Terrible U.S. Airports, Ranked from Bad to Worst
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We rarely get to choose which airports we use while traveling. Distance and money usually decide for us. But when it comes to flying out of terrible airports, it's good to be psychologically prepared for what can be a scarring experience.
If you're traveling in the United States, you'll have to deal with bathroom doors with giant gaps and an overabundance of fast food. That said, some airports shine while others make you question your life choices.
These are the 10 worst airports in the U.S. — if you're flying out of any of them soon, we wish you luck.
10. Denver International Airport – Denver, Colorado
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Food and shops: 7.82 (out of 10)
Customer rating: 7.75
On-time performance: 7.43
Score: 7.57
Note: Scores and rankings come from AirHelp's 2022 "Global Airport Ranking" report.
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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Denver International is the largest airport in the U.S. and the second largest in the world. Its design is interesting, and it is serviced by public transit that connects you to the city as well as to other places of interest like Boulder.
However, food options are severely lacking (the worst sandwich we have ever tasted came from this airport), and the main terminal is currently undergoing major renovations that disturb the flow of people. Globally, this airport ranks 67 out of 151.
9. New York La Guardia Airport – New York, New York
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Food and shops: 8.42
Customer rating: 7.89
On-time performance: 7.11
Score: 7.53
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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No one who's ever flown into La Guardia can be surprised to see it listed here. In fact, the shocking thing is that it managed to land in ninth place rather than first.
The airport is notoriously difficult to get to from the city (it's not connected to the metro line). It is also disorganized, messy and suffers constant flight delays. Thankfully, food options are pretty decent, earning a score of 8.42 out of 10.
8. Boston Logan International Airport – Boston, Massachusetts
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Food and shops: 8.22
Customer rating: 7.73
On-time performance: 7.22
Score: 7.52
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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Like La Guardia, Boston Logan suffers from constant delays. This is in part because of the massive influx of passengers it receives as one of New England's major transit ports. Similarly, it has pretty decent food, which surprises no one — this is Boston, after all!
If you're flying into Boston Logan, it's probably because you have no better choices. Just be prepared for a pretty lackluster and somewhat chaotic experience.
7. Orlando International Airport – Orlando, Florida
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Food and shops: 8.43
Customer rating: 8.63
On-time performance: 6.83
Score: 7.51
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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Do you know what's worse than dealing with Disney tourists while at Disney? Dealing with them at the airport. Imagine a place filled to the brim with people rabid to get out as soon as possible so they can make the most of their overpriced amusement park vacation. Let's just say, things start to get ugly pretty fast.
To make things worse, Orlando International's on-time performance is the second-lowest out of the bottom 10 airports. Yikes. To be fair, the airport is also one of the busiest in the country. Plus, its design is interesting, and it has plenty of dining and shopping options, so there's that.
6. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport – Cleveland, Ohio
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Food and shops: 7.75
Customer rating: 7.17
On-time performance: 7.5
Score: 7.49
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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When flying into Cleveland, expect the airport to be as disappointing as the destination. Cleveland Hopkins doesn't do particularly badly in any of AirHelp's measurements. But it doesn't shine in any either, placing it as the sixth worst airport in the country.
There really isn't much to say about this hub except to lower your expectations on food, timeliness and entertainment.
5. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport – Las Vegas, Nevada
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Food and shops: 8.05
Customer rating: 7.68
On-time performance: 7.17
Score: 7.45
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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You'd think an airport servicing people looking to indulge in hedonism would provide a better experience. But it's as if the airport knows half of the people arriving (and leaving) will be too drunk to notice anything.
Dining and shopping are decent here, but on-time performance leaves much to be desired. Hey, that might be good news for everyone prone to hitting the snooze button after a night of partying.
4. Chicago Midway International Airport – Chicago, Illinois
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Food and shops: 8.2
Customer rating: 8.06
On-time performance: 6.92
Score: 7.41
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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Chicago Midway is not nearly as popular as O'Hare (which ranks as one of the best in the country, according to AirHelp). Located in the southern end of the city, it offers a decent experience and pretty good options for eating and shopping.
So, why does it land so low? Mostly because of its abysmal on-time performance. Basically, if you're flying out of this airport, plan to arrive late at your destination.
3. John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York, New York
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Food and shops: 7.77
Customer rating: 7.75
On-time performance: 6.96
Score: 7.28
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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Directly connected to the subway, JFK is the most convenient airport to fly into when you're visiting New York City. The airport has an impressive array of stores — which include high-end designer brands — and restaurants.
However, its on-time performance is disappointing, and the airport is so large that it can be challenging to navigate.
2. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – Baltimore, Maryland
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Food and shops: 7.57
Customer rating: 7.59
On-time performance: 6.99
Score: 7.23
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is the cheap option for people flying into D.C. — the problem is that you'll then have to take a train from Baltimore into the capital. And if Maryland is your destination, then best of luck because you have few options besides this disorganized airport where planes are always delayed and people are rarely satisfied.
BWI knows that it doesn't have too much competition, so it really doesn't have to try to impress.
1. Newark Liberty International Airport – Newark, New Jersey
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Food and shops: 7.52
Customer rating: 6.52
On-time performance: 6.74
Score: 6.85
Why It's One of the Worst Airports
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Newark holds the buffoon crown of being the worst airport in the U.S. Globally, it doesn't do much better, coming in at 138th place.
Let's face it: No one has ever flown into Newark willingly. You're either from New Jersey or looking for a cheap way to get into New York City. Either way, expect your airport experience to be a continuation (or preface) of flying Spirit Airlines. Things will be disorganized, the food will suck, and your plane will most likely not leave on time.
You've been warned.