It seems like over the past few years the rate of delays has sky rocketed. I can't remember the last time one of my trips with a connection wasn't delayed. Is there a reason for this or am I just unlucky?

hmmm...there are data tracking websites you can follow. not sure what your airline is but AA posted 82% on time rate for July 2025

https://www.nextflyapp.com/news/airline/7

good site here to track july 2025

https://www.oag.com/nam-on-time-performance-data

AA specifically has had an issue with international service due to the fact they are very tight on widebody aircraft. The summer schedule was predicated on everything going smoothly (which is never the case with weather, maintenance, etc.). I do anticipate that with deliveries of 787-9's and onset of the fall / winter schedule there will be more slack going forward.

Summer schedules and a busy storm season have every airline running on a very slim operational margin, just not enough planes and crews.

DFW leading the nation so far this year and anecdotally I believe it:

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article311813396.html

Ag CPA said:

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DFW leading the nation so far this year and anecdotally I believe it:

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article311813396.html

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Not shocking to me at all. I will do anything I can to avoid flying through Dallas because I invariably wind up delayed or cancelled nearly every time I do. Flying out of Austin, most of the flights are going to either go through Dallas or IAH and I have had really good luck going through IAH lately.

txags92 said:

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Not shocking to me at all. I will do anything I can to avoid flying through Dallas because I invariably wind up delayed or cancelled nearly every time I do. Flying out of Austin, most of the flights are going to either go through Dallas or IAH and I have had really good luck going through IAH lately.

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One of the main reasons I moved from Austin to Denver when I started traveling for work.

And that was 25 years ago.

Per the article IAH and AUS are #8 and #11, respectively, so they are better but still not great.

Ag CPA said:

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Per the article IAH and AUS are #8 and #11, respectively, so they are better but still not great.

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Any airport in Texas is going to have its issues just because of the frequency of thunderstorms with lightning that can cause ground holds and other delays. Thankfully other than one weather caused departure delay out of Austin on a late night flight to NO, I have not had any serious issues at AUS or IAH in several years (and I say that knowing it means my next flight is going to be a nightmare because I am jinxing myself).

In summer I try to fly early in the AM if at all possible.

Try to fly first flight out or early am if possible