1. Check the airline's record of delays and cancellations.
2. Book nonstop or have 2-4 hours between connections.
3. Fly as early as possible and on an originator flight.
4. Avoid peak travel times.
5. Check flight status and airport wait times before heading out.

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• by Lynn Truong

• Flying can be a nightmare--the mad dash across the terminal, the missed flight, the endless wait in the airport lounge for the next flight out--don't let it happen to you. Skip the many headaches of air travel by knowing a few tricks of the trade and avoiding delays.

• Choosing the right airport is key to avoiding delays. Keep these tips in mind when selecting your airport.

1. If you have the choice between flying through a major airport and a secondary airport, choose the secondary airport.Avoid Delays: Making Your Connections
   • Smaller airports are less congested (with both people and planes) so usually have less delays.Avoid Delays: Making Your Connections
2. When booking a flight that has a connection, consider that it may take a long time to get to the connecting gate at large airports.Avoid Delays: Making Your Connections
3. Check the National Air Traffic Controllers Association website for tips on particular airports.NATCA (National Air Traffic Controllers Association): Tips From the Experts on Avoiding Delays
   • It shows the best times to fly both in and out of that airport.

• When searching for airfare, keep in mind the record and reputation of the airline.

1. Check the airline's on-time averages.RITA: Airline On-Time Statistics
   • -For example, compare the statistics of airlines between January 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008 found on the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website:RITA: Summary Statistics Airline
     • 32% of American Airline's flights were late, and 4% were canceled.
     • 21% of Delta 's flights were late, and almost 2% were canceled.
     • 21% of Southwest's flights were late, and less than 1% were canceled.
   • -For an even more comprehensive report, the DOT publishes a monthly report on airlines including data like flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales, consumer complaints and more.Department of Transportation: Air Travel Consumer Report
2. You can also check NATCA's Avoid Delays website to see the most delayed flights and airports.Avoid Delays

• When purchasing your airline ticket, it's important to know which flights are prone to delays and which travel times have the most congestion.

1. Book a nonstop flight if possible.Avoid Delays: Booking Your Flights Tips One less flight means one less opportunity for delay.
2. If you can't get a nonstop flight, avoid tight connections.Avoid Delays: Making Your Connections Airlines are not required to hold their flights for connecting passengers.Avoid Delays: Making Your Connections
   • A two to four hour layover is recommended.The Airfarewatchdog Blog: Ten tips for avoiding delayed/canceled flights and what to do if all else fails
3. Get an earlier flight.Avoid Delays: Booking Your Flights Tips Delays affect the schedule down the line, and gets worse throughout the day.Avoid Delays: Booking Your Flights Tips
   • Book the first flight of the day if you can.The Airfarewatchdog Blog: Ten tips for avoiding delayed/canceled flights and what to do if all else fails
4. Avoid the last return flight. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you still have options for that day.CNN: Savvy travelers find ways to avoid airport delays
5. Get an originator flight.Avoid Delays: Booking Your Flights Tips These are flights on planes that begin the day at the airport.Avoid Delays: Booking Your Flights Tips
   • This way, you won't have to wait for a plane to arrive from another location.
6. Some flights are notoriously delayed.Avoid Delays: Making Your Connections Use FlightStats to check the history of a certain flight number.FlightStats: Flight Rating
7. Avoid Monday - Friday peak times of 7:00am-10:00am and 4:00pm-8:00pm.USA Today: Eight ways to avoid air travel delays
   • Choose a flight on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.USA Today: Eight ways to avoid air travel delays

• Be prepared on the day of travel. Don't leave for the airport without confirming your flight and airport status.

1. Before leaving for the airport, check to confirm that your flight is on time by calling or checking the airline's website.The Airfarewatchdog Blog: Ten tips for avoiding delayed/cancelled flights and what to do if all else fails
2. Also check the TSA site to get wait time information for your airport and time of day.TSA (Transportation Security Administration): Security Checkpoint Wait Times
3. Know the carry on limits. Having to gate check may delay the flight.Avoid Delays: At the Airport Tip
4. Know your airline's Rule 240.PC Mag: 8 Tricks to Beat Airport Delays You may be entitled to certain vouchers or reimbursement if your flight is canceled.PC Mag: 8 Tricks to Beat Airport Delays

• By doing a little extra research when booking your flight, you can avoid common delays and have a smoother trip. Try combining these principles with the tips from How to Book a Cheap Flight and How to Fly During the Holidays for a truly satisfying flying experience.