airline flight delays:
- Weather conditions
- Air traffic congestion
- Mechanical issues
- Airline operations
- Security checks
Last December, the U.S. Department of Transportation under then-President Joe Biden required public comment on the rulemaking process about whether air carriers should be required to pay $200 to $300 for domestic delays of up to three hours and up to $775 for longer delays.
Now, the government plans to ditch the proposal that was heavily criticized by U.S. airlines.
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Government drops flight delay compensation proposal
The Department of Transportation plans to eliminate a proposed rule requiring that airlines compensate passengers for non-weather-related flight delays and cancellations, reported Reuters.
The White House recently confirmed that the Department plans to withdraw the notice “consistent with department and administration priorities.”
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Airlines for America (formerly known as Air Transport Association of America), a trade association and lobbying group representing major North American airlines since 1936, praised the move.
“We are encouraged by this Department of Transportation reviewing unnecessary and burdensome regulations that exceed its authority and don’t solve issues important to our customers,” Airlines for America stated.
And former Biden-administration economic adviser Brharat Ramamurti commented on the proposed rule, saying that the idea behind it was not only compensating passengers with real cash, but also ensuring “far fewer delayed and canceled flights in the first place.”
The majority of flights are on time, but delays also happen
Bureau of Transportation Statistics data from June 2025 revealed that 70.15% of flights made it on time. The Bureau considers a flight delayed when it arrives 15 or more minutes later than the scheduled time.
On-time flight performance numbers for June 2025:
- 70.15% arrived on time.
- 10.67% of aircraft arrived late.
- 8.19% occurred due to air carrier delays.
- 7.46% were national aviation system delays.
- 1.33% delays involved security.
- 1.77% of flights were canceled.
- 0.39% of flights were diverted.
It turns out that, at least according to June 2025 data, the most common reason for flight delays wasn’t weather but air carrier delays, which include airline-controlled issues such as technical problems, late crew, or air traffic control congestion.
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Similar compensation rules like those in the proposal that was denied already exist in Canada, with airlines having to pay compensation for some flight delays and cancellations under certain conditions, thanks to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).
A spokesperson for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Department of Transportation “will faithfully implement all aviation consumer protection requirements mandated by Congress,” adding that some rules proposed under Biden “went beyond what Congress has required by statute, and we intend to reconsider those extra-statutory requirements.”
How to deal with flight delays
Beyond delays and cancellations, air travel stress often stems from long security lines, crowds, and time pressure. Travelers must follow strict packing rules — from weight limits to 3.4-ounce liquid containers, removing electronics, and carrying valid ID or passports.
Adding to the confusion, TSA rules frequently change. This year, it ended the 23-year-old shoe removal policy — one of the most unpopular requirements.
The agency also reminded travelers that cordless irons and hair straighteners are banned in checked bags, and that electronic toothbrushes must follow specific battery-related packing guidelines.
These are the things you can impact to avoid stress at the security checks by informing yourself on time, and packing accordingly.
But what about delays or cancellations that are out of your control? Regardless of the cause of delay, ClaimHelp offers the following important advice for passengers.
Strategies to mitigate impact of flight delays and cancellations:
- Stay informed by using airline apps or airport information screens for real-time updates.
- Know your rights (some carriers outside of the U.S. are obliged to compensate passengers for delays over three hours).
- Pack smart by keeping travel documents, chargers, and snacks in your carry-on.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)
Make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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