economy
Summer air travel could be rough. Here's how travelers can prepare.
Updated on: May 21, 2026 / 2:20 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Air travel is facing a summer of potential stress with increased fares, delays, and cancellations.
- A report indicates that last year, one in 12 flights were over an hour late, and over 100,000 flights were canceled.
- American, Frontier, and JetBlue were the worst-performing airlines for cancellations, while Allegiant, Hawaiian, and Southwest canceled the fewest.
- Hawaiian, Delta, and Southwest were the most on-time airlines, with Frontier, JetBlue, and American being the least punctual.
- Contributing factors include a shortage of air traffic controllers, weather, airport capacity issues, and passengers storing more luggage in overhead bins.
- Rising jet fuel prices due to the Iran war are increasing fares and leading airlines to reduce less profitable routes.
- Passengers are entitled to refunds if their flight is canceled and they choose not to fly or be rebooked.
- Booking early morning flights (6-8 a.m.) increases the likelihood of arriving on time.