THE Best and Worst Airports to Get Delayed at this Holiday Season

We’ve all experienced a frustrating delay when flying during the holiday season. To help you identify which US airports are the worst offenders for late take-offs and canceled flights, and which airports offer the best facilities to ride out a delay, we’ve put together this handy guide. Pet a pig at SFO, get a massage at JFK or practice yoga at O’Hare; US airports offer an exciting range of unique activities to keep you occupied this holiday season.

To help you identify which US airports are the worst offenders for late take-offs and canceled flights, and which airports offer the best facilities to ride out a delay, we’ve put together this handy guide.

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Charlotte Douglas Orlando George Bush Dallas/Fort Worth Denver Seattle-Tacoma San Francisco McCarran Phoenix Sky Harbor Los Angeles O'Hare John F. Kennedy JFK Newark Liberty Newark Miami

#1 Hartsfield–Jackson
Atlanta International Airport

Location: Atlanta, Georgia Airport code: ATL Airport ranking: 1

Top rated hotel: Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Airport - College Park (4.7 rating)

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) has been the busiest airport in the world since 1998, so it’s fitting that it comes in first on our list. Located just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, ATL serves 150 US destinations and more than 75 international destinations in 50 countries. Because Atlanta is a two-hour flight from 80% of the US population, it’s a major connection hub. With two terminals, seven concourses and 209 gates, it might seem a bit overwhelming. Luckily, there’s a ‘Plane Train’ every two minutes to get you where you need to go. And almost 85% of flights from Hartsfield Atlanta leave on time!

Things to see and do:

If you’re craving fresh air or traveling with your four-legged friend, there’s a 1,000-square-foot dog park in the Ground Transportation area. Not leaving the airport but you still want to connect with nature? Visit the virtual forest underground walkway between Concourses A and B. Here you can enjoy the sights and sounds of a peaceful grassy meadow under a canopy of trees. If you’re not the outdoorsy type, try renting a private room with a convertible sofa bed and a TV in Concourse B. With few canceled flights, a layover at ATL this holiday season won’t leave you stuck on the ground. Also, with the fourth-fastest free Wi-Fi you won’t waste time searching for hotels near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl.

Shopping and dining:

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the country, but in the unlikely event your holiday flight is delayed, there are lots of fun distractions. There are 26 bars and 23 coffee shops, 90 retail and convenience outlets and 3 duty-free stores.

Transportation:

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority operates Atlanta's local public transportation system. Only 10 miles to downtown Atlanta, there are plenty of Atlanta airport car rentals if you’re in town for longer and want to explore the area. The SkyTrain from the airport to the rental car center takes only five minutes.

  • Shopping Outlets 221

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  • Dining Outlets 100

    Dining
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  • Wifi Speed 59.62

    Wi-Fi
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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 84.93%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 1.22%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 13

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#2 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Location: Seattle, Washington Airport code: SEA Airport ranking: 2

Top rated hotel: Cedarbrook Lodge (4.8 rating)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the largest international airport in the Pacific Northwest. It’s also one of the fastest growing airports in the US. In 2017, the airport was the 9th busiest in the country and the 31st busiest in the world, serving over 46.9 million passengers. However, what makes the airport exceptional is the reliability of those flights. 82.19% of flights from Seattle-Tacoma Intl leave on time, while just 0.61% of flights are canceled. That’s the lowest cancellation rate among all airports on our list.

Things to see and do:

Those looking for a little culture this holiday season can download the STQRY app for a self-guided walking tour of SEA’s impressive public art collection, which includes 16 large-scale contemporary installations.

Shopping and dining:

It’s fair to say the range of shops, restaurants, bars and coffee shops is more limited than the majority of airports on our list. But, if you need to browse for a last-minute gift, SEA not only offers free Wi-Fi, but boasts the fastest download speed of any airport in the country.

Transportation:

Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail extends from the airport to the city and has stops in the stadium district, downtown and Chinatown, making it an excellent option for those traveling to and from the airport. The service runs from 5:00AM to 1:00AM Monday through Saturday and to midnight on Sundays, with trains arriving and departing every six to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to travel by car, there are plenty of Seattle Airport car rentals available so you can explore the area and find the best hotels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl.

