9 U.S. Airports Known for Long Delays and Poor Customer Experiences

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Traveling is stressful enough without having to deal with delays and poor customer service. Unfortunately, there are certain airports throughout the United States that have become well-known for being a frustrating place to travel through. So, if you are hopping on a plane anytime soon and have travel planned at one of these airports, you may want to be prepared for the worst. Here is a list of the worst airports in the U.S., according to delay times and customer reviews.

1. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)

Fox News reported that Ronald Reagan National Airport just outside of Washington D.C. is one of the airports with the most delays. The report stated that 27.8% of the flights out of this airport get delayed. This is due to its limited airspace and proximity to the nation’s capital. The small size of the airport makes it difficult to accommodate the high volume of flights, leading to congestion and long wait times. Customer service complaints are common, with passengers citing unfriendly staff and unclear communication about flight delays. Security lines at DCA are often long and move slowly, particularly during peak travel times. Adding to the frustration is the lack of dining and retail options in comparison to other major airports. For many, the overall experience at Reagan National leaves a lot to be desired.

2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

While I never had a bad experience at the Atlanta airport, many people complained about it. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, but 28.4% of its flights are still delayed. This is likely due to the sheer number of flights in and out of there on a daily basis. Additionally, the area is prone to bad weather, so delays for rain or wind aren’t uncommon either. To add to it, navigating through the terminal can be a hassle, with long lines at security, baggage claim, and check-in counters. Customer service complaints are frequent, with travelers citing unhelpful or overwhelmed staff. Additionally, the airport’s size can make it difficult to navigate, leading to confusion and missed connections. Though ATL offers plenty of dining and shopping options, the crowded terminals and long delays often make the experience less than enjoyable.

3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport is known for its high volume of vacation travelers, especially during peak seasons, which often leads to congestion and delays. Around 30.5% of flights are delayed from Orlando. Not to mention, the airport frequently experiences long lines for security, check-in, and customs, especially during family vacation times. Customer service is often criticized for being unresponsive, with passengers complaining about unclear directions and lack of assistance during delays. Flight delays are also common due to weather conditions and a high number of flights departing from MCO. The airport’s terminals can feel cramped, and seating is limited, making it difficult for travelers to relax during long waits. Despite its popularity, MCO’s overall customer experience often leaves much to be desired.

4. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Orlando isn’t the only airport in Florida known for its delays. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has become increasingly busy in recent years, which has led to delays and poor customer experiences. About 30.5% of flights from this airport are delayed. Long lines at check-in counters, security, and passport control are also common, causing frustration among travelers. The airport’s terminals often feel overcrowded, especially during peak travel seasons. Customers have reported issues with cleanliness, with many citing unclean bathrooms and poorly maintained seating areas. Flight delays are frequent due to the high volume of flights departing from FLL, especially in the winter months. While the airport offers a variety of food and shopping options, the overall experience is often marred by delays and lack of customer service.

5. Miami International Airport (MIA)

Wouldn’t you know it! Another Florida airport made the list. Miami International Airport is notorious for its long lines and significant delays (31.7% of flights), particularly during busy tourist seasons. The airport’s layout can be confusing, leading to frustration as passengers rush to make their flights. Security lines are often lengthy, and the staff are frequently criticized for being unhelpful during peak hours. The airport also struggles with outdated facilities, including poorly maintained restrooms and seating areas. On top of that, many people report issues with the TSSA Precheck. One Reddit user lamented, “Miami TSA pre check is the worst: Here, go through the regular line and give the agent this completely worn laminated paper that says you’re good.”

6. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare International Airport in Chicago is another major hub known for long delays and poor customer experiences. The airport has a reputation for congestion, especially during winter months when weather-related disruptions lead to significant flight delays (34.7% of all flights). Security lines can stretch for hours, and passengers often find themselves rushing from one terminal to another due to flight schedule changes. Customer service complaints are frequent, with many travelers reporting unhelpful staff members during stressful situations. O’Hare’s aging infrastructure has led to a lack of seating and dining options, which can make long waits even more uncomfortable. Despite ongoing renovations, O’Hare remains a frustrating experience for many.

7. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport may be a major hub for American Airlines, but it’s also known for frequent delays and subpar customer service. In a thread about the worst airports in America, Charlotte was mentioned 32+ times. With over 700 daily flights, the airport often struggles to accommodate the high volume of passengers, leading to congestion in the terminals. Security lines can stretch for long distances, especially during peak travel times. Travelers often report that customer service is lacking, with little assistance provided during flight delays or cancellations. About 37.8% of flights are delayed in some way. The airport’s amenities, including food and seating, can feel limited, and delays due to air traffic control issues are common. For those flying through Charlotte, be prepared for a potentially stressful experience.

8. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport is another major airport that consistently ranks high for flight delays. With a large number of international and domestic flights, IAH is often plagued by congestion and delayed departures (40.6% of flights are delayed). The airport’s size can be overwhelming, and long walks between terminals can make tight connections even harder. Passengers frequently report poor customer service, especially when dealing with issues such as flight cancellations or delays. While there are some amenities, such as dining and shopping options, the airport’s dated facilities and overcrowded terminals often lead to frustration. Delays and long wait times can make Houston a less-than-ideal destination for many travelers.

9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

While many people on Reddit agreed that they’d rather fly through DFW than Charlotte, it is still one of the worst airports in America due to the number of delays. Around 45.6% of flights are disrupted for one reason or another. At one point, I was stuck at the DFW airport for more than 24 hours with nowhere to go and it was rough. Navigating through the airport can also be a challenge, with travelers often needing to switch between terminals. Customer service is often criticized for being slow and unhelpful, particularly when dealing with disruptions. Despite its wide range of food and retail options, the airport’s crowded nature makes for a less-than-comfortable experience. DFW may be a major hub, but it’s not always the smoothest place to transit.

Be Prepared for Airport Stress

No one wants to experience delays or bad customer service when they are traveling. It can lead to a stressful experience that you want to forget rather than a traveling memory you want to keep forever. Whether it’s slow security lines, flight delays, or overcrowded terminals, each of these airports has been rated among the worst of the worst. So, if you find yourself traveling through any of these hubs in the near future, prepare yourself!

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