Take nonstop flights. If you can't avoid a connection, leave at least an hour between arrival and departure. Fly as early as possible, preferably before 9 a.m. Late-night flights often are canceled, and delays are worst between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. 3. Avoid the last week of the month.
Crews have monthly service limits, so cancellations are more likely.
Check on-time records. Avoid airlines with labor problems. They may face slowdowns even if a strike has not been called. Get a paper ticket, not an e-ticket. It makes transfering to another airline much quicker in the event your flight is canceled.