Air travel can be stressful even at the best of times, but some airports consistently add extra frustration. Below is a ranked list of the 20 worst airports in the United States, based on recent rankings, passenger feedback, and 2024–2025 travel data. Factors include frequent flight delays/cancellations, outdated or dirty facilities, poor amenities, long security wait times, and overall low customer satisfaction.
20. Yeager Airport (CRW) – Charleston, WV
Yeager Airport’s precarious location atop a plateau makes it one of the riskiest places to land. Pilots need special qualifications due to the challenging terrain. The runway’s abrupt end at a cliff can be nerve-wracking for travelers. Passengers rarely pass through, but its inclusion in the worst list arises from safety concerns. The airport’s location is scenic yet dangerous, offering a stunning view but also a potential hazard. Despite its small size, Yeager’s reputation is marked by the risk of overshooting the runway. The fear of a dangerous landing overshadows the journey for many, making it a daunting experience.
19. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is an antiquated hub struggling to keep pace with modern air travel demands. As one of the oldest major airports, its age shows in outdated facilities and limited amenities. Travelers face dissatisfaction due to tired infrastructure, and although a $2 billion renovation is planned, it remains a challenge. Cleveland’s airport ranks low in customer satisfaction, mirroring travelers’ frustrations. The airport’s heritage as a pioneer with a control tower and rail link contrasts sharply with its current outdated state. Until renovations complete, passengers endure a dreary airport experience.
18. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – Austin, TX
Austin’s bustling airport is a victim of its own success, with booming passenger numbers outpacing capacity. Crowded terminals and frequent flight delays are common as AUS ranks high for lateness. Expansion efforts add further challenges, with long waits and scarce gates. Despite new facilities, the rapid growth has strained its infrastructure. The city’s vibrant growth mirrors the airport’s struggles. Travelers face ongoing expansion pains, but the airport’s vibrant energy reflects Austin’s spirit despite operational hiccups.
17. San Diego International Airport (SAN) – San Diego, CA
San Diego International Airport, with its single runway, faces unique constraints. High traffic and weather create frequent bottlenecks, particularly during foggy spells. The proximity to the coast adds charm but also operational challenges. In 2024, over 25% of flights were delayed, marking it as one of the worst for on-time performance. The airport’s location near downtown offers convenience but underscores its runway limitations. Even minor disruptions can escalate into significant delays, frustrating travelers.
16. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – Honolulu, HI
Honolulu’s main airport has an outdated design that’s uncomfortable for modern travelers. The open-air layout requires passengers to navigate between terminals outdoors, which can be unpleasant in tropical heat. Limited air conditioning and long security lines add to the discomfort. Built in the 1960s, the airport’s charm is overshadowed by inefficiencies that frustrate fliers. Navigating between terminals while managing baggage under the Hawaiian sun is an ordeal. HNL’s vintage design is a mismatch for today’s demands, leaving travelers yearning for improvements.
15. Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, CO
Denver’s massive airport is modern but has its troubles. Its location near the Rockies means frequent turbulence, giving flights a roller-coaster feel. On the ground, staffing shortages and construction cause security bottlenecks. Parking woes and long walks between gates test travelers’ patience. Despite its size, the airport’s charm is marred by operational hiccups. The Rocky Mountain backdrop is stunning yet contributes to the turbulence that makes takeoffs and landings adventurous. The ongoing challenges at DEN overshadow its amenities.
14. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Dulles, VA
Dulles was supposed to be a modern marvel but ended up as a logistical puzzle. Its inconvenient location 30 miles from D.C. has long inconvenienced travelers. The recent Metro extension helps, yet the airport’s layout frustrates passengers. Navigating its multiple concourses can be bewildering, an unintended adventure. Dulles’ original mobile lounges are a novelty past their prime. The airport’s sleek design vision is lost in translation, leaving travelers longing for simpler connections.
13. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – Chicago, IL
Midway Airport, overshadowed by O’Hare, serves as Chicago’s no-frills hub. Its compact size leads to bustling gates and limited amenities. Travelers find few dining options and experience slow service. Midway’s runways are short for a major airport, causing nail-biting landings. Despite being a major hub, its down-to-earth nature lacks frills. The airport’s convenience is overshadowed by its bare-bones facilities, leaving passengers craving more comfort and variety. Midway’s simplicity speaks to its functional roots but leaves much to be desired.
12. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Orlando, FL
Orlando’s airport serves as a gateway to theme park magic, yet it’s plagued by chaos. Heavy tourist crowds lead to delays and congestion. Dirty restrooms and lengthy security lines are frequent complaints. Despite its vibrant atmosphere, the airport struggles to handle the influx. Families eager for vacations face stress before reaching the fun. Orlando’s charm struggles against the airport’s operational woes, dimming the initial excitement for many travelers.
11. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
DFW is a sprawling hub with five terminals, making connections a race against time. Frequent delays and cancellations add to the stress, with about 26% affected in 2024. Its size requires Skylink train rides between terminals, often in a rush. The $9 billion transformation project aims to upgrade facilities, yet for now, the sheer scope overwhelms travelers. Navigating the maze of terminals is daunting, turning a simple layover into an exhausting trek.
10. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – New York, NY
JFK’s ambitious $19 billion redevelopment aims to modernize, but chaos reigns for now. Terminals are in flux, causing confusion and delays. Gate changes and New York airspace congestion compound the frustration. While new amenities are on the horizon, travelers endure long immigration lines and road traffic jams. JFK’s future shines bright, but until then, it tests even seasoned fliers. The promise of world-class facilities keeps hopes high, but patience wears thin as construction continues.
9. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – New York, NY
LaGuardia’s transformation was a necessity after years of disrepair. Its new terminals impress, but transportation woes remain. Lack of direct rail access means traffic snarls plague travelers. Once infamous for its condition, LaGuardia now grapples with access issues. Despite new facilities, New York’s congested airspace leads to frequent delays and cancellations. The airport’s rebirth is notable, yet its legacy of inconvenience lingers. While improvements are significant, reaching the airport remains a challenge.
8. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale’s airport has expanded aggressively, stretching its capacity. Packed terminals and frequent delays characterize the experience. Only 73.9% of flights arrive on time, the worst in Florida. Low-cost carriers add to the chaos, with tight schedules and high delay rates. Facilities struggle to accommodate the crowds, straining parking and roadways. FLL is easier to navigate than Miami, but reliability is a gamble. Travelers find the bustling atmosphere overwhelming, often leading to frustration.
7. Miami International Airport (MIA) – Miami, FL
Miami’s airport serves as a bustling gateway to Latin America, yet it’s beset by delays. It faces long lines at immigration and customs, with families burdened by luggage slowing progress. Frequent thunderstorms ground flights, adding to the operational woes. In 2024, over 25% of flights were delayed, with high cancellation rates. While Miami offers plenty of dining and shopping, satisfaction suffers from the stress of navigating the hub. Travelers yearn for smoother experiences amidst the chaos.
6. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia International Airport feels stuck in another era, with dated terminals awaiting upgrades. The planned $1.8 billion renovations offer hope, but travelers currently endure dim, worn facilities. PHL ranks low in satisfaction, with heavy traffic adding to delays. About 23% of flights were delayed in 2024, further frustrating passengers. As a Northeast corridor hub, PHL struggles with congestion and weather disruptions. Until improvements materialize, the airport remains a tedious waypoint on travelers’ journeys.
5. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Chicago, IL
Chicago O’Hare is notorious for its delays, largely due to unpredictable weather. Fierce winds and snowstorms often ground flights, making it a gamble for connections. In 2024, nearly 1 in 5 flights faced significant delays or cancellations. The airport’s expansive size and outdated sections exacerbate the stress. A $6 billion redevelopment aims to alleviate overcrowding, but weather remains a wild card. O’Hare’s importance as a gateway contrasts with the challenges of navigating its complexities.
4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles International Airport is a sprawling giant, often criticized for its chaotic environment. Its nine terminals and patchwork layout confound travelers, especially during connections. Traffic congestion is notorious, adding time just to reach the terminal. Although improvements are underway, the current experience is hectic. Crowds fill the halls, and amenities often fall short of demand. Until modernization completes, LAX remains a whirlwind of bottlenecks. Southern California’s weather spares it flight delays, but ground chaos persists.
3. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s airport is infamous for its delays, primarily due to weather. Persistent fog and close runway spacing result in bottlenecks. In 2024, over 37% of flights were delayed, making it the worst for punctuality. The airport’s modern terminals offer comfort, but delays overshadow the experience. Passengers face hours-long waits, testing their patience. SFO’s scenic location belies the operational headaches, leaving travelers yearning for clearer skies and smoother journeys.
2. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, MA
Boston Logan, a major hub in New England, grapples with weather-induced delays. About 23.9% of flights were delayed in 2024. Its small footprint struggles with heavy traffic, cramming passengers into tight spaces. Snowstorms and Nor’easters add to the chaos, stranding travelers. Recent renovations offer hope, but congestion persists. Navigating Boston’s tunnels adds to road access woes. Logan’s charm is tempered by efficiency challenges, leaving travelers eager for improvements and smoother transitions.
1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Newark, NJ
Newark Liberty International Airport consistently ranks poorly due to delays and cancellations. Nearly 25% of flights face disruptions, the worst in the U.S. Crowding is a constant issue, with dirty facilities and subpar dining. Its location in New Jersey complicates access to Manhattan, adding to traveler frustrations. Security lines and poor customer service are frequent complaints. Despite being a major hub, Newark’s reputation suffers from operational inefficiencies. Passengers often experience stress and long waits, tarnishing the travel experience.
