Delays, overcrowding, poor service—traveling through American airports can be a frustrating experience.
While some airports offer seamless journeys, others are best avoided if you want to preserve your sanity. From chaotic terminals to endless security lines, certain airports have earned a reputation for making travel unnecessarily stressful.
Here’s a look at the top American airports you should steer clear of whenever possible.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Congested terminals and chaotic traffic make LAX one of the most stressful airports in the country. Frequent construction projects and long security lines add to the frustration, often causing significant delays. If you can, consider alternative airports like Burbank or Long Beach for a more seamless experience.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Consistently ranked among the worst for on-time arrivals and departures, Newark Liberty is infamous for delays and overcrowded facilities. The airport’s aging infrastructure and confusing layout only add to the frustration for travelers. With New York City offering other airport options, many opt to avoid Newark whenever possible.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, but that comes with a downside: frequent delays and lengthy layovers. The airport’s sprawling size can be overwhelming, and navigating from one terminal to another often requires significant time and patience. For those flying through Chicago, Midway Airport might offer a less hectic alternative.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Despite recent renovations, LaGuardia remains plagued by delays, cramped terminals, and limited amenities. The airport’s proximity to Manhattan does little to ease the frustration of its outdated facilities and constant congestion. Travelers frequently cite LaGuardia as one of the least pleasant airports in the U.S.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Frequent delays and less-than-stellar customer service make visiting Philadelphia International a frustrating experience. The airport’s confusing layout and dated terminals add to the overall dissatisfaction. Many prefer to drive to nearby New York or Washington, D.C. airports.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami International is notorious for its long immigration lines, especially for international travelers. The airport’s sprawling design can be confusing, with many passengers finding it difficult to navigate between terminals. For a smoother experience, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a popular alternative.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
As the busiest airport in the world, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson is often overcrowded with frequent delays. The airport’s vast size means long walks between gates, and its frequent weather-related disruptions can be frustrating for travelers.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
DFW’s sprawling layout, complete with multiple terminals and runways, can be a logistical nightmare for passengers. The airport’s frequent delays and complex navigation leave many travelers frustrated, especially those with tight connections. Dallas Love Field is often a preferred alternative for those looking to avoid the hassles of DFW.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Frequent delays due to fog and other weather-related issues, and over-crowded terminals make flying from, to, or through SFO challenging. Oakland International Airport offers a less congested alternative for Bay Area travelers.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles is far from downtown D.C. and has outdated facilities. The airport’s long security lines and inconvenient layout make it one to avoid if possible. Many travelers prefer to fly into Reagan National Airport for its proximity and easier navigation.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International is susceptible to severe weather delays, particularly in winter. The airport’s sprawling design means long walks between terminals, and its remote location adds extra time to any trip. For a smoother experience, Colorado Springs Airport can be a better option.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Boston Logan is often congested, with narrow terminals and limited seating adding to the stress of travel. The airport’s confusing roadways and frequent traffic jams make getting to and from the airport a hassle. Travelers often consider nearby Manchester or Providence airports as more manageable alternatives.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Winter snow storms frequently disrupt schedules at Detroit Metro. The airport’s vast layout requires significant walking, and many passengers find the terminal design confusing. If possible, consider flying into Grand Rapids for a less stressful experience.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma, or Sea-Tac, struggles with overcrowding and long security lines, particularly during peak travel times. The airport’s aging infrastructure and ongoing construction projects only add to the frustrations of navigating the terminals. For a more pleasant experience, Bellingham International offers a quieter alternative.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International sees high volumes of tourists, which often leads to long lines and crowded terminals. The airport’s layout can be confusing, particularly for first-time visitors, and delays are common. Some travelers opt for Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is smaller and less chaotic.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Overcrowded terminals with limited seating make Charlotte Douglas a top airport to avoid. Its design can make navigating between gates a challenge, especially during tight layovers. Travelers often wish they could avoid the bottlenecks and delays that are all too common at CLT.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental is known for its long lines and frequent flight delays. The airport’s expansive layout requires lengthy walks between terminals, which can be frustrating for passengers with tight connections. Houston Hobby Airport is often preferred for its more manageable size and smoother operations.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
McCarran International’s proximity to the Las Vegas Strip makes it a busy and often overwhelming airport. The terminals are frequently crowded, and long security lines can be a major hassle, especially during peak travel seasons. For a less chaotic experience, some travelers consider flying into the nearby Henderson Executive Airport.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is notorious for its cramped terminals and frequent delays. The airport’s design can make it difficult to navigate, particularly during busy periods. Many travelers opt for nearby Miami International Airport despite its own set of challenges.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor often struggles with long security lines and crowded terminals. The airport’s layout can be confusing, with some terminals requiring shuttle transportation. Tucson International Airport offers a quieter and more straightforward alternative for those looking to avoid the hassle.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, while generally efficient, can be a nightmare during winter when snow and ice lead to frequent delays. The airport’s large size means long walks between gates, which can be taxing for passengers.
New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY)
New Orleans’ airport is often criticized for its limited amenities and crowded facilities. The airport’s layout can be confusing, and frequent delays make it a less desirable option for travelers. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, though smaller, can be a more pleasant alternative.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
BWI is often crowded, with long security lines and limited seating, which add to the stress. The airport’s food and retail options are limited, making long layovers particularly uncomfortable. For a smoother experience, some travelers choose to fly into Reagan National or Dulles instead.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Nashville International has become increasingly congested due to the city’s growing popularity as a tourist destination. The airport’s terminals are often overcrowded, and long security lines are common. Some travelers prefer the smaller and less hectic Chattanooga Airport.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is one of the busiest international gateways in the U.S., but it’s also notorious for its long security lines, frequent delays, and confusing layout. The airport’s outdated terminals and constant construction projects only add to the frustration for travelers.
