Check if flights departing an airport you plan to transit are delayed to get a general idea of inconveniences you may encounter on your trip. Use this information as a guideline, but check the status of your specific flight often to get a more specific idea of the delays you encounter. Aircraft- and airline-based delays can occur in addition to average airport delays and increase your time on the ground.

Step 1.

Visit the airport's website or consult the FAA's "Flight Delay Information" page. Use the airport's three-letter code to pull up results for the carrier if it isn't one of the default options on an airport weather look-up.

Step 2.

Check the status of your particular flight, either by calling your airline or visiting its website. In either instance, have the flight number on hand to look up the delay. This figure isn't necessarily the same as the average delay for the airport -- it may be more or less.

Step 3.

Continue monitoring the delay situation once you arrive at the airport. Delay figures airlines and airports post on websites are only estimates, and changes in conditions on the ground or in the air may increase or decrease these times.

Step 4.

Inform anyone you plan to meet when you arrive at your destination about the possibility of a delay before you board the plane, and make alternate pick-up or meeting arrangements if necessary. Call the person immediately before you board the plane to let him know you're on your way.