  • Shopping Outlets 37

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  • Dining Outlets 42

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    Outlets

  • Wifi Speed 103

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 82.19

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 0.61%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 12

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#3 McCarran International Airport

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Airport code: LAS Airport ranking: 3

Top rated hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas (4.8 rating)

McCarran International Airport (LAS) is situated in a town called Paradise, just 5 miles south of downtown Las Vegas. It is the 8th busiest airport in the country and the 27th busiest in the world, carrying more than 48.5 million passengers in 2017. Named after Senator Pat McCarran, LAS serves more than 30 different airlines and offers direct flights to more than 150 destinations across North America, Europe and Asia.

81.47% of flights from McCarran Intl leave on time, making it one of the best in the country. However, the flight cancellation rate was even better, with just 0.74% of flights canceled.

Things to see and do:

For the budding pilot, there is an aviation-themed kids play area at Gate D to give children somewhere to stretch their legs and parents a well-earned rest. There’s also Fly Fit, which provides walking paths in the airport’s terminals that range from half a mile to 1.5 miles in length and can help you start to burn off all those extra holiday calories.

Shopping and dining:

With just 7 bars and 10 coffee shops, LAS lacks the number of options for a pre-flight cocktail as some other airports on our list. However, it more than makes up for it with 52 retail shops and 104 dining options.

Transportation:

Travelling to the Strip or downtown Las Vegas from the airport is quick and easy, with frequent buses running from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. There are also plenty of Las Vegas Airport car rentals to give you more freedom to experience the city. If you’re looking for accommodation, there’s no shortage of hotels near McCarran Intl with plenty of choices in every price bracket.

  • Shopping Outlets 52

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  • Dining Outlets 104

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    Outlets

  • Wifi Speed 11.15

    Wi-Fi
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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 81.47

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 0.74%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 4

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#4 O'Hare International Airport

Location: Chicago, Illinois Airport code: ORD Airport ranking: 4

Top rated hotel: Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel (4.5 rating)

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the world’s 5th busiest, with nearly 80 million passengers passing through its doors in 2017. The airport is located 14 miles northwest of Chicago’s Loop business district. ORD offers direct flights to some 217 destinations around the world. 79% of flights from O'Hare Intl leave on time, making it one of the less dependable airports on our list.

Things to see and do:

In addition to a yoga room perfect for relaxation and meditation, there’s also an 8,000 square-foot athletic club complete with sauna, steam room, workout equipment and lap pool, all inside the airport Hilton. Simply pay the day rate to access the facility. Don’t forget to post your fitness goals on Instagram using #ohare.

The airport is also excellent for families traveling this holiday season. Visit the aviation-themed interactive playground where kids can learn about flight. There’s also a plentiful supply of Lego to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Shopping and dining:

ORD has 79 shops and 133 different dining outlets within the airport, providing plenty of choices for passengers. There’s also free Wi-Fi, as well as 13 members only lounges and 2 public lounges offering a quieter space to relax away from the holiday crowds.

Transportation:

The CTA provides train and bus service throughout the City of Chicago and to and from O’Hare Airport. The Blue Line train runs direct from the airport to downtown Chicago. Chicago Airport car rentals also provide a simple way to travel to the city, to hotels near O'Hare Intl and beyond.

  • Shopping Outlets 79

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  • Dining Outlets 133

    Dining
    Outlets

  • Wifi Speed 24.2

    Wi-Fi
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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 79.91%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 1.92%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 4

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#5 San Francisco International Airport

Location: San Francisco, California Airport code: SFO Airport ranking: 5

Top rated hotel: Villa Montes Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member (4.5 rating)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located south of downtown San Francisco. Offering domestic flights throughout North America, its location on the west coast makes it a major gateway for flights to Asia. In 2017, SFO was officially the 7th busiest airport in the US and the 24th in the world, with 56 million people travelling through its terminals.

In terms of its flight performance, SFO has some catching up to do. Of the 15 airports featured in our guide, SFO has the second largest proportion of delays, with just 73.61%, flights from San Francisco Intl leaving on time.

