Best and Worst Airports in the United States

Not all airports in the United States are created equal. Where does your favorite (and least favorite) airport land?

Airports — bridges to the world with options for endless exploration, or overcrowded halls full of chaos and screaming children?

It depends who (and where) you ask.

Around the world, airports are becoming more luxurious as they seek to serve as destinations unto themselves. Take the Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport, a new 10-story futuristic building between terminals that boasts the world’s largest indoor waterfall and a jungle-like atmosphere of 100,000 plants.

But not all airports are so cutting-edge. When it comes to America’s airports specifically, well — we’re a little further behind. Leading passenger rights specialist AirHelp recently scored 132 major airports around the world, and not a single American airport even cracked the top 30.

Still, of the 15 major airports AirHelp had enough data to assess, some are clearly better than others.

The best American airport is No. 34 overall. As for the worst? It’s safe to say it’s pretty dismal in most every way…

15. Newark Liberty International Airport

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On-time performance: 6.7
Quality of service: 7.1
Food and shops: 7.1
TOTAL: 6.83 (out of 10)
GLOBAL RANK: 116

*To calculate these scores, AirHelp surveyed over 40,000 people in more than 40 countries and analyzed various travel statistics including an airport’s on-time performance, food and shopping options, and service quality.

Unsurprising to any New York or New Jersey resident, Newark Liberty International Airport was ranked the worst of the American airports on AirHelp’s list. The New Jersey hub landed at 116 out of 132 airports — not exactly impressive. (But hey, at least there are a few even-more-miserable airports out there?)

As one of the Tri-State Area’s three major airports, Newark falls closely behind JFK — LaGuardia was not included in AirHelp’s scores due to lack of data.

Newark’s security lines can stretch endlessly, a transportation purgatory created by poor design that forces travelers to wait in one straight queue, as opposed to the snaking lines typical of most TSA checkpoints. This dire feeling continues once travelers reach their terminals to discover scenes of chaos and stress.

The number of grumpy fliers at Newark is unfortunately trending upward, as the airport continues to surpass traveler volume records. No, the day before Thanksgiving was not the busiest travel day of the year at Newark — simply a Thursday in April that clocked more than 78,118 travelers. In the grand scheme of airport travel, this number isn’t staggering, but when Newark’s infrastructure can’t support that many travelers, it’s a problem.

Inclement weather issues — admittedly out of the airport’s control, but it feels good to blame someone — and frequent travel delays warrant the 6.7 on-time performance score. Add in an overall lack of cleanliness reported by travelers, and you have the recipe for a dismal reputation.

14. John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City

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On-time performance: 7.2
Quality of service: 7.2
Food and shops: 7.8
TOTAL: 7.31
GLOBAL RANK: 86

New York’s primary international airport, and one of North America’s busiest, is the second-worst U.S. airport on AirHelp’s list.

Not the closest to Manhattan — LaGuardia wins on that front — getting to JFK from the city can take well over an hour, given the time of day and traffic.

JFK is appropriately massive, its size scaled to match its incredible traffic (it welcomes nearly 60 million passengers each year). Each of the airport’s six terminals offer dozens of food and drink options, ranging from a diverse palate of international cuisine to the stereotypical chain-coffee joints. The eating options can be overwhelming, but it’s guaranteed there is at least an appealing meal option for every traveler.

The airport is making efforts to modernize and rebrand itself — the retro TWA Hotel reopened in May, a 1960s-inspired space evocative of Pan Am days and the Golden Age of flying. Fascinating amenities at this new hotel include a swanky rooftop bar and pool, over 600 rotary (converted to digital) phones and The Connie, a downed propeller plane transformed into a cocktail bar with re-upholstered seats and bright red carpeting to match.

Alas, these appealing features aren’t enough to compensate for poor quality of service and on-time performance, making this one of America’s less impressive airports overall.

