The 5 Absolute Worst U.S. Airports (And 5 That People Actually Like)

Most of us keep mental tabs on the airports we love — and hate — to fly in and out of. When you find the right airport it can really make you want to travel more. The reverse is true about the nightmarish ones.

We took a look at all the major airports in the U.S., and based on several criteria — flight delays in the winter and summer, TSA wait times, overall customer satisfaction (using the 2024 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Survey), complaints filed against the TSA, and amenities — and came up with a list of the five best and five worst airports in the U.S.

Let's look at the worst airports first, then the best.

Newark Liberty ranks one of the lowest in overall customer satisfaction, and, according to the Department of Transportation, flights going in and out of this airport are delayed frequently.

A study by Upgraded Points found that Newark had the longest TSA wait times of the 25 busiest airports in the country despite being only the 15th busiest airport.

Lounges are available at Newark Liberty International Airport for United, American Airlines, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, SAS, Lufthansa, and Air Canada passengers. There's also a USO lounge for members of the U.S. military and Art & Lounge, which is not affiliated with an airline.

Toronto Pearson ranks near the bottom in customer satisfaction among mega airports in North America, with frequent complaints about long lines, overcrowding, and inconsistent service levels.

In addition to passenger frustrations, a report by Cirium revealed that YYZ has one of the highest flight delay rates among Canada's busiest airports. While the airport does offer multiple lounges, including those for Air Canada and Plaza Premium, passengers note that limited seating and crowded gate areas detract from the travel experience.

Chicago's biggest airport is also the 4th busiest in the nation and one of the lowest in customer satisfaction for mega airports, according to the J.D. Power survey. Many reviewers also cited poor signage and a difficult-to-navigate layout.

Although average flight delays are not too bad for an airport of its size, but it's still significant, and anyone traveling through should expect delays.

When you do get delayed, you're in luck because there are 15 lounges at Chicago O'Hare for passengers of United, Delta, American Airlines, Air France/KLM, British Airways, SAS, and SWISS, as well as a USO lounge.

Located about 10 miles outside of the city of Philadelphia, this airport serves millions of air travelers every year, making it the 21st busiest in the country.

It was also ranked the worst among all large airports in customer service satisfaction — by quite a few points. Those surveyed rated Philadelphia International poorly in categories such as terminal facilities, food and retail amenities, and check-in experience.

There are nine lounges at Philadelphia International, one that is unaffiliated with any airline, and others for passengers of American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, and United.

Cleveland Hopkins ranks lowest among medium-sized airports, with a customer satisfaction score well below the national average. Delays are a frequent issue, especially during peak travel periods, and travelers often highlight outdated facilities as a drawback.

While the airport does feature an array of dining and retail options, many find these offerings underwhelming compared to similarly sized airports. However, the airport is actively working on renovations aimed at addressing passenger concerns.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International tops the list among mega airports, scoring highest in customer satisfaction thanks to its efficient layout, cleanliness, and wide range of dining and retail options.

MSP is particularly noted for its Art at the Airport program, which features unique sculptures and exhibits throughout the terminals. Frequent flyers praise its consistent TSA checkpoint efficiency and easy connections to public transportation. It's a standout airport that combines functionality with a welcoming ambiance.

Approximately 20 miles south of the city of Detroit, this airport is one of the country's top 25 busiest, but still manages a high percentage of on-time flights and short TSA wait times.

And this airport tied CLT for some of the shortest TSA wait times in the country. Detroit Metropolitan also ranked above average for overall customer satisfaction and was the recipient of a 2020 Airlines Service Quality award.

There are several Delta Sky lounges at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, as well as a Lufthansa Business lounge, and Freedom Center for members of the U.S. military.

Despite holding the title of the country's busiest airport, this Atlanta area airport has astoundingly good statistics for on-time departures and arrivals.

Travelers surveyed also have given it an above-average score on various customer service points. The airport's upscale restaurant, One Flew South, is a dream and is regularly featured on "best of" lists for its unique cocktails.

There are 13 lounges at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: several Delta Sky lounges, an American Airlines Admirals Club, a United Club, a USO Lounge, and The Club at ATL (not affiliated with any particular airline).

Topping the customer service survey charts is Miami International Airport, just seven miles northwest of the city of Miami. In 2021, J.D. Power ranked this busy airport number one on various points, such as wait times, retail shops, available food choices, and check-in experience.

Also notable is that, even though it has been the 11th busiest airport in the country, the number of complaints filed against the TSA is low, unlike the numbers at other similarly busy airports.

There are 11 lounges at Miami International: American Airlines, The Centurion, a Military Hospitality lounge, Turkish Airlines, Club America, Avianca SALA VIP, Delta Sky, and the LATAM VIP Lounge.

Serving Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina, this airport also tops the charts for customer service and on-time flights. It has traditionally been ranked very high by J.D. Power's customer satisfaction survey of large and mega airports.

The hometown favorite bar and restaurant, 42nd Street Oyster, is not to be missed, with its daily arrivals of fresh seafood and southern-style breakfast.

Lounges at Raleigh Durham are for passengers of American Airlines, Delta, and United.

One thing to keep in mind about the airports on this list is that some of these scores are dependent on renovation and construction. Nevertheless, there are definitely some airports that, historically, will always be ranked high or low.

Also, flight arrival and departure delays are often influenced by weather. If you're trying to decide between a connecting flight in Denver or Dallas during the winter, for example, flying through Dallas would be the smarter choice.

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