Things to see and do:

The airport recently opened a new Arts Center in the International Terminal, which features a rotating showcase of short films. The airport is also home to the country’s first ever airport therapy pig. Lilou wears costumes and performs tricks to help passengers deal with their travel anxiety before their flight. Make sure to get a selfie with Lilou and share it on social media.

Shopping and dining:

If your flight from SFO is delayed this holiday, rest assured that it has plenty for passengers to do. In addition to its 16 bars and 19 coffee shops, there’s also a wide range of shops and restaurants. If you prefer to shop online this holiday season, there’s free Wi-Fi with some of the fastest download speeds of any US airport.

Transportation:

You can travel from SFO to the city with BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) operating a rapid rail service to northern San Mateo County and East Bay directly from SFO. SamTrans also provides a 24-hour bus service that connects SFO with San Mateo County and other parts of San Francisco. San Francisco Airport car rentals are also available so you can make your way to the city and explore on your own time.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay before or after your flight, there are a number of hotels near San Francisco Intl which offer comfortable and reasonably priced rooms.

  • Shopping Outlets 70

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  • Dining Outlets 66

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    Outlets

  • Wifi Speed 54.78

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 73.61%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 1.41%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 8

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#6 John F. Kennedy International Airport

Location: New York City, New York Airport code: JFK Airport ranking: 6

Top rated hotel: Hampton Inn JFK Airport (4.0 rating)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the primary international airport serving New York City and is the busiest international air passenger gateway into the US. In 2017, it served over 59 million passengers, making it the 22nd busiest airport in the world.

In terms of the reliability of flights, only 75.76% of flights from John F. Kennedy Intl leave on time. It also struggled when it came to cancellations, with 2.84 percent of flights being canceled.

Things to see and do:

If you find you might be spending more time than you’d like in JFK’s Terminal 1 or 4 this holiday, then why not treat yourself at XpresSpa. They provide preflight facials as well as hand and arm massages to keep you looking fresh and boost your circulation before a long flight.

Shopping and dining:

JFK has no shortage of amenities with more coffee shops than any other airport on our list. It also has 34 bars if you’re looking for something a little stronger.

JFK might not be the best option to pick up a last minute gift and has fewer retail outlets than some of the country’s other leading airports. But if you’re hungry, JFK has 148 different dining outlets within the airport, including a seafood and caviar bar. There are also 29 members only lounges where you can pass the time away from the holiday crowds.

Transportation:

You can travel the 16 miles from JFK to New York City via the subway and the AirTrain JFK. An AirTrain ticket costs just $5, while a subway ticket will cost you $2.75. You can also travel by bus using the Q3, Q10 or B15.

There are also New York Airport car rentals if you’re looking to explore the tri-state area. If you’re looking for somewhere to rest up before your trip, there’s no shortage of hotels near John F. Kennedy Intl.

  • Shopping Outlets 37

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  • Dining Outlets 148

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  • Wifi Speed 21.37

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 75.76%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 2.84%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 29

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#7 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Location: Dallas, Texas Airport code: DFW Airport ranking: 7

Top rated hotel: Grand Hyatt DFW (4.7 rating)

In 2017, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) served more than 67 million passengers, making it the world’s 12th busiest airport. In terms of its size, DFW covers 17,207 acres, making it larger than the island of Manhattan. In fact, the only airport larger in terms of land area in the US is Denver International.

DFW has flights to 233 destinations including 57 international and 176 domestic. That makes it one of only a few airports worldwide to fly to more than 200 destinations. 82.4% of flights from Dallas/Fort Worth Intl leave on time and just 1.54 percent of flights are canceled.

Things to see and do:

DFW has two free yoga studios, complete with mats, exercise balls and stretch bands, as well as its own house-produced 20-minute yoga instruction video on a loop. The newest of these studios can be found at Gate E31. There’s also an art program which features commissioned public art pieces and inspiring walking paths, showcasing sculpture, paintings, mosaics and more.

Shopping and dining:

DFW also boasts 64 retail outlets and 72 different dining options to ensure no traveler is short of choice.

