Avoid Flight Delays: A Business Traveler's Guide

Nobody likes flight delays — especially when you’re traveling for an important business commitment. But with a little planning and some handy tips, you can minimize the risk of delays. Here’s a guide packed with best practices and potential hacks to help you avoid flight delays in 2024.

1. Choose the Right Airline

For business travelers, time is money. And the trust is that some airlines have a much better track record for punctuality than others. According to the 2023 Airline On-Time Performance Report, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines ranked highest for on-time arrivals, with more than 85% of their flights landing as scheduled.

With Navan you can see flight performance statistics in the booking flow so you can see how often the flight you're about to book departs on time/gets canceled, and what is the average delay if there is one.

2. Opt for Nonstop Flights When Possible Minimizing travel disruptions is crucial, and layovers can significantly increase the risk of delays, missed connections, and lost productivity. A study by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that flights with layovers are twice as likely to be delayed compared to nonstop flights.

While nonstop flights may come with a higher price tag, the benefits — such as avoiding the extra hassle and potential delays — often outweigh the cost. Prioritizing nonstop flights helps ensure you arrive on time and ready for your business commitments.

3. Stay Updated on Your Flight According to FlightAware, about 20% of flights experience delays. Staying informed about your flight status is crucial to maintaining a smooth itinerary. Airline apps or websites provide real-time updates so you’re immediately aware of any delays or changes.

However, managing multiple sources of information can be cumbersome. Fortunately, Navan’s integrated travel management platform simplifies the complexity by offering real-time flight tracking and notifications in one place. Navan helps you stay ahead of disruptions, allowing you to proactively adjust plans and minimize downtime, so your business trip stays on track.

4. Travel During Less-Busy Times For business travelers, timing your flights strategically can make a significant difference. Flights scheduled during peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon, are more prone to delays due to higher traffic.

Consider booking flights midweek or during off-peak hours, like late mornings or early afternoons. By choosing less-busy times, you can enjoy a quieter and smoother travel experience, reduce stress, and give you a better chance of reaching your destination promptly. This strategic planning helps maintain productivity and keeps your business engagements on schedule.

5. Arrive at the Airport Early

For business travelers, arriving at the airport early is a simple yet effective strategy to avoid unnecessary stress. Aim to be at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This buffer time helps you navigate any unexpected delays at security checkpoints or check-in counters.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), peak security wait times can take around 30 minutes, especially during busy travel periods. Arriving early helps ensure you’re on time for your flight and ready for your business commitments — without the last-minute rush.

6. Monitor the Weather Being proactive about weather conditions can save you from unexpected delays. Weather-related issues account for approximately 30% of all flight delays, making it a significant factor to consider when planning your trip.

Before you travel, check the weather forecast for both your departure and arrival cities a few days in advance. If severe weather is predicted, it might be wise to reschedule your flight to avoid disruptions.

7. Sign Up for Airline Alerts Staying informed about flight changes is essential. Airline notifications provide real-time updates on delays, cancellations, or gate changes to help you adjust your plans quickly and efficiently. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passengers who receive timely notifications report significantly lower travel stress and higher satisfaction levels.

Navan’s integrated travel management platform notifies business travelers of major changes — often before the airline does — and allows them to rebook with the click of a button. Using this industry-first feature helps you stay informed, enables you to make necessary adjustments on the fly, and keeps your business trip on track.

8. Use Fast-Track Security Options Every minute counts. Programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR expedite the security process, allowing you to bypass potentially long lines. TSA PreCheck offers expedited screening at U.S. airports, reducing wait times to under five minutes on average. And Global Entry provides faster customs processing for international travelers.

By enrolling in these programs, you can spend less time in security lines and more time preparing for your meetings or relaxing before your flight.

9. Have a Backup Plan A survey by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that 62% of business travelers reported canceling a business trip — or not booking one at all — due to air travel inefficiencies like delays and cancellations. Having a contingency plan is essential. It’s crucial to know your options in case of cancellations or delays. One thing that can save you time and stress is understanding your airline’s rebooking and compensation policies.

By using Navan’s travel management platform, you can quickly access alternative travel options and accommodations, minimizing disruption to your business schedule. This preparation helps you stay flexible and maintain productivity even when unexpected travel issues arise.

10. Stay Organized Staying organized is crucial for a smooth journey. Keeping your travel documents — ID, passport, boarding pass — easily accessible can save precious minutes during check-in and security. According to a survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), 68% of business travelers report that being well-organized reduces stress and enhances productivity during trips.

Using travel wallets or mobile apps to store digital copies of important documents can further streamline the process, making it quicker to retrieve information when needed. By staying organized, you can focus more on your business objectives and less on travel logistics.

Navan helps you organize your entire travel itinerary in a single app, so you’ll never have to search through your email to find an itinerary. You can also add all your loyalty affiliations to your profile and automatically earn points and miles with your favorite brands.

11. Check Reviews For business travelers, planning ahead can make all the difference in experiencing a smooth trip. Take the time to look up reviews for your airport as well as the specific flights you want. Some airports and routes are more prone to delays and other issues.

Websites like Skytrax and FlightStats provide comprehensive reviews and ratings on airport facilities and airline performance. Knowing which airports have frequent delays or which airlines consistently offer good service can help you make more informed decisions.

Additionally, platforms like Navan consolidate reviews from multiple sources and provide insights into the best travel options. By checking reviews and planning accordingly, you can minimize disruptions for a more efficient travel experience.

12. Use Business Travel Apps For business travelers, staying informed and organized is key to a successful trip. Leveraging business travel apps can provide a wealth of useful information, such as delay predictions, gate changes, and real-time updates. Apps like TripIt, LoungeBuddy, and FlightAware offer these features and more, helping you stay on top of any changes to your itinerary.

For a simpler all-in-one solution, consider using Navan. Navan offers comprehensive travel planning, booking, and expense management solutions. It ensures that all your travel details are in one place, making it easier to manage your schedule and reduce the stress of business travel.

Travel apps like these help make for a smoother and more efficient travel experience, allowing you to focus on your business objectives.

Best Practices and Hacks

Flight delays are sometimes unavoidable, but these tips can help make your business travel smoother:

Book morning flights: Flights earlier in the day are less likely to be delayed. As the day goes on, delays tend to stack up.

Choose smaller airports: If possible, fly out of smaller airports. They’re usually less busy and less prone to delays.

Pack light: Carrying your luggage can save time at check-in — reducing the risk of missing your flight — and baggage claim.

Bring snacks: Having your own snacks can be a lifesaver if you’re stuck waiting due to a delay.

Use business travel apps: Apps like Navan, TripIt, and FlightAware provide real-time updates, delay predictions, and gate changes, keeping you informed and organized.

Enroll in fast-track programs: Programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR expedite security and customs clearance, saving you valuable time.

Stay updated on weather: Monitor weather forecasts for both your departure and arrival cities. Have a backup plan: Know alternative flights, nearby hotels, and your airline’s rebooking policies. Navan can assist in quickly finding and booking alternatives.

Stay organized: Keep travel documents like ID, passport, and boarding pass easily accessible. Use apps to store digital copies for quick retrieval.

Check reviews: Look up reviews for airports and flights on platforms like Skytrax and FlightStats to plan better and avoid frequently delayed routes.

Travel during off-peak times: Schedule flights midweek or during non-peak hours to reduce the likelihood of delays and enjoy a quieter travel experience.

Use airport lounges: Many credit cards and travel programs offer airport lounge access. Lounges provide a quiet, comfortable space to work or relax before your flight or during layovers.

Discover how Navan can revolutionize your business travel processes. Request a demo today.