13. Houston William P. Hobby Airport

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On-time performance: 7.1
Quality of service: 7.8
Food and shops: 7.6
TOTAL: 7.32
GLOBAL RANK: 83

Did you know Houston has two major airports? Both are on AirHelp’s list; William P. Hobby is ranked the lowest.

The smallest of Houston’s sister airports, Hobby is decidedly more low-key and quieter than George Bush Airport, one of the largest airports in the country. Located 11 miles south of Downtown Houston, it is incredibly convenient for fliers of its largest servicing airline, Southwest. (The Bush airport is almost twice as far away from downtown.)

HOU strives to make the flying experience a bit more uplifting, showcasing local singers every day of the week in the Central Concourse Rotunda as part of its “Harmony in the Air” program. The music ranges from pop/contemporary and classical to R&B and international.

Travelers with some extra time can explore the onsite 1940s Air Terminal Museum, pictured here, an Art Deco building that once served as Houston’s main departure gate. Numerous galleries showcase the city’s lesser-known aviation history, reminding visitors of a time when Lockheed Constellations dominated the runways and flying was in fashion.

So why isn’t this airport higher on the list? Like JFK and Newark, it too suffers from poor on-time performance. Weather isn’t too bad here, but the airport’s size and lack of gate options can cause issues.

12. Boston Logan International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.1
Quality of service: 7.9
Food and shops: 7.5
TOTAL: 7.35
GLOBAL RANK: 80

Located in Boston’s east side, Logan Airport is the city’s major air hub and serves over 40 million travelers each year. Designed with an aesthetic to reflect New England sophistication, the airport features various permanent sculptures and rotating pieces from local artists.

An alternative to Uber into town is the water taxi from Logan Airport across the scenic Boston Harbor. In the summer and fall months, sailboats and ferries dot the historic waters in front of the downtown skyscrapers, with passengers enjoying the pleasant sea breeze and perfect photo-ops.

Hungry on your next Logan layover? Check out Dine Boston, with a rotating menu designed by local Boston chefs, such as Jose Duarte of Taranta, which frequently earns four- and five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Harpoon Tap Room is the best place to take the edge off of travel, pouring drafts from the local Harpoon Brewery and serving classic New England fare — fish and chips, sandwiches and clam chowder. (Or rather, chowdah.)

7.1 is a fairly poor score for on-time performance, though, outweighing some of the airport’s strengths. Delays are fairly common, and while this is largely due to inevitable weather issues, the airport also bears some responsibility. A system glitch in April 2019, to take a recent example, caused more than 240 delays at the airport.

11. Chicago O’Hare International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.1
Quality of service: 7.1
Food and shops: 7.8
TOTAL: 7.37
GLOBAL RANK: 75

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport was constructed out of a World War II plane factory — humble beginnings — and has since evolved into one of the world’s busiest airports, servicing 83.4 million travelers in 2018.

Top complaints among travelers include a lack of organization and unfriendly staff, warranting the 7.1 quality of service rating. Recent reviews on Skytrax, a community-sourced travel guide, are consistently scathing — a scan of recent reviews all include “awful” in the headline.

Another common grumble? Long security wait times. (To bypass infuriating queues, we recommend registering for TSA PreCheck — a tip that is extremely useful for all airport travel. Almost all U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the program.)

Plus, the weather here is miserable most months, with those infamous Chicago winds causing frequent flight delays. The airport has no control over storms, of course, but it’s also been singled out for having a poor design that contributes to back-ups and delays.

The airport’s one major highlight? Its culinary offerings, with a delicious bite for everyone. Outposts include celebrity-chef eateries like Wolfgang Puck and Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless. Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar is an elegant option for layover lunches, with wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows displaying the Terminal 1 runways — sip on some chilled sake to deal with O’Hare stress.

(AirHelp didn’t have enough data to assess Chicago Midway, the city’s sister airport. But generally speaking, customers are split on which is best.)

