From endless delays to chaotic terminals, these airports test even the most patient travelers.
Flying isn’t always glamorous—especially if you’re stuck in an airport that seems designed to ruin your day. Some airports in the U.S. have earned notoriously bad reputations for their endless delays, confusing layouts, or lack of basic comforts. While many airports offer smooth security lines and solid amenities, these travel hubs seem to deliver frustration at every turn.
For frequent flyers, these airports are the ones to avoid if you can help it. From lost luggage nightmares to cramped terminals that leave you feeling like a sardine, here are 12 airports that travelers love to hate—and exactly why they’re so infamous.
1. Gridlocked traffic makes LAX a nightmare before check-in.
Before you even step inside Los Angeles International Airport, the frustration begins with traffic jams and impossible drop-offs. Navigating the horseshoe-shaped layout feels like a test of patience most travelers fail.
Once inside, the chaos only intensifies. Overcrowded terminals, endless security lines, and frequent delays make LAX a place many frequent flyers dread—no matter how many renovations roll out , according to Spectrum.
2. When will LaGuardia’s construction chaos finally end?
For travelers, LaGuardia feels like a never-ending construction zone. Detours, temporary signage, and cramped waiting areas have become part of the routine here. Moreover, LaGuardia consistently ranks among the worst U.S. airports for delays, adding to travelers’ ongoing frustration.
Even recent upgrades can’t erase the frustration of flight delays and overpriced food options. The whole experience leaves many wondering whether New York’s “revamp” will ever truly feel complete.
3. Endless delays and confusion define Newark Liberty.
At Newark Liberty International Airport, delays are almost expected, and poor organization adds insult to injury. The disjointed terminals and lack of clear signage make navigating the airport a challenge even for seasoned travelers.
If you’re hoping for a peaceful layover, think again. In the first half of 2023, Newark Liberty International Airport had the highest flight cancellation rate in the U.S., at 3.78% , as stated by NY.Post. Decent dining options are hard to come by, and overcrowded waiting areas make every delay feel twice as long.
4. Making a connection at O’Hare feels like running a marathon.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is massive—and not in a good way. Moving between terminals often requires long walks, train rides, and a healthy dose of luck if you’re running on a tight schedule.
Weather delays add another layer of frustration. While O’Hare offers a decent range of dining and shopping options, many travelers find that making a connection is an exhausting experience.
5. At JFK, scattered terminals create endless frustration.
Navigating John F. Kennedy International Airport’s sprawling terminals is a challenge in itself. Moving between them often involves lengthy AirTrain rides that feel like their own separate journey.
Terminal quality varies dramatically—some feel sleek and modern, while others are stuck in the past. The inconsistency, combined with frequent delays, makes JFK one of the most stressful airports for both domestic and international travelers.
6. Bigger isn’t better when it comes to Dallas/Fort Worth.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is enormous, and for travelers on a tight schedule, that’s a serious problem. Transferring between terminals can take as long as a short-haul flight itself.
Despite solid amenities, flight delays and the sheer size of the airport overwhelm even experienced flyers. For many, DFW feels more like a sprawling city than a transit hub.
7. Denver International’s design baffles even frequent flyers.
It’s not just the conspiracy theories that confuse travelers at Denver International Airport. The complicated layout forces passengers onto long train rides between concourses, and finding your gate can feel like solving a puzzle.
Delays caused by unpredictable mountain weather only add to the chaos. Despite the airport’s modern appearance, many travelers leave feeling more frustrated than inspired.
8. Getting lost in Miami International feels almost inevitable.
Confusing signage and maze-like terminals make Miami International Airport one of the hardest to navigate in the U.S. Language barriers only add to the stress for international travelers passing through.
Add long security lines and overcrowded waiting areas to the mix, and it’s easy to see why MIA has developed such a frustrating reputation. Even its better amenities can’t fully make up for the experience.
9. Outdated terminals drag Philadelphia International down.
Philadelphia International Airport suffers from aging facilities, long lines, and minimal charging stations. Disorganized security checkpoints add another layer of frustration to an already outdated experience.
Flight delays are frequent, and dining options are underwhelming compared to larger airports. For travelers familiar with modern hubs, PHL often feels stuck in the past.
10. Vacation vibes vanish quickly in Orlando’s crowded terminals.
Despite being the gateway to Disney magic, Orlando International Airport rarely offers a stress-free experience. Tourists pack the terminals, creating long lines, noisy waiting areas, and constant foot traffic.
Even navigating the airport feels like an obstacle course thanks to unclear signage and disjointed layouts. While family-friendly amenities exist, they’re often overshadowed by the overwhelming crowds.
11. Scenic views can’t save Honolulu’s outdated facilities.
Honolulu International Airport offers tropical views, but its infrastructure leaves much to be desired. Long baggage claim waits, limited seating, and dated terminals disappoint travelers expecting a more seamless experience.
The open-air design, while scenic, exposes passengers to humidity and rain. Despite being a top vacation destination, Honolulu’s airport often feels stuck in the past.
12. Hartsfield-Jackson’s efficiency can’t mask its exhausting size.
Atlanta’s airport is one of the busiest in the world, and it shows. Long walks, crowded terminals, and frequent delays make it one of the most exhausting travel experiences in the country.
While the airport is known for its operational efficiency, its sheer size can overwhelm even the most seasoned travelers. For those with tight layovers, navigating ATL often feels like running a race against the clock.