10 worst airports in the U.S.

Here are 10 U.S. airports frequently cited as the worst, based on factors like flight delays, customer satisfaction, confusing layouts, and overall passenger experience:

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – New Jersey

Issues: High flight delays and cancellations; between July 2019 and July 2021, 24.29% of flights were delayed or canceled.
Additional Concerns: Recently, EWR was shifted from being part of the NYC code by the International Air Transport Association.
I do like the air train from the airport to NYC’s Penn Station though.

2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – New York

Issues: Frequent delays and cancellations; 22.52% of flights were delayed or canceled from July 2019 to July 2021.
Additional Concerns: Known for long taxi-out times, averaging 23 minutes.
Just recently an Uber ride to the city was $110.00 at a non-rush hour time!
That being said, the makeover is beautiful.

3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – California

Issues: Confusing layout and heavy traffic congestion.
Additional Concerns: Noted for its confusing layout and, like most of Los Angeles, traffic problems.

4. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Chicago

Issues: Overcrowding and frequent delays/cancellations.
Additional Concerns: Ranked lowest in the “mega” airports category of J.D. Power’s 2021 customer satisfaction survey.

5. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – Pennsylvania

Issues: Outdated terminals and traffic trouble getting there.
Additional Concerns: Came in last place among large airports on J.D. Power’s airport satisfaction survey in 2021.

6. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Texas

Issues: Flight delays and cancellations; long lines due to understaffing.
Additional Concerns: Ranked third for most delays and cancellations between July 2019 and July 2021, with more than 20% of flights delayed or canceled.

7. Denver International Airport (DIA) – Colorado

Issues: Bumpy landings and takeoffs, long TSA lines, parking issues, and construction hassle.
Additional Concerns: Experiences “mountain wave” turbulence during takeoff or landing.

8. Yeager Airport (CRW) – Charleston, West Virginia

Issues: Scary location; sits atop a flattened hill that drops off by 300 feet on all sides.
Additional Concerns: Prone to mudslides; in 2017, one of only two fatal accidents at U.S. airports happened here.

9. Miami International Airport (MIA) – Florida

Issues: High flight delays; between April 2023 and March 2024, 25.5% of flights were delayed.
Additional Concerns: Passengers lose an average of 47.1 minutes due to long departure delays and taxi-out times.

10. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – Florida

Issues: High flight delays; 31.9% of flights were delayed between April 2023 and March 2024.
Additional Concerns: Known for long taxi-out times and limited amenities.

These rankings are based on various factors including flight performance, passenger satisfaction, and overall airport experience. It’s important to note that while these airports may have certain drawbacks, they also serve millions of passengers annually and continue to work on improvements.

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