Transportation:

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail service at DFW is a great way to visit many Dallas sights, landmarks and more – all without a car. It costs $2.50 for a two-hour pass or $5.00 for a day pass.

Passes can be purchased at DFW Airport Station kiosks or by mobile on the GoPass app (available for iPhone and Android smartphones only). Alternatively, you may choose to book Dallas Airport car rentals, which can be a great way to explore the expansive state of Texas and travel to one of the many hotels near Dallas/Fort Worth Intl you’ll find in the vicinity.

  • Shopping Outlets 64

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  • Dining Outlets 72

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  • Wifi Speed 23.83

    Wi-Fi
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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 82.41%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 1.54%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 17

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#8 Denver International Airport

Location: Denver, Colorado Airport code: DEN Airport ranking: 8

Top rated hotel: The Westin Denver International Airport (4.4 rating)

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the US in terms of land area, covering a total of 33,531 acres and is the 20th busiest in the world with over 61 million passengers passing through its doors in 2017.

DEN offers flight to 26 international destinations in 11 countries and it has the fourth largest domestic network in America. 83.88% of flights from Denver Intl leave on time, which makes it second only to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta in terms of on-time departures. Just 0.66% of flights were canceled, making it second best on our list.

Things to see and do:

DEN has ice-skating on its outdoor plaza during the winter months. This year, the ice skating rink will be open daily from 9.00AM - 9.00PM, starting November 23.

Shopping and dining:

DEN provides free Wi-Fi and boasts some of the fastest download speeds in the country. If you prefer to browse the stores and have a bite to eat, there are 52 retail outlets and 73 eateries to choose from, so you’re sure to find something for everyone.

Transportation:

The A Line commuter train offers convenient transportation between DEN and downtown Denver. The airport fare is $9 per day from any of the stations along the A Line and includes unlimited rides during a single day.

There’s also a public bus service to and from DEN within the metro area, which is provided by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the ‘Bustang’ service, provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

And of course, there are also Denver Airport car rentals so you can travel to the city, explore the many attractions in Colorado and find hotels near Denver Intl where you can enjoy a well-earned rest.

  • Shopping Outlets 52

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  • Dining Outlets 73

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  • Wifi Speed 78.68

    Wi-Fi
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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 83.88%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 0.66%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 4

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#9 Orlando International Airport

Location: Orlando, Florida Airport code: MCO Airport ranking: 9

Top rated hotel: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport (4.5 rating)

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located six miles southeast of downtown Orlando and serves as a major international gateway for the Central Florida region. In 2017, MCO handled nearly 45 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in the state of Florida and the 11th busiest airport in the US In terms of its global standing, MCO is the 39th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, just behind Munich Airport in Germany.

The busiest domestic routes from MSO include flights to Atlanta, Newark and Philadelphia, while the most popular international destinations are London, Toronto and Manchester, England. In terms of arrivals and departures, there is room for improvement. Only 78.19% of flights from Orlando Intl leave on time, putting it in the bottom 5 airports on our list.

Things to see and do:

Art is an integral part of the MCO experience. Used both for aesthetic enjoyment and wayfinding elements, the airport collection introduces millions of passengers each year to the community’s appreciation and focus on the arts. Detailed and realistic, Duane Hanson’s tired “Traveller”, joined MCO’s collection in 1986 and continues to be its most well known piece. You can find the painting near the Starbucks on the third level beneath Champ’s Plaza.

Shopping and dining:

One area where MCO does perform particularly well is in the number of retail and dining options it has on site. There are 74 shops and 67 restaurants to choose from along with 17 bars and 8 coffee shops.

Transportation:

Shuttles to hotels near Orlando Intl are located on the B-Side of the Terminal, on the Ground Transportation Level, at Commercial Lane spaces B42-B47. Downtown Orlando is approximately 40 minutes from the airport on the Lynx bus service. Or there are plenty of Orlando Airport car rentals if you want to explore the state.

