I take around 20 flights in Vietnam each year, and 70% of them are delayed

Certain everyday anxieties don't scream or shout; they quietly gnaw at your mind every time you think about them. For me, it's the helpless feeling of seeing the airport lounge screen flash: "Delay: 60 minutes."

In some contexts, an hour isn't much—it could be spent on a meal, a nap, or an episode of a TV show. But when that hour is suspended in airport limbo, trapped between uncertainty and silence, it feels longer than any other.

I fly frequently, averaging 15–20 domestic flights each year. The 70% delay rate I've experienced isn't coincidence; it reflects a common reality among domestic airlines.

A one-hour delay is a lost hour. I can't leave the gate, fearing an unexpected boarding call. I can't focus on work amid the noise and chaos. If I'm traveling with kids, it's an hour spent managing restlessness. With elderly parents, it's an hour worrying about their comfort and health. Even when traveling alone, that single delayed hour can derail the rest of my day.

People often advise, "Always plan extra time when flying." I understand that. But sometimes, even the best planning isn't enough. Once, I booked a 7 a.m. flight from Hanoi to make a 10 a.m. meeting in Ho Chi Minh City. Scheduled to land by 8:30, it seemed like a safe bet. But after multiple delay notices, I departed at 8:15, arrived just before 10, and entered my meeting exhausted and embarrassed.

Flight delays don't just disrupt schedules—they erode professionalism, something no serious traveler wants. I accept that delays occur due to weather, technical issues, or safety concerns. But my frustration, and likely that of many passengers, isn't just about the delay; it's about how airlines handle them.

Too often, passengers hear only a cold, vague announcement: "Your flight is delayed due to operational reasons." No genuine apology, no clear explanation, no gesture like water or meal vouchers to acknowledge passengers' inconvenience. This indifference has led many to accept delays as the "new normal" of low-cost air travel.

I've adapted by mentally preparing for delays every time I book a ticket. I no longer expect punctual departures and automatically add an hour to my itinerary. I pack books, snacks, power banks, and playlists to fill the uncertain wait. But should passengers really have to accept this?

Once, on a flight from Canada to Vietnam, everything operated exactly as scheduled—boarding, takeoff, landing—all punctual to the minute. That professionalism and respect made me realize how valuable timely flights are, leaving me even more disappointed with the chronic delays on domestic airlines.

I don't expect perfect punctuality, that's unrealistic. But I wish airlines would be more transparent, proactive in their communication, and genuinely supportive when delays occur. A clear explanation, a sincere apology, even a simple bottle of water can significantly ease passengers' frustration.

Flight delays aren't just about lost time. They're about emotions, trust, and customer care. If delays become the norm, flying will always carry a sense of fatigue and uncertainty.

Frequent flyers like myself don't just want to reach our destinations, we want to arrive on time, as promised.