A SAS Scandinavian Airlines passenger jet aircraft taking off from the runway at Schiphol Airport. InFocus.ee / Shutterstock.comScandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been named the most punctual airline at UK airports, with 84.6% of its flights arriving and departing on time last year, according to new research by Confused.com. The study highlights the impact of flight delays on travellers, revealing that only 32% of those affected have claimed compensation.
SAS's impressive punctuality record is followed by JetBlue, which achieved an 82.6% on-time performance, and Virgin Group, which improved its punctuality by 15% in 2025. The research underscores the importance of punctuality for travellers, with 83% of surveyed UK adults considering it a key factor when booking flights. More than half of those who have experienced delays are willing to pay nearly $61 (£50) extra to fly with a more reliable airline.
Flight delays have significant consequences, with 20% of respondents missing the entire first day of their trip. Despite these disruptions, a mere one-third of affected travellers have pursued compensation claims. Of those who did claim, 75% approached the airline directly, whilst 21% sought assistance from their travel insurance.
Tom Vaughan, a travel insurance expert at Confused.com, advises travellers to understand their rights under UK passenger rights (UK261), which obligates airlines to provide care during delays. Financial compensation may be available for delays over three hours, depending on flight distance. Vaughan also recommends considering travel disruption cover for scenarios beyond the airline's control, such as bad weather or travel bans.
This research highlights the need for travellers to be proactive in claiming compensation and considering additional insurance options to mitigate the impact of flight delays.
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