10. San Francisco Airport

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On-time performance: 7.3
Quality of service: 7.6
Food and shops: 7.5
TOTAL: 7.39
GLOBAL RANK: 71

While the San Francisco airport is plagued by many of the common pitfalls of U.S. airports — long check-in lines, even longer TSA lines, overcrowded terminals — it succeeds in its cleanliness and zen amenities.

SFO airport bathrooms are shockingly pristine, (nearly) resembling the well-maintained facilities of a four-star hotel. Airy terminals with floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of the Bay Area — stalled travelers can watch the SF fog roll in over the surrounding mountains while planes take off.

Travelers seeking a few moments of peace can enjoy the airport’s yoga room, a mindful refuge from the bustle. The room is dimly lit and supplies travelers with their own yoga mats, completely free of charge.

But, and this is a fairly big but, the Bay Area’s temperamental weather often causes flight delays or landing issues. Frequent travelers know the dread of their plane missing the “SF flow” — the order in which planes land at the airport — which can cause planes to circle above the airport for what feels like hours on end (but is usually just a few extra minutes).

The airport can’t control the weather, mind you, but it can control how its infrastructure handles inevitable weather-related issues. SFO has introduced new technology and FAA procedures to minimize headaches. But as its relatively low score on this front makes clear, it still has a ways to go.

9. Los Angeles International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.6
Quality of service: 6.9
Food and shops: 7.5
TOTAL: 7.46
GLOBAL RANK: 69

Welcome to LAX — departing travelers are greeted by rows of palm trees, typical clear skies and, at night, giant pylons that light up into colorful rainbows.

The pylons are one of the airport’s most fascinating features, reaching up to 100 feet tall and ringing the entrance of the airport. In 2006, the pylons were updated with LED lights that can now illuminate them into 16 million colors. Did you even know that many colors existed?

Perhaps reflective of Los Angeles’ sprawling, spread-out nature, LAX is designed with no central concourse of amenities, with each terminal containing its own separate hub and security lines. The loop design means that walking between terminals is easier and there are no required shuttles to gates, a major plus.

LAX is located only a few miles away from the beach, so travelers with a layover lasting longer than a few hours can enjoy the SoCal sunshine or see iconic L.A. landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier, a 30-minute drive from the airport.

This airport has, in other words, plenty to recommend it. But it also has one major flaw: poor quality of service, the worst of any airport on this list.

8. Miami International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.6
Quality of service: 7.2
Food and shops: 7.8
TOTAL: 7.53
GLOBAL RANK: 64

One of America’s busiest airports, Miami International Airport (easily abbreviated to MIA) is also the country’s major gateway to Latin America. There are three terminals and multiple concourses, with Concourse D serving as the main hub for Caribbean and Latin America flights.

The city’s Hispanic flavors are perfectly plated at MIA, including at the famous Cuban restaurants Cafe Versailles and Ku-Va, which cook up empanadas and traditional ropa vieja in the halls of lively Concourse D. In the South Terminal, travelers keep it beachy and boozy at brewhouses and cocktail bars. Liquor or beer, MIA keeps you in the clear.

MIA is also home to two spas guests can quickly unwind in. Jetsetter Spa pampers with manicures, pedicures and chair massages; XpressSpa boasts a similar array of services, but of note is their 20-minute facial, a wonderfully hydrating treatment after flying (notoriously bad for your skin).

For moments of serenity out of the spa, wander through Harmonic Convergence, a 72-foot long window wall composed of multicolored glass. The diamond-shaped panes create shifting patterns of light, and is the closest you’ll get to walking through a rainbow.

The downside here? Mediocre quality of service. But other assets make this one of America’s better airports.

7. Orlando International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.4
Quality of service: 7.9
Food and shops: 7.8
TOTAL: 7.6
GLOBAL RANK: 57

Given Orlando’s proximity to the happiest place on earth, you’d suspect that Orlando would rank higher on this list. But the throngs of tourists visiting Disney and other miscellaneous theme parks can make an Orlando travel experience less joyful than anxiety-ridden.

