At some point you'll experience flight delays and cancellations. You're not exactly off to a good start with a flight delay. Only about 75% of flights in the US depart on time, according to the latest report published by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

Flights are often disrupted as a result of inclement weather conditions, mechanical problems or airspace congestion. But under European Regulation 261 you may be eligible for up to €600 compensation. How does one avoid flight delays? It is possible to be a frequent flier and not snag a flight delay;there are a few ways to increase your chances of an on-time arrival. The cheapest days tof booking is usually not the best days for hassle-free travel.

Having your flight canceled or delayed can mean missed connections or disruptions to your schedule at your destination. Consider these suggestions for a hassle-free time at the airport:

1. Book a morning flight.

Book the earliest flight if possible. If an aircraft arrives late at the airport, it causes consequent delays. If you have booked the day's last available flight and it gets delayed, you will be forced to spend the night at the airport. According to The Points Guy, the most important factor in determining flight punctuality is when you're flying, no matter where you're flying. They add, there are fewer problems with planes early in the morning.

2. Avoid times with potential for bad weather.

Such occasions are early morning in the Pacific Northwest for fog and late afternoon in the East for summer storms. Delayed flights due to bad weather creates a rippling effect among subsequent flights. According to Kevin Lemanowicz, chief meteorologist at Boston 25 News,the "vast majority" of thunderstorms happen in the afternoon and evening.

You can't control the weather, but you can control your plans. The number one source of flight delays in the United States is bad weather.

3. Book non-stop flights.

A delay on the first leg of your flight means your chances of missing the second leg are also great. Stops and layovers on your trip are opportunities for flight delays and cancellations because some of your stops are in areas where inclement weather is common, or if you're traveling to an airport with a bad record of flight delays.

4. Only bring a carry-on

Not getting your luggage checked will instantly reduce the chances of being delayed at the airport. Also, at least if you get stucked in an overnight delay, you'll have a change of clothes, toothbrush, medication, and any other must-have items.

5. Avoid airports with bad track records.

Some airports are more prone to cancellations and delays than others. Visit the Bureau of Transportation Statistics Web site (www.bts.gov), which has a searchable table of on-time records. According to MileCards, Newark has the worst 10-year record for summer travel, with only a 66.5 percent on-time rate.

6. Be on the lookout for delays before anyone else.

Sign up for your airline's flight alerts. Visit the FAA's Flight Delay Information page. Use apps such as FlightView or FlightRadar24. Query Google with your flight number. Then contact your airline immediately to get ahead of the pack.

We hope you our heads-up helped you.