  • Shopping Outlets 74

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  • Dining Outlets 67

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  • Wifi Speed 30.46

    Wi-Fi
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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 78.19%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 2.07%

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  • New Title Lounges 4

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#10 Los Angeles International Airport

Location: Los Angeles, California Airport code: LAX Airport ranking: 10

Top rated hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport (4.6 rating)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the world’s fourth busiest airport, with nearly 85 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2017. That makes it the second busiest airport in the US and the largest and busiest international airport on the West Coast. LAX serves as a major international gateway to the US and is also a significant hub for international connecting flights. Despite its size, 80% of flights from Los Angeles International Airport leave on time and only 0.91% of flights are canceled.

Things to see and do:

LAX has a Pets Unstressing Passengers program (PUP) that gives passengers who find the holiday crowds too stressful the opportunity to pet, hug or take a picture with dogs registered with Therapy Dogs Inc. Speaking of pictures, everyone wants their friends to know they are spending the holidays in sunny California, so why not join the two and a half million people posting on Instagram when you pass through the airport.

Shopping and dining:

LAX’s nine-terminal city within a city has 43 bars, 24 coffee shops and 105 restaurants. However, there are just 16 different retails outlets to choose from, so don’t wait to buy that last-minute gift at the airport.

Transportation:

The LAX Green Line Shuttle (G-Bus) provides service between the Metro Rail Green Line Aviation Station and LAX. Passengers wishing to use this shuttle bus service should wait under the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands in front of each terminal and board the ‘G’ Shuttle. Alternatively, Los Angeles Airport car rentals are a simple way to travel into the city. It also makes it much easier to travel to hotels near Los Angeles Intl and beyond.

  • Shopping Outlets 16

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  • Dining Outlets 105

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  • Wifi Speed 15.04

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 80.51%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 0.91%

    Canceled
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  • New Title Lounges 22

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#11 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Location: Phoenix, Arizona Airport code: PHX Airport ranking: 11

Top rated hotel: Drury Inn & Suites Airport (4.5 rating)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) is conveniently located 3 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix. In 2017, PHX served nearly 44 million passengers, making it the 13th busiest airport in the US and the 41st busiest in the world.

PHX has far fewer international destinations than many of the other airports on our list. However, an incentive program was started in 2017 allowing for funds to promote new overseas flights between PHX and international cities. 81.17% of flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl leave on time and just 0.82% are canceled. That makes PHX one of the best performers for flight reliability on our list.

Things to see and do:

PHX boasts a number of amenities that you wouldn’t typically expect to see in an airport. Walk the Sky Harbor Fitness Trail and enjoy views of mountains, parks and the man-made wonders of Phoenix, all from inside the airport.

There’s also a walk-in medical care facility called US Careways, which is the first of its kind in the US. It treats patients aged six and older who need medical assistance such as seasonal flu shots, X-rays, lab testing and more.

There’s also free Wi-Fi, but with an average download speed of 9.52Mbps, it is the slowest service of all the leading US airports.

Shopping and dining:

PHX has all the usual amenities you would expect from a major international airport, with 49 shops, 62 restaurants, 10 bars and 11 coffee shops.

Transportation:

There are a range of transport options that can take you the three miles into downtown Phoenix. The Valley Metro bus route 13 stops at Terminal 2, while Bus Route 44 connects with the Airport at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. The Sky Train is free and provides a direct connection to Valley Metro Rail, which can take you into Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. If all that sounds like too much hard work, there are also numerous Phoenix Airport car rentals so you can travel into the city, find hotels near Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl or check out the area.

  • Shopping Outlets 49

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  • Dining Outlets 62

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  • Wifi Speed 9.52

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 81.17%

    Flights Leaving
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  • Canceled Flights 0.82%

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  • New Title Lounges 5

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#12 Miami International Airport

Location: Miami, Florida Airport code: MIA Airport ranking: 12

Top rated hotel: EB Hotel Miami (4.7 rating)

Miami International Airport (MIA) is 8 miles from downtown Miami and south Florida’s primary airport for long-haul international flights, flying to destinations throughout North and South America, Europe and Western Asia. In 2017, MIA saw just over 44 million passengers pass through its terminals, making it the 12th busiest airport in the US and the 40th busiest in the world.