At least visitors can be thankful for the airport’s location: Most parks are only a 20-minute drive away via the south side of Orlando.

MCO’s shops are souvenir-heavy and represent the most promoted attractions in the area — Disney (so many mouse ears), Universal Studios and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. You can see everything you need to, without ever leaving the airport!

Evoking Florida’s Sunshine State ambience, the airport is airy, bright and full of plants, kept well-fed by the terminal’s glass roofs. And although you’re not actually anywhere near the ocean, innumerable ads for the bevy of beach towns on Florida’s coasts will make you feel like you’re a quick cruise away.

The best part of MCO? To connect to most gates from the main terminals, travelers must take a shuttle that traverses over a swamp lined with palm trees, promising the occasional alligator sighting — very Florida.

Overall, an Orlando Airport experience doesn’t promise to be great, exactly, but at least it will most likely not be awful.

6. Denver International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.6
Quality of service: 7.9
Food and shops: 7.7
TOTAL: 7.67
GLOBAL RANK: 52

DEN is located 25 miles from downtown Denver on an uninhabited stretch of land, 35,000 acres that supposedly house a labyrinth of nuclear fallout bunkers (if you believe the surrounding conspiracy theories). These ideas — vehemently denied by the airport — purport that DEN was constructed by the “New World Order” for a post-apocalyptic society.

Most certainly false, it is fascinating to see the airport artifacts that helped foster these wild speculations — a time capsule plaque with a Freemason logo; a zombie Nazi painting; graffiti on the walls of the underground shuttle; and the famous blue horse statue with menacing red eyes, understandably unsettling.

Chilling theories aside, the facade of Denver International Airport is impressive, with white tent-like structures rising out above the airport to resemble the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The airport excels in displaying interesting art, showcasing cultural institutions and local artists across nearly 30 on-site displays.

The “Events @ DEN” series features various public activities on the open-air plaza between Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel, rotating seasonally. In the summer months, DEN hosts yoga classes as part of Wellness Wednesdays, as well as musical and cultural entertainment (including Colorado Opera performances) on Fly Away Fridays — all enjoyed in Colorado’s pleasant summer weather.

If you’re arriving to Denver, you might need to take a second to acclimate, as the Mile High City’s altitude can be a shock to first-time visitors. And with the statewide legalization of marijuana in Colorado, Denver is mile-high in more ways than one. Maybe these chill vibes are the secret behind the airport’s high quality of service score…

5. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.6
Quality of service: 8.3
Food and shops: 7.6
TOTAL: 7.75
GLOBAL RANK: 47

In the category of major airports, Cincinnati Airport is considerably small, with only 8.9 million travelers per year. So its No. 5 ranking is impressive.

Although often referred to as Cincinnati Airport, the airport is actually located within Kentucky state lines near the border town of Covington— hence, its confusing CVG code. Do not be surprised if you are visiting Cincinnati and land in a different state!

There is only one main terminal and two concourses, indicative of the relatively low number of annual travelers. The food options are not extensive compared to other airports on this list, but they are varied enough to appease travelers.

The people of Kentucky are generally known to be friendly and hospitable, and CVG’s 8.3 quality of service score — the highest of all airports on this list — reflects this disposition. A recent Yelp review (one of many positive anecdotes) says, “One amazing part of [CVG] — the TSA agents. They’re always polite and professional and they keep the lines moving, especially on the TSA Pre side. Some airports make you dread that part, but not this place.”

4. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.6
Quality of service: 8.3
Food and shops: 7.8
TOTAL: 7.81
GLOBAL RANK: 41

The obvious temptation on any Las Vegas layover is the city’s foremost indulgence, gambling.

LAS is one of only two airports in the world with gambling amenities, the other being Reno, Nevada. The shiny lights and chimes of the slot machines are hard to ignore, and why should you — you’re in Sin City, after all. Just be warned that the pay scales are tighter at the airport, so it can take a bit longer to win serious cash.

