What “Hub-and-Spoke” Means (and How It Creates More Flight Delays)

Most flyers have no idea of the many reasons for flight delays. When you do better understand, it's hard to believe we have as many on-time flights as we do! But a bit of knowledge about how flight itineraries are constructed can help you understand the system better--- including how to plan more effectively for greater success instead of just hoping to get lucky.

If you’ve ever taken a flight with a connection, you’ve already experienced the hub-and-spoke system—even if you didn’t know what it was called. And it affects all of us.

Here’s the simple version:

• Hubs are major airports where airlines route a lot of their flights for connections.

  
  

• Spokes are the routes that connect smaller cities to that hub.

Instead of flying everywhere nonstop, airlines funnel passengers through these hubs to connect them to their final destination.

Example: Flying from Pittsburgh to Athens might look like: Pittsburgh → Philadelphia → Athens

That middle stop (Philadelphia) is the hub—and it’s doing a lot more work behind the scenes than most people realize.

Why Airlines Use This Hub-and-Spoke System

This setup isn’t random—it’s about efficiency.

• It lets airlines serve more cities

• It keeps planes fuller (which keeps costs down)

• It gives travelers more options

Without hubs, you’d have far fewer flight choices—especially from smaller airports.

Keep an eye on the flight departure board for delays and cancellations.

The Down-Side of Hub-and-Spoke

But here’s the trade-off:

Everything becomes connected.

And when everything is connected, problems don’t stay small.

Flights Aren’t Independent (This Is the Key)

A lot of people assume their flight is just… their flight.

It’s not.

That plane you’re boarding?

• It likely flew in from another city earlier that day

• It’s scheduled to go somewhere else after you land

The crew?

• They’ve probably already worked one or two flights

• They’re scheduled for more

Passengers?

• Many are connecting—just like you

So when one thing gets delayed, it starts a chain reaction.

For safety reasons, there is a maximum number of hours that flight crews can work. Major flight delays can cause a need to then wait for a new crew to be deployed.

How One Problem Turns Into a Nationwide Issue

Let’s walk through how this actually plays out.

1. Something Goes Wrong at a Hub

It could be:

• Weather

• A mechanical issue

• Air traffic control delays

• Staffing shortages

• Or an unexpected incident on the ground

Flights into that airport slow down or stop. Departures get delayed or canceled.

That’s where it starts.

2. Planes and Crews Get Out of Position

Here’s where things snowball.

Planes are scheduled like a domino line:

• If one doesn’t make it to its next city, every flight after that is affected

  
  

Crews are even more sensitive:

• They have strict legal limits on how long they can work

• If they “time out,” they can’t continue—even if the plane is ready

Now you don’t just have one delay—you have multiple flights impacted.

"I was flying home from Seattle to Philadelphia via Denver. Our evening flight out of Denver had an announcment of an expected delay of about an hour for a minor mechanical issue. An hour later, we were advised that the delay would take longer than initially expected and it would be at least another hour. And then a third announcment--- the original flight crew had timed out, and we had to wait for new pilots and flight attendants to be called in and arrive at the plane. We didn’t leave Denver until around 1 a.m." -Connie

3. Connections Fall Apart

This is where travelers really feel it.

If you’re connecting through that hub:

• You miss your next flight

• The next available seat might be hours—or even a day—later

• Hotels fill up quickly

• Rebooking lines get long

And remember—you’re not the only one. Hundreds of people are in the same situation.

4. The Domino Effect Spreads Everywhere

Now the disruption moves outward:

• A delayed plane in Chicago affects a flight in Denver

• That Denver delay impacts a flight to Los Angeles

• That Los Angeles flight delays an international departure

Suddenly, a problem in one airport is affecting travelers across the country—and even globally.

This Can Last Longer Than You Think

Here’s something most people underestimate:

Airlines don’t just “fix it” in a few hours.

• Planes are in the wrong places

• Crews need rest or replacements

• Flights are already full

It can take a full day or even several days for everything to get back on track.

How This Can Affect You

Even if your departure airport looks completely fine, you can still be impacted.

• Your plane might be coming from a delayed city

• Your crew might be stuck somewhere else

• Your connection could disappear

• Your flight could be canceled with little warning

This is why people say:“But the weather is fine here—why is my flight delayed?”

Because your flight is part of a much bigger system.

The hub-and-spoke airline system began taking shape in the late 1970s, right after the Airline Deregulation Act. It's a system that's economical and efficient for airlines and a source of aggravation for travelers.

It’s Not Just “Winter Weather”

A lot of people assume major delays are mostly caused by snowstorms.

That’s not reality.

A few years ago, I started keeping a list of real-life situations that caused travelers to miss their departures. I'm now at 25 events that act as examples of similar types of delays. These include:

• Aircraft mechanical issues

• Crew shortages or timeouts

• Air traffic control delays

• Ground equipment failures

• Medical emergencies on board

• Security incidents

• Airport shutdowns

• And yes—weather, but not just winter weather

The takeaway? Disruptions can happen at any time of year, for many different reasons.

Why This Matters for Your Plans

This isn’t just about being late—it can affect major moments:

• Missing a cruise departure (and the ship doesn’t wait)

• Missing the start of a guided tour

• Missing a once-in-a-lifetime event

And when large disruptions happen, rebooking options can be limited.

One of the many reasons I pack a pashima shawl is to use it as a light blanket when napping in an airport (floor or chair) or in my seat on the plane.

What You Can Do (This Is the Part I Care About Most for You)

After decades in travel, this is where I get very direct—because I’ve seen what happens when things go wrong.

This is exactly why I push so strongly for clients to fly in at least one day before their cruise, tour, or event.

Even better?👉 Arrive 2–3 nights beforehand if your schedule allows.

That extra time:

• Protects you from delays

• Reduces stress

• Gives you breathing room if something goes wrong

And there’s another layer of protection:

Trip insurance.

One of the many benefits is:

• Reimbursement for lost funds

• Coverage for out-of-pocket expenses caused by delays or cancellations

It’s not about expecting problems—it’s about being prepared if they happen.

Additional Reading:

• Essential Items to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag

• From Takeoff to Landing: 16 Tips for a More Comfortable Trip

• 31 Germy Surfaces to Quickly Disinfect When Traveling to Avoid Illness

• Is Travel Insurance Worth the Cost? Do You Really Need It?

  
  

Create plans that help ensure you are waiving from your ship or motorcoach at the terminal---- not waiving from the terminal at your ship or motorcoach.

The Bottom Line

The hub-and-spoke system is what makes modern travel possible. It connects the world in ways that weren’t imaginable decades ago.

But that same system is also why a single issue—at a single airport—can impact travelers far beyond that location.

Once you understand that, the advice makes a lot more sense:

Give yourself time. Build in a buffer. Protect your investment.

Because when it comes to travel, it’s not just about getting there.

It’s about making sure you don’t miss what you were so excited to experience in the first place.

Happy Traveling!

-Connie