These airports have the worst track records for delays, turning short trips into hours of waiting.
Few things are more frustrating than a delayed flight. You plan your trip, pack your bags, and get to the airport on time, only to find yourself stuck at the gate for hours. While delays can happen anywhere, some airports are far worse than others. Chronic congestion, outdated infrastructure, and unpredictable weather can all contribute to a pattern of late departures.
If you’re traveling through one of these airports, be prepared for long waits and unexpected schedule changes. Based on the latest data, these are the 10 worst offenders for flight delays in the US.
1. Chicago O’Hare is a congestion nightmare year-round.
O’Hare may be one of the busiest airports in the world, but it’s also one of the worst for delays. Located in a city known for extreme weather, it faces disruptions from heavy snowfall in winter and thunderstorms in summer. But weather isn’t the only issue—O’Hare’s sheer volume of flights causes frequent air traffic congestion.
On peak travel days, delayed departures stack up, creating a domino effect that ripples across the country. Even when conditions are perfect, the airport’s complex layout and overcrowded taxiways can lead to frustratingly long waits on the tarmac. If you’re flying out of O’Hare, check your flight status often and be prepared for last-minute changes.
2. Flying out of Newark? Prepare for delays before you even board.
Newark Liberty International is notorious for flight delays, and much of the problem stems from its location. As one of three major airports in the New York City area, it shares crowded airspace with JFK and LaGuardia. The constant stream of arriving and departing flights leaves little room for flexibility, making any small delay snowball into a major issue.
Fog, rain, and winter storms frequently slow down operations contributing to delays. Travelers passing through Newark should expect frequent gate changes, delayed departures, and occasional cancellations. If you’re connecting through this airport, allowing extra time between flights isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity.
3. Unpredictable weather makes Denver a frustrating place to fly.
Denver’s location makes it particularly vulnerable to delays. While many airports experience seasonal disruptions, Denver sees flight slowdowns caused by snow, high winds, and even summer hailstorms. Sudden temperature shifts can lead to de-icing delays, while strong crosswinds occasionally force temporary runway closures.
Beyond atmospheric conditions, Denver’s massive size can also contribute to longer wait times. The airport’s sprawling design means that taxiing to the runway can take longer than expected. For travelers, that often translates to extended waits even before takeoff. If you’re flying through Denver in the winter, prepare for potential delays—and pack some patience.
4. At Dallas/Fort Worth, storms and air traffic congestion go hand in hand.
As a major hub for domestic and international flights, Dallas/Fort Worth sees thousands of departures and arrivals daily. Unfortunately, it also deals with some of the most disruptive weather in the country. Spring and summer bring intense thunderstorms, often leading to widespread delays and cancellations.
DFW’s size and layout don’t help either. Flights often take longer to reach the runway, and air traffic congestion leads to frequent departure holds. If you’re connecting through Dallas, a short layover can quickly turn into a missed flight. Checking weather forecasts before travel is essential when flying through this airport.
5. LaGuardia’s overcrowding problem isn’t going away anytime soon.
LaGuardia has long been one of the worst US airports for flight delays, and while recent renovations have improved the passenger experience, they haven’t solved the congestion problem. The airport operates with limited runways and high traffic volume, leading to frequent takeoff delays.
Because LaGuardia serves mainly domestic flights, its delays often disrupt travel plans across the country. With limited room to expand, the airport struggles to keep up with demand, making it one of the least reliable options for on-time departures. Travelers using LaGuardia should expect frequent delays, particularly during peak hours.
6. Morning fog in San Francisco causes delays every single day.
San Francisco International’s biggest enemy is the weather. Dense morning fog frequently forces runway closures and reduces visibility, leading to cascading delays throughout the day. The airport’s location along the coast makes these conditions a near-daily occurrence, particularly in the summer months.
Since SFO is a major hub for cross-country and international flights, delays here can have a far-reaching impact. Missed connections are common, and passengers often find themselves stuck waiting for flight updates. If you’re flying from San Francisco, an early morning departure might seem like a good idea—but it could mean an unexpected delay before you even leave the ground.
7. Miami International’s location makes it a magnet for tropical storms.
Miami International is one of the busiest airports for international travel, particularly flights to and from Latin America. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most delay-prone airports in the country. Its location makes it especially vulnerable to tropical storms, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-related disruptions.
During peak travel seasons, long security lines and air traffic congestion only add to the frustration. Delays are common even on sunny days, as the sheer volume of flights often exceeds the airport’s capacity. If you’re flying through Miami, preparing for possible delays—even outside of hurricane season—is always a good idea.
8. Orlando’s airport struggles to keep up with the tourist rush.
Orlando’s airport may serve as the gateway to theme parks and vacation destinations, but it’s also notorious for flight delays. As one of the busiest airports in the country for leisure travelers, it experiences heavy congestion year-round.
Weather disruptions, particularly afternoon thunderstorms, often slow down departures. But even without storms, the overwhelming volume of tourists leads to crowded terminals, long wait times, and frequent scheduling issues. Travelers passing through Orlando should factor in extra time to navigate the chaos.
9. Boston Logan is one of the worst airports for winter weather delays.
Boston Logan is another airport where winter storms wreak havoc on flight schedules. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and icy conditions frequently lead to widespread cancellations and lengthy delays.
Even outside of winter, Logan’s limited runways and high passenger volume contribute to operational slowdowns. Departures are often pushed back due to air traffic congestion, making it one of the least reliable airports for on-time travel. If you’re flying out of Boston during the colder months, keeping an eye on the forecast is essential.
10. JFK’s international traffic makes on-time departures a challenge.
JFK’s status as a major international hub means it’s constantly dealing with congestion. With hundreds of long-haul flights departing daily, delays are inevitable, especially during peak hours. Runway backups and crowded taxiways often cause flights to be held on the ground for extended periods.
Harsh winter conditions only add to the chaos, with snowstorms and icy runways frequently grounding flights and throwing schedules into disarray. Even on clear days, the sheer number of flights coming and going makes JFK one of the most delay-prone airports in the country. Travelers flying through JFK should be prepared for potential schedule changes and long waits at the gate.