The 25 Worst Airports in America

Not all airports are created equal. Some are sleek and speedy… and some feel like punishment with a boarding pass. We ranked the 25 worst airports in the US based on traveler complaints, delay data, amenities (or lack thereof), customer service, and overall chaos. If you’ve ever cried in a terminal, you might find that airport here. Let’s count them down—from mildly annoying to absolutely dreadful.

#25 – Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Tampa might look nice on the surface, but long TSA lines and limited seating options put it on this list. Travelers say the layout is confusing and some terminals feel dated. Flight delays are common during Florida’s stormy seasons, so you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re flying through here.

Don Miller, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#24 – St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

STL suffers from an outdated interior, limited food options, and regular maintenance issues. Flyers often note poor customer service and long wait times, especially during early morning or late-night travel. It’s functional, but not exactly fun.

w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#23 – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Despite a recent renovation, MSY still frustrates travelers with inconsistent service, confusing signage, and limited airport staff. Delays can be a real headache, and the newer design hasn’t fixed everything. Good luck finding late-night food, too.

Jeff Hitchcock, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#22 – Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Cleveland’s airport has cleanliness issues and aging infrastructure. Travelers report poor ventilation, outdated terminals, and lackluster dining options. Delays here are pretty common, especially during snow season.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has 'CLEvolution' plans underway, News 5 Cleveland

#21 – Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

DTW is big—but not in a good way. The airport is sprawling and hard to navigate, especially during tight layovers. There are frequent complaints about rude staff, poor signage, and security bottlenecks that add extra stress.

Mattsjc, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#20 – Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

BWI is often chaotic with long TSA lines and packed terminals. Passengers complain about poor signage and outdated facilities, especially in older sections. Food options are okay—but finding a quiet place to sit? Not so easy.

Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#19 – Memphis International Airport (MEM)

It’s small, and not in a charming way. With few flights and limited amenities, MEM often feels like a ghost town. Travelers say the lack of shops and food options makes long waits miserable, and delays aren’t uncommon.

Concourse B Remodel, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

#18 – Dallas Love Field (DAL)

While smaller than DFW, DAL still manages to frustrate travelers with tight spaces, frequent flight delays, and limited seating. Baggage claim is often chaotic, and weekend travel can feel especially claustrophobic.

EEJCC, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#17 – Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

IAD is massive and often confusing. Travelers loathe the mobile lounge system (yes, you board a shuttle bus to your gate), and many complain of outdated interiors. Security lines can be painfully slow, especially during peak travel.

Gunnar Klack, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#16 – San Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Diego may have perfect weather, but the airport? Not so much. Cramped terminals, limited outlets, and long TSA lines make it frustrating. Add in pricey parking and minimal expansion space, and SAN starts to lose its charm.

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#15 – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The busiest airport in the world is also one of the most stressful. ATL is enormous, confusing, and known for frequent delays. The trains between terminals are often crowded, and you’ll definitely want extra time to make connections.

DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#14 – San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)

Despite being in tech-savvy Silicon Valley, SJC struggles with limited food options, overpriced parking, and overcrowded terminals. Travelers say the airport is clean—but tiny and ill-equipped for the growing traffic.

San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) Complete Tour, Yellow Productions

#13 – Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

Even with upgrades, MCI still lags behind. Flyers complain about awkward terminal layouts, poor seating, and weak food choices. Security checkpoints can be weirdly placed, and you’ll walk a lot more than expected.

U.S Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Christina Carter, Wikimedia Commons

#12 – Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway is the budget cousin of O’Hare—and it shows. Seating is limited, terminals feel cramped, and amenities are sparse. The experience is loud, hectic, and very barebones. Fine for a quick hop, but don’t plan to linger.

Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#11 – Denver International Airport (DEN)

Sure, the horse statue is famous (and creepy), but DEN gets dinged for long taxi times, weird conspiracy theories, and endless construction. Security lines are long and many gates require a full hike. Bonus: it’s often snowy and windy.

Mack Male, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#10 – LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Even with renovations, LaGuardia is still a traveler’s nightmare. Crowded terminals, flight delays, and poor design plague the experience. Locals joke it’s “the place fun goes to die”—and that’s on a good day.

David from Simply Aviation, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#9 – Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

PHL is infamous for delays, indifferent staff, and endless construction zones. Flyers complain about gross bathrooms, messy terminals, and lackluster food. It often feels like you’re stuck in a mall that’s closing down.

Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

#8 – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is legendary—for the wrong reasons. Horrible traffic, confusing signage, and eternal construction make it a mess. The TSA lines are long, terminals are inconsistent, and good luck getting a Lyft without walking a mile.

redlegsfan21, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#7 – Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark has a rep for being dirty, overcrowded, and inefficient. Flyers hate the rude service, random gate changes, and unreliable Wi-Fi. You might need a vacation from your vacation after a stop here.

qwesy qwesy, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

#6 – Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

BOS is known for delays, awkward terminal layouts, and slow security lines. Parking is crazy expensive and the signage is confusing even for locals. Don’t be shocked if your gate changes three times in ten minutes.

Chris Rycroft, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#5 – Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

FLL is noisy, cramped, and often swamped with travelers heading to cruises. Reviews call it disorganized, with poor communication and bad food choices. TSA lines move like molasses, and gate areas feel chaotic.

JTOcchialini, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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

O’Hare has long been a punchline for flight delays—and not much has changed. It’s one of the most congested airports in the U.S., with endless terminals, poor customer service, and weather delays year-round. Bring patience.

star5112, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#3 – Miami International Airport (MIA)

MIA is chaotic and stressful, with long customs lines and few places to relax. Flyers complain about rude staff, confusing layouts, and slow baggage claim. It’s one of the least enjoyable hubs for international travelers.

Pablo Andres Ortega Chavez, Wikimedia Commons

#2 – San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO has weather delays like clockwork, and that fog? It’s always ready to ruin your schedule. The terminals feel dated, Wi-Fi is spotty, and even the lounges can’t save you if you're stuck for hours. Great city, not-so-great airport.

Kohsuke Kawaguchi, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

#1 – New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK takes the crown for chaos. Between horrible signage, massive terminals, surly service, and endless delays, it’s a mess. International travelers face long waits and zero helpful info. Despite recent upgrades, JFK remains a masterclass in frustration.

w_lemay, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6