The most popular domestic destinations include New York, Chicago and Atlanta, while more international passengers fly to London, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. 80.06% of flights from Miami Intl leave on time, putting it somewhere in the middle of the pack. However, with 2.54% of all flights canceled, MIA was one of the worst performers on our list.

Things to see and do:

Take a trip down memory lane. Outdated flight information display monitors inside MIA’s Concourse F have been refurbished and repurposed by the airport to display film clips of vintage footage of MIA from the 1950s and 1960s, celebrities arriving at the airport from the 1950s to the 1980s and home movies filmed in Miami between the 1920s and 1960s.

Shopping and dining:

Although low cancellation rates might not be MIA’s strong suit, the range of retail and dining options are impressive. There are 70 shops and 65 different restaurants on site, along with 22 bars and 10 coffee shops.

Transportation:

Trains depart from MIA every 30 minutes during weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends, with the Green Line and Orange Line running to and from the city. There’s also a Miami Beach Bus service, which runs every 30 minutes from 6:00AM-11:40PM, seven days a week. This bus runs between the MIA Metrorail station and Miami Beach. Of course, with plenty of Miami Airport car rentals, you can escape the hassle and drive to hotels near Miami Intl and explore the many attractions in the area.

  • Shopping Outlets 70

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  • Dining Outlets 65

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  • Wifi Speed 11.15

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 80.06%

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  • Canceled Flights 2.54%

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  • New Title Lounges 15

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#13 George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Location: Houston, Texas Airport code: IAH Airport ranking: 13

Top rated hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Houston Intercontinental Airport (4.6 rating)

George Bush International Airport (IAH) is 23 miles north of downtown Houston and serves the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area with flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations. In 2017, the airport served more than 40 million people, making it the 15th busiest airport in the US and the 48th busiest in the world.

The most popular domestic destinations include Los Angeles, Chicago and Denver, while the busiest international routes are Mexico City, Cancun and London. 83.22% of flights from George Bush Intl leave on time, the 3rd best rate in the US after DEN and ATL. However, IAH did not perform so well when it came to cancellations, with 2.96% of flights canceled, better only than Newark Liberty.

Things to see and do:

If you’re looking for the country’s most sophisticated airport then IAH is tough to beat. Its Harmony in the Air program features live performances from a diverse repertoire of classical, contemporary, jazz and international artists, creating an atmosphere that’s designed to sooth and destress passengers.

There’s also a free Wi-Fi service with a download speed of 14.53Mbps, 4 members only lounges and 3 public lounges, costing an average of $59, so you can browse in peace.

Shopping and dining:

With 36 bars and 18 coffee shops on site, passengers will not be short of somewhere to grab a coffee or something stronger while they wait for their flight. There are 112 shops in the airport and 25 dining options offering everything from pizzas to barbecue to Tex-Mex.

Transportation:

The METRO public transportation company has a range of bus routes that travel to and from IAH. There are also several shuttle bus companies and taxis that can get you to downtown within 40 minutes. Given that the airport is quite a distance from the city, many people choose to use Houston Airport car rentals to travel or drive to hotels near George Bush Intl and explore the surrounding areas.

  • Shopping Outlets 112

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  • Dining Outlets 25

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  • Wifi Speed 14.53

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 83.22

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  • Canceled Flights 2.96%

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  • New Title Lounges 4

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#14 Newark Liberty International Airport

Location: Newark, New Jersey Airport code: EWR Airport ranking: 14

Top rated hotel: Residence Inn Newark Elizabeth (4.3 rating)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is ranked 14th on our list and is located just 3 miles south of downtown Newark and 12 miles southwest of New York City. In 2017, EWR was the 14th busiest airport in the US and the 43rd in the world, serving over 43 million passengers. Just 68.41% of flights from Newark Liberty Intl leave on time, making it the worst performer on our list. There were also more cancellations at EWR than any other airport, with 3.11% of flights being canceled.

