1. Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami International Airport is notorious for being a hub of chaos, thanks to its role as a major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Its web of international connections often spirals into confusion, particularly during peak seasons when passenger traffic surges. Tropical weather, from torrential rainstorms to hurricane threats, compounds the airport’s operational challenges. Delays and cancellations leave travelers frustrated, Joan Murray from CBS News reports, especially during the summer and fall months when severe weather is most frequent.
On top of the weather, MIA struggles with outdated infrastructure that can’t keep up with its heavy passenger load. Long security lines, overcrowded terminals, and limited food options add to travelers’ misery. Many visitors report feeling disoriented due to confusing signage and poor layout. It’s not uncommon to see stranded passengers camping out in chaotic lounges, hoping for updates on their delayed flights.
2. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
As the gateway to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Orlando International Airport ironically leaves many travelers anything but happy. Serving millions of visitors headed to Disney World and other attractions, MCO struggles with overwhelming demand during holiday and vacation seasons, according to Brandon Spencer from Spectrum News 13. Crowded terminals are a regular occurrence, with families and tourists clogging up security lines and gates. Add in frequent summer thunderstorms, and delays start to feel like part of the itinerary.
While the airport’s modern design is visually appealing, its functionality leaves much to be desired. Inconsistent communication about delays and gate changes frustrates passengers already grappling with travel fatigue. Dining options quickly become overcrowded, leaving hungry travelers with few choices. For many, the stress of navigating MCO is the antithesis of a magical vacation kickoff.
3. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport has long been praised for its efficiency, but the winter of 2025 put that reputation to the test. Heavy snowstorms brought frequent delays, as crews scrambled to keep runways clear. Despite the airport’s compact design, cancellations stacked up, leaving passengers stranded during the busiest travel periods. Many travelers found themselves frustrated with a lack of clear updates on rescheduled flights.
The weather wasn’t the only issue plaguing SLC. Construction projects meant to improve the airport caused confusion, with travelers navigating detours and temporary layouts. As a key hub for both domestic and international flights, SLC couldn’t absorb the traffic without hiccups. For many, the usually seamless experience of flying through Salt Lake City turned into an exercise in patience.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, is no stranger to delays, according to Alexandra Skores from the Dallas Morning News. Its central location makes it a vital hub for both domestic and international travel, but it also leaves the airport vulnerable to Texas’s unpredictable weather. Thunderstorms frequently disrupt operations, particularly during spring and summer months. Passengers often face extended delays, with gate areas packed to capacity.
DFW’s sprawling layout exacerbates the frustration, as navigating between terminals can feel like a marathon. The Skylink tram system helps, but long walks and tight connection times leave travelers on edge. Overbooked flights and congested runways further contribute to the chaos, making DFW a prime candidate for travelers’ least favorite airports.
5. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport’s location at a high altitude means it’s regularly impacted by weather conditions. Snowstorms are a significant issue during the winter months, often grounding flights for hours or even days. Travelers frequently complain about delays rippling across the massive airport, as its sprawling layout makes operations more challenging. Even during fair weather, Denver’s long taxi times add to the frustration.
Additionally, DEN’s unique design, while striking, can confuse first-time visitors. Getting to the right gate or terminal sometimes feels like a maze, especially during peak hours. While Denver offers some quality amenities, they’re often overshadowed by the sheer number of people trying to use them at once. For many, flying through DEN feels like braving a storm, according to Tanner Chambers from Fort Collins Country Radio.
6. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport’s stunning location comes with a drawback: persistent fog. The marine layer that frequently envelops the Bay Area causes delays and cancellations, particularly during early mornings and evenings. While the airport has tried to adapt, its tightly spaced parallel runways leave little margin for error when weather conditions are less than ideal.
Beyond the weather, SFO’s popularity as a gateway to Asia and the Pacific makes it one of the busiest airports on the West Coast. Overcrowded terminals and long security lines are par for the course, especially during peak travel seasons. Add in ongoing construction projects, and many passengers leave SFO with memories of stress rather than scenic views. According to Michael Cabanatuan and Kota Suzuki from the San Francisco Chronicle, it’s one of the least reliable airports in the country.
7. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world, and that level of traffic comes with its share of headaches. Operating at near capacity most of the time, the airport struggles to recover quickly from disruptions. Whether it’s a severe thunderstorm or a technical glitch, delays at ATL can quickly snowball into hours of frustration.
Despite its reputation as a hub of efficiency, the sheer scale of ATL can be overwhelming. Long walks between terminals, overcrowded waiting areas, and a lack of clear communication about delays leave passengers stressed. Even with plenty of dining and shopping options, the airport’s chaotic energy often overshadows its perks.
8. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Boston Logan International Airport’s challenges stem from its compact layout and New England’s harsh winter weather. Snowstorms and icy conditions frequently disrupt operations, while the airport’s limited space makes it difficult to accommodate delays without bottlenecks. During peak travel times, even minor issues can lead to significant disruptions.
Passengers often cite tight security lines and cramped terminals as major pain points. While the airport has made efforts to improve, it still struggles to handle the growing volume of travelers efficiently. For many, flying through Logan feels like braving a snowstorm both figuratively and literally.
9. New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia may have undergone major renovations, but its small size and location in one of the busiest airspaces in the world mean delays are still common. Toss in bad weather and flight congestion, and you’ve got a recipe for long waits.
10. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Despite recent renovations, New York’s LaGuardia Airport remains a source of frustration for many travelers. Its small size and location in one of the world’s busiest airspaces mean congestion is almost unavoidable. Delays are frequent, especially during bad weather or high-traffic holidays.
While the updated terminals are a step in the right direction, they can’t fully address the airport’s underlying issues. Navigating tight spaces and overcrowded gates leaves passengers feeling claustrophobic. For many, LaGuardia is an improved yet still challenging experience.
11. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
As one of the busiest international hubs in the country, JFK faces challenges from heavy traffic and East Coast weather. Delays and long lines are common, particularly during peak travel times. Construction projects aimed at improving the airport have only added to the chaos, with passengers struggling to navigate temporary layouts.
Despite its iconic status, JFK’s operational issues leave many travelers dreading their time there. Overcrowded gates, limited seating, and lengthy customs lines make flying through JFK an exercise in patience.
12. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport often tops the list of travelers’ least favorite airports, and for good reason. Its location in the densely packed New York metro area results in overwhelming air traffic, leading to frequent delays. Bad weather and congestion exacerbate the problem, leaving passengers stranded more often than not.
While efforts have been made to improve the airport, many still find the experience underwhelming. Overcrowded terminals and inconsistent updates about delays add to the frustration. For many, Newark remains a dreaded stop on their travel itinerary.
