U.S. Airports with the Most Delays
Sometimes delays are inevitable when you fly, but at these airports it has almost become an expectation. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Statistics, these are the 10 worst-performing airports in major American metro areas when it comes to timeliness.
2. Chicago Midway International
Chicago, Illinois
Average On-Time Percentage: 70.06%
Though Midway can feel good that it isn’t the worst, it still doesn’t have much to brag about when it comes to being on time. The silver lining for delayed passengers is that Southwest Airlines operates the majority of flights so there’s at least a chance you’ll receive good customer service.
1. Chicago O'Hare International
Chicago, Illinois
Average On-Time Percentage: 67.49%
It wasn’t a good past year for air travel to Chicago. Both of the city’s airports take the top two spots on our worst-performing list. To put O’Hare’s tardiness into perspective, the airport with the least amount of delays (Salt Lake City International) had an on-time percentage of 87%. What likely contributes to O’Hare’s poor ranking is that the airport is the world’s busiest for number of takeoffs and landings.
3. Newark Liberty International
Newark, New Jersey
Average On-Time Percentage: 70.75%
One positive for Newark is that they have increased their on-time percentage after being named the worst performing only a few years ago. Your best chances for arriving or departing on time are in the morning hours. If your flight isn’t until the evening, prep for delays.
4. San Francisco International
San Francisco, California
Average On-Time Percentage: 71.65%
SFO is California’s second busiest airport but the state’s worst when it comes to on-time performance. At least with all that waiting around you won’t be contributing to global warming. Terminal 2 was the first airport terminal in the country to achieve LEED Gold certification back in 2011.
5. LaGuardia
New York City, New York
Average On-Time Percentage: 73.79%
LaGuardia is the only airport on the list that doesn’t have international capabilities. You’d think the lack of international screening would work in LaGuardia’s favor. Often derided for its outdated facilities, new investments will hopefully reinvigorate the airport sooner rather than later
6. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall
Baltimore, Maryland
Average On-Time Percentage: 74.17%
BWI is the largest airport, counting passengers, that serves the D.C. metro area, and it shows from its poor on-time performance. While you wait for your flight, however, take advantage of the airport’s award-winning dining options which are consistently voted among the best in North America
7. Washington Dulles International
Washington, DC
Average On-Time Percentage: 74.42%
Though Washington Dulles may feature beautiful architecture, the airport’s on-time record isn’t as lovely. While most airports see delays and stacking in the evening, Washington Dulles starts to see pileups in the early afternoon.
8. Denver International
Denver, Colorado
Average On-Time Percentage: 74.46%
Denver’s flagship airport was voted the best airport in North America for six years in a row by Business Traveler Magazine readers, yet the timeliness of arrivals and departures leaves something to be desired. At least visitors can stroll throughout the terminal marveling at one of the most unique roof designs in all of architecture while trying to pass the time.
9. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Average On-Time Percentage: 74.52%
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood is a major hub for cruise travelers about to embark on a Caribbean adventure. If your cruise sets sail in the evening, however, you may want to fly in a day early just to be sure you don’t miss your voyage.
10. Dallas/Fort Worth International
Grapevine/Irving, Texas
Average On-Time Percentage: 74.72%
DFW is the second-largest airport in the nation, covering 30 square miles. It’s so big that it has its own dedicated ZIP code. Maybe planes get lost on their way to the gate because a 75% on-time percentage isn’t something to brag about. They say “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” and that includes the wait times.