Things to see and do:

While you are more likely to get delayed this holiday season flying in or out of EWR, you can pamper yourself while you wait. Visit The d_parture spa, a full-service spa with two locations in Terminal C, offering a wide range of treatments include manicures, pedicures, stress relieving deep tissue massages, facials, waxing and hair styling.

Shopping and dining:

With just 17 shops and 22 restaurants, EWR lacks the amenity options of other leading airports. However, with 28 bars you can grab a drink before your holiday flight.

Transportation:

AirTrain Newark connects NJ Transit and Amtrak with EWR. Tickets for the AirTrain cost $5.50. A bus service is available through the NJ Transit bus lines, with buses 28, 37, 62, 67 and 107 all providing a service to EWR. There’s also an express bus that runs between EWR and New York City that costs $16 one way. If you’d prefer to drive then there are numerous Newark Airport car rentals so you can travel to the city, drive to hotels near Newark Liberty Intl or your holiday destination.

  • Shopping Outlets 17

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  • Dining Outlets 22

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  • Wifi Speed 23.9

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  • Flights Leaving Ontime 68.41%

    Flights Leaving
    Ontime

  • Canceled Flights 3.11%

    Canceled
    Flights

  • New Title Lounges 5

    Lounges

#15 Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Airport code: CLT Airport ranking: 15

Top rated hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport (4.6 rating)

At the bottom of our list is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite having a high proportion of flights leaving on time and a low number of cancellations, it was the airport’s amenities that led to it being the worst airport to get delayed at this holiday season. In 2017, Charlotte Douglas was the 10th busiest airport in the US and the 32nd worldwide with nearly 46 million passengers passing through its terminals. It is also the largest airport in the United States which does not offer a non-stop service to Asia.

83.01% of flights from Charlotte Douglas Intl leave on time, which is bettered only by ATL, IAH and DEN. It also performed well when it came to flight cancellations, with just 1.84% of flights canceled.

Things to see and do:

While a lack of amenities keeps CLT from the top of our list, at least dog-lovers won’t get bored. The CLT Canine Crew is made up of volunteers and therapy dogs who are on hand to spend time with passengers and help to calm those who may be feeling anxious about their flights.

Shopping and dining:

CLT has 36 shops and 49 dining outlets on site. There are only 21 bars and 8 coffee shops, far less than other airports. While it does provide free Wi-Fi, the download speed of just 9.76Mbps is the second lowest on our list.

Transportation:

CLT is just 6 miles from downtown Charlotte and can be reached by shuttle, ride sharing and taxi services available from the airport. Alternatively, Charlotte Airport car rentals are available to simplify your arrangements and make it easy to travel to hotels near Charlotte Douglas Intl and beyond.

  • Shopping Outlets 36

    Shopping
    Outlets

  • Dining Outlets 49

    Dining
    Outlets

  • Wifi Speed 9.76

    Wi-Fi
    Speed

  • Flights Leaving Ontime 83.01%

    Flights Leaving
    Ontime

  • Canceled Flights 1.84%

    Canceled
    Flights

  • New Title Lounges 2

    Lounges

About

Methodology and how we arrived at our results:

When it came to creating our guide to The Best and Worst Airports to Get Delayed at this Holiday Season, a number of factors governed our choice of airports and the way in which they were ranked.

We chose to include the 15 busiest airports in the USA, according to the ‘Top 50 Domestic Airports Comparisons - US Passenger Traffic, Ranked by Passenger’ (p2.1.1) in The Port Authority of NY&NJ 2017 Airport Traffic Report.

Rank

City

Airport

No. Of Passengers

% Change 2016-17

1 Atlanta GA Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport 103,902,992 -0.26
2 Los Angeles CA Los Angeles International Airport 84,557,968 4.49
3 Chicago IL O'Hare International Airport 79,828,183 2.4
4 Dallas/Fort Worth TX Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 67,092,194 2.28
5 Denver CO Denver International Airport 61,379,396 5.34
6 New York NY John F. Kennedy International Airport 59,392,500 0.49
7 San Francisco CA San Francisco International Airport 55,822,129 5.12
8 Las Vegas NV McCarran International Airport 48,566,803 2.25
9 SeaTac WA Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 46,934,194 2.62
10 Charlotte NC Charlotte Douglas International Airport 45,909,899 3.35
11 Orlando FL Orlando International Airport 44,511,265 6.17
12 Miami FL Miami International Airport 44,071,313 -1.15
14 Newark NJ Newark Liberty International Airport 43,393,499 6.58
15 Houston TX George Bush Intercontinental Airport 40,696,189 -2.23

We chose to rank those 15 airports using nine different metrics. They were.