As on the Las Vegas Strip, there seems to be no end to the airport’s drinking options, serving up potent cocktails in tequilerias, Irish pubs, beach shacks and even a golf-themed bar. The aptly-named Layover Bar offers everything a traveler could want, from Bloody Marys for the hungover Las Vegas departee to margaritas for those just arriving. Trust us, it will be pretty clear which travelers are coming and which are going.

The city’s almost-perennial sunny weather lends to LAS’ high on-time performance score, and when delays do occur, it’s usually due to weather on a flight’s connecting city elsewhere.

Along with the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, LAS also boasts the best quality of service score on the list. The airport prioritizes treating customers right as part of its “McCarran At Your Service” program.

3. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.9
Quality of service: 7.8
Food and shops: 7.8
TOTAL: 7.83
GLOBAL RANK: 40

Commonly referred to as Sea-Tac, Seattle’s major airport reflects the city’s cool, flannel-and-fleece culture. Sea-Tac is backdropped by snow-capped Mount Rainier, and if AirHelp had a scenic category, this airport would most certainly win.

Inside, local art installations are sourced from Pacific Northwest artists and take inspiration from Native American and folk-art aesthetics. The result is a 180-foot long arching wall in baggage claim, composed of rusting copper to resemble the dense Pacific Northwest forests; a giant snow goose acrylic sculpture in the Central Terminal; and a massive stained-glass window of Native American-inspired imagery in post-security. Want to see it all? Download the STQRY app for a guided walking tour of Sea-Tac’s art.

America’s coffee capital ensures that its airport is just as java-fueled as the rest of the city, serving cups at almost every restaurant and shop in the airport.

Unlike other airports on this list (see No. 7), Sea-Tac displays not just souvenirs but products from Seattle vendors. Show Pony Boutique sells locally-crafted jewelry and trinkets, Glassybaby creates hand-blown glass candle holders, and Sub Pop records plays local musicians.

2. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport

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On-time performance: 7.9
Quality of service: 7.8
Food and shops: 7.8
TOTAL: 7.87
GLOBAL RANK: 36

Houston’s second airport on this list — seriously, did you know there were two Houstonian airports? — happens to be America’s second-best airport, according to AirHelp. IAH by code, this Houston airport services over 200 destinations and is a major hub for United.

IAH’s food is a synecdoche of the city’s homegrown gastronomy that blends seafood fare with Southern delights. Check out Pappadeaux’s for a mountainous crawfish platter, or Ray’s for some BBQ ribs, or Pappas to indulge in a Frito pie burger. Maybe not ideal for a vegetarian, most travelers will find a layover in Houston to be a foodie’s dream.

Where San Francisco has a yoga room, Houston has two interfaith chapels. Welcoming people of every religion to come meditate and pray on a layover, the chapels are open 24/7 with round-the-clock pastoral assistance available. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the chapels serve as quiet oases in the boisterous halls of America’s fifth-biggest airport.

1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

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On-time performance: 7.9
Quality of service: 7.8
Food and shops: 8.1
TOTAL: 7.89
GLOBAL RANK: 34

The world’s busiest airport is also America’s best. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport — ATL for short — spans 4,700 acres and handles 104 million passengers in a year. 104 million! To put that number into context, that’s roughly one-third of the entire U.S. population, or about 100 times the population of Rhode Island.

An underground shuttle conveniently runs the three-mile loop between concourses and the two terminals. Most concourses have a concentration of restaurants in their central halls, and the choices are diverse and never-ending, ranging from fancy cocktail bars to Atlanta native Chick-fil-a and everything in between.

To escape your 275,000+ fellow travelers, try joining one of the airport’s many premium access lounges, such as the Delta Sky Club or American Express Centurion Lounge. Day passes are available for eligible travelers.