Can You Guess the Best and Worst U.S. Airports? Find Out Now!
Airports can definitely test your patience. I was running late getting to the Los Angeles airport for my flight a few years ago. I was already behind, but once I saw the security line, I knew I was in trouble–it was slow-moving and endless, with hordes of people waiting. I barely made my flight, sweaty and frazzled as I boarded.
While many airports are known for efficiency and amenities, some are notorious for delays and crowded terminals. Knowing why travelers rate these airports the best and worst in the United States can help prepare you and hopefully save you some frustration.
1. Worst: New York City John F. Kennedy Airport, New York
If you’re flying into New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), be prepared to wait. Around 24% of JFK flights were delayed in 2022. Even though New York has been unseasonably warm lately, bad weather in other parts of the country can cause a domino effect, messing with JFK’s schedule.
But here’s the silver lining: JFK has a curling rink and a heated rooftop pool open year-round for preflight fun, which can help ease the frustration of a delay.
2. Worst: Los Angeles International Airport, California
The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a reputation for being…well, not the most pleasant travel experience. LAX has nine terminals, some of which are poorly connected.
You’ll often have to go through security again to catch domestic connections. LAX is not the best when it comes to restaurants. It’s the fifth busiest airport in the U.S., so you’d expect a wider variety of dining options, right? Apparently not!
3. Worst: Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Illinois
If you’re looking forward to your trip but are connecting through or landing at O’Hare (ORD)–temper your excitement. ORD is notorious for delays and slow or broken-down internal trains that can throw a wrench in your plans. You might find yourself navigating crowded hallways or weaving through people on the moving walkway to make your connecting flight on time.
While O’Hare conveniently connects to the city’s train system, the terminals are outdated, finding your gate feels like a maze, and comfy waiting spots with phone outlets are scarce.
4. Worst: Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey
Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) sits just about 30 minutes outside New York City, so you’d think it would be a convenient choice if you’re heading to the Big Apple. However, EWR has a bit of a reputation, and it’s not exactly for being a five-star paradise. According to a study, EWR has more flight cancellations than any other airport in the U.S.
That Thanksgiving trip you meticulously planned? There’s a chance it might not take off. Not to mention, Terminal B can be very crowded. Thinking of switching to LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK? They have similar cancellation rates, so New York City airport options are a toss-up.
5. Worst: Orlando International Airport, Florida
Whether you’re a college kid ready to party or a family heading to the best theme parks around, you might face some difficulties going through Orlando’s airport (MCO).
This Florida travel hub gets slammed during spring break, leading to more delays and cancellations. With 31% of flights delayed and 1.5% canceled, chaos is common at MCO. Add in grumpy staff and crazy crowds, and your trip might start on a rough note.
6. Worst: Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has won a few titles, but they weren’t good. PHL has some of the longest delays in the country, averaging one hour and 26 minutes per delayed flight.
Plus, J.D. Power ranked it the worst large airport in North America for passenger satisfaction three years in a row. Flyers report lacking facilities, security lines, and food options.
7. Worst: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ranked 18th out of 20 for customer satisfaction–not very good for an airport with 46 million travelers a year!
Constant construction turned it into an obstacle course of skybridge closures and barricades. But there’s hope—they’re investing heavily in improvements, so better trips might be ahead for the Pacific Northwest!
8. Worst: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) can be a bit of a travel nightmare. People frequently complain about long waits, sometimes exceeding an hour, for everything from check-in to security to baggage claim.
Even though Florida experienced crazy rains in 2023, FLL isn’t the best at handling downpours, causing delays that mess up your itinerary. With four separate terminals and no airside connection, you might find yourself sprinting (suitcase in hand) to make your connecting flight.
9. Best: Minneapolis St. Paul, Minnesota
The Airports Council International named Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP) the Best Airport in North America for three years in a row. This award is no fluke—it’s based on votes from over half a million travelers worldwide who praised everything from easy gate navigation to friendly security staff and spotless bathrooms.
Plus, in 2023, Cirium ranked MSP the world’s most on-time international airport, ensuring you’re less likely to miss a connection and face a frantic scramble for your next flight.
10. Best: Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is the golden ticket of airports, ranking number one for customer satisfaction in the U.S. in 2023. Say goodbye to long security lines—DTW keeps things moving smoothly. Clean, comfortable terminals and a AAA Four-Diamond hotel on-site mean you can relax before your flight. If you’re hungry, DTW has a great selection of food and drink options, from quick coffee fixes to delicious sit-down meals.
11. Best: Tampa International Airport, Florida
Tampa International Airport (TPA) earned top marks from J.D. Power for its sleek terminals, efficient arrivals and departures, stress-free baggage claim, speedy security lines, and smooth check-in process.
Plus, there are tons of food and shopping options to keep you entertained. No wonder TPA snagged the title of the best large airport in North America for two years in a row!
12. Best: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) makes traveling easy with quick security lines, smooth baggage claim, and various dining and shopping options—all backed by a stellar on-time flight rate of 75%.
According to aviation experts, it’s no wonder they ranked number 5 worldwide. Plus, DFW keeps costs low with affordable short-term parking at just $2 and a maximum weekly fee of $105.
13. Best: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, North Carolina
Nobody likes waiting around at airports, but Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) makes it easy. Navigating the airport is pretty simple with a single terminal building with five concourses.
If you’re sick of the same five restaurants at most airports, you should know that CLT has 74 dining options to keep you well-fed while you wait. They’re constantly expanding with a multi-billion dollar project called Destination CLT, including new concourses, terminals, and a whole new runway!
14. Best: San Francisco International Airport, California
In 2022, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) won not one but two major awards. Passengers voted it the Best Airport in North America by the Airports Council International (ACI), and the Wall Street Journal named it the top large U.S. airport. Known for quick security lines and on-time flights, SFO makes traveling easy so you can focus on your trip.
15. Best: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Georgia
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is your gateway to everywhere, with over 1,000 daily flights to 225 destinations. Known for “relentless efficiency,” ATL gets you where you need to be fast so you can stress less and explore more.
They make sure your first impression of Atlanta includes friendly staff, easy navigation, and maybe even a tasty waffle to welcome you (Atlanta is famous for its waffles!).
16. Best: Harry Reid Las Vegas International Airport, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t just known as the place where you can stay up all night, gamble, drink, and get married in the middle of the night by an Elvis impersonator–it’s also known for its efficiently run airport! You might be surprised, but Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is actually ranked as one of the top 10 airports in the USA!
Whether it’s the Vegas excitement or the friendly staff, passengers often have a great experience. LAS is easy to navigate and big on eco-friendly initiatives, using clean energy sources to power the airport, which is pretty cool.
What’s Your Vote?
Which airport do you avoid at all costs? Which airport makes your trip easy? Let me know in the comments.