1. Number of shopping outlets

As described on the official airport website

2. Number of dining outlets

As described on the official airport website

3. Wi-Fi Speed

Taken from an article on http://www.speedtest.net/ entitled How Much Have Wi-fi Speeds Improved at the Largest Airports in the US and Canada?’

4. Percentage of flights leaving on time

Taken from the Bureau of Transport Statistics in the period June 2017 - 2018

5. Percentage of canceled flights

Taken from the Bureau of Transport Statistics in the period June 2017 - 2018

6. Number of members-only lounges

As described on the official airport website

7. Price of members-only lounges

Taken from the official airport lounge website

8. Number of public lounges

Taken from https://www.loungebuddy.co.uk/

9. Price of public lounges

Taken from https://www.loungebuddy.co.uk/

The raw data for the fifteen airports is here:


Ranking system:

In order to rank the airports for our guide, we attributed points out of ten to each metric. We gave ten points to the highest number of shopping outlets, dining outlets, fastest Wi-Fi speed, highest percentage of flights leaving on time, highest number of members-only lounges and highest number of public lounges. We gave 0 points to the lowest number in those metrics. By dividing the difference between the highest and lowest number in each metric, we attributed points based on where the remaining airports sat on that scale. We inverted that system for negative attributes – so 0 points were given for the highest percentage of canceled flights and for the most expensive private lounge, and 10 points were given to the lowest percentage of canceled flights and the least expensive private lounge. Again, the difference was divided and the other airports scored on that scale.

Research for individual resource copy was taken from a variety of reputable sources, including the airports’ websites and news articles relating to them.

A full list of the websites/articles used is below:

Airport websites:

Other sources:

Results

img

Overall Ranking

Worst to best Best to worst
img

USA Busiest Airports

Least to most Most to least
img

Shopping Outlets

Least to most Most to least
img

Dining Outlets

Least to most Most to least
img

Wi-Fi Speed

Worst to best Best to Worst
img

Flights Leaving On Time (%)

Worst to best Best to Worst
img

Canceled Flights (%)

Worst to best Best to Worst
img

Members Lounges

Least to most Most to least
img

Average Price of Members Lounges (US$)

Least to most expensive Most to least expensive
img

Public Lounges

Least to most Most to least
img

Average Price of Public Lounges (US$)

Least to most expensive Most to least expensive
1 01Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport 221 100 59.62 84.93 1.22 13 59 2 34
2 09Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 37 42 103 82.19 0.61 12 49 2 31
3 08McCarran International Airport 52 104 11.15 81.47 0.74 4 40 2 39
4 03O'Hare International Airport 79 133 24.2 79.91 1.92 13 59 2 43
5 07San Francisco International Airport 70 66 54.78 73.61 1.41 8 59 12 59
6 06John F. Kennedy International Airport 37 148 21.37 75.76 2.84 29 59 3 49
7 04Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 64 72 23.83 82.41 1.54 17 59 3 45
8 05Denver International Airport 52 73 78.68 83.88 0.66 4 59 0 59
9 11Orlando International Airport 74 67 30.46 78.19 2.07 4 59 2 39
10 02Los Angeles International Airport 16 105 15.04 80.51 0.91 22 59 0 59
11 13Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport 49 62 9.52 81.17 0.82 5 59 1 49
12 12Miami International Airport 70 65 11.15 80.06 2.54 15 59 1 49
13 15George Bush Intercontinental Airport 112 25 14.53 83.22 2.96 4 59 4 59
14 14Newark Liberty International Airport 17 22 23.9 68.41 3.11 5 59 1 39
15 10Charlotte Douglas International Airport 36 49 9.76 83.01 1.84 2 59 2 59