When it comes to air travel, a bad airport experience can sour an entire trip. In 2025, passengers across the United States have continued to voice their frustrations over poor service, long security lines, flight delays, lack of cleanliness, and outdated infrastructure. Based on traveler reviews, delay statistics, and service complaints, here are the 10 Worst Airports in America in 2025—the ones frequent flyers hope to avoid at all costs.
1. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – New York, NY
Despite recent renovations, LaGuardia still tops the list of worst airports. Chronic flight delays, traffic congestion, and confusing layouts frustrate travelers. While Terminal B has improved, the experience outside it remains hectic. The airport’s cramped pickup zones and ongoing construction have done little to ease the tension.
Main complaints: Delay frequency, access issues, lack of seating.
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, CA
LAX remains a chaotic maze for travelers. Although it handles a massive passenger volume, the terminals are often overcrowded, signage is poor, and the layout is far from user-friendly. Security wait times can exceed an hour, especially during peak periods.
Main complaints: Overcrowding, traffic congestion, poor wayfinding.
3. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – Chicago, IL
While Midway is smaller than O’Hare, it earns its spot here due to uncomfortable seating areas, limited food options, and a generally dated atmosphere. The airport’s compact design becomes a problem during delays, leaving passengers standing or sitting on floors.
Main complaints: Lack of amenities, small terminals, poor Wi-Fi.
4. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Newark, NJ
Newark has long been a problem child for East Coast travelers. In 2025, it remains plagued by frequent cancellations and delays, especially for United flights. Even after new terminal openings, complaints about dirty restrooms, indifferent staff, and long immigration lines persist.
Main complaints: Dirty facilities, frequent delays, unhelpful staff.
5. Miami International Airport (MIA) – Miami, FL
Miami is a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, but many travelers dread passing through it. MIA’s signage is notoriously confusing, and non-English-speaking visitors often struggle. Customs wait times are long, and seating is inadequate during busy travel seasons.
Main complaints: Language barriers, customs delays, confusing layout.
6. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – Philadelphia, PA
PHL continues to disappoint with aging terminals, poor cleanliness, and lackluster food offerings. Although certain terminals have been upgraded, others feel forgotten. Flyers complain about long waits for checked baggage and inconsistent TSA experiences.
Main complaints: Dirty restrooms, inconsistent service, poor food options.
7. Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Dallas, TX
While smaller and easier to navigate than Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Love Field has seen an uptick in delays and overcapacity issues in 2025. It lacks the infrastructure to handle its growing popularity. The seating areas are overcrowded, and food service has failed to keep up.
Main complaints: Overcrowded terminals, limited food, delay management.
8. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – Cleveland, OH
This airport has struggled with funding and maintenance, leaving passengers unimpressed. Terminals are visibly dated, and travelers note a lack of power outlets and modern amenities. The food scene is limited, and few seating upgrades have been made.
Main complaints: Outdated facilities, lack of outlets, limited dining.
9. Honolulu International Airport (HNL) – Honolulu, HI
Despite its tropical setting, HNL is widely considered disappointing. The open-air terminals sound appealing, but they feel outdated and often humid or uncomfortable. Long baggage wait times and rude TSA agents frustrate tourists expecting an island welcome.
Main complaints: Uncomfortable layout, slow baggage claim, dated restrooms.
10. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – New Orleans, LA
MSY had a fresh new terminal a few years ago, but that hasn’t translated to improved traveler satisfaction in 2025. Dirty bathrooms, minimal seating at gates, and disorganized security lines are common issues. Flyers also complain about inadequate air conditioning.
Main complaints: Dirty restrooms, poor crowd control, cooling issues.
Why These Airports Rank the Worst
These airports earned their poor reputations not just from a single problem, but from a combination of recurring complaints. From delayed flights and hard-to-navigate layouts to understaffed terminals and poor food offerings, each of these hubs failed to meet modern traveler expectations in 2025.
Key contributing factors include:
- Flight Delays: LaGuardia, Newark, and LAX regularly top FAA delay lists.
- Unfriendly Service: Staff at many of these airports were cited as indifferent or unhelpful.
- Cleanliness: Restroom and terminal cleanliness were frequent concerns.
- Amenities: Lack of decent food, lounges, or charging stations greatly affected passenger experience.
- Outdated Infrastructure: Airports like Cleveland and Honolulu struggle with old designs and underinvestment.
Final Thoughts on 10 Worst Airports in America in 2025
While some of these airports are investing in improvements, progress is slow, and travelers in 2025 continue to report frustrating experiences. If you’re planning a trip, it may be worth checking alternative hubs when possible or preparing for a less-than-smooth experience if one of these airports is on your itinerary.
Tip: If you’re flying through one of these airports, give yourself extra time, check terminal maps ahead of time, and consider bringing your own snacks or charging devices. It could save you a lot of stress.
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