These Are The Most Punctual Airlines In The World

There are a lot of factors to consider when traveling. Where are you going? Where are you staying? What are the top restaurants in the area? But, if you really want your trip to go off without a hitch, you might want to start by doing everything you can to ensure you get to your destination on time.

Nothing’s worse than waiting around in an airport for a delayed flight, especially when the delay is robbing precious time from an important business trip, special family gathering or long-awaited vacation. Of course, sometimes there are unforeseen weather circumstances that can’t be controlled, but many flights are often delayed for other, more frustrating reasons that are the fault of the airlines, like mechanical issues, missing flight crews and computer issues.

So if you want to do your best to avoid a delay, why not try to fly the airlines that are least likely to operate delayed flights? Researchers at OAG, a company that compiles flight status data, reviewed the data compiled in 2016 to make a current list of the world’s most punctual airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines took the top slot as the most punctual airline—great news if you’re looking to take your next vacation to Hawaii or another destination the airline services.

The largest American airline to make the top 20 list was Delta, coming in at number eight. OAG calls this is a “remarkable achievement,” considering the large number of flights Delta operates each year.

Copa Airlines took the No. 2 spot and the Dutch airline KLM came in third. So, statistically, if you want to get where you’re going on time, these are the best airlines to fly.

But, punctuality isn’t the only thing that makes for a great flight, as evidenced by the fact that the most punctual airlines don’t always top the list of traveler favorites. TripAdvisor’s 2016 rankings of the best and worst airlines gave top honors to Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, based on the number of five-star reviews each one received.

Read more about the most punctual airlines—and airports—here.