Popular US Airports That Are Total Nightmares To Fly In And Out Of

There are few feelings more thrilling than the excitement of leaving for a trip. Packing your bags and jetting off — whether that be to somewhere exotic and new, or returning to somewhere familiar and cozy — is a freeing and refreshing sensation. But oftentimes, that initial fluttery feeling can quickly result in chaos when dealing with the dread of a disorderly airport. The obligatory process of the airport is a feat that any globetrotter knows all too well; and not only is it stressful and inconvenient, but it's usually also inevitable.

Traveling can be a joyous experience, but for many, the ordeal begins at the airport. While some airports excel in providing a seamless and enjoyable journey, others fall short, leading to frustration and stress for passengers. While waiting in lines and going through TSA may be unavoidable for air travel, some airports have been reported to be more arduous than others. We'll unveil the top contenders for the worst U.S. airports to fly in and out of, exploring the reasons behind their dismal reputations.

Chicago O'Hare International is yet another airport seen by many as a tumultuous ordeal of an airport. It's rated as the fourth busiest airport in the US and the sixth busiest airport in the world. The airport is simply massive, spanning 7660 acres in the northwest metropolitan area of Chicago. Many are overwhelmed by its size, and the recent $6 billion remodel, which many anticipated would create all-around improvements, has still resulted in never-ending lines and travelers in agony.

Despite being one of the busiest airports in the world, another main reason for ORD being a traveler's nightmare is because Chicago is a winter-weather city. This means delays and cancellations galore. Crowded runways, taxiing for long periods, and air traffic control getting backed up are to blame for a majority of Chicago O'Hare's arrival and departure problems.

However, there are some pretty neat facilities travelers may utilize to escape the hustle and bustle of ORD. For a moment of tranquility, you can unwind in the airport's yoga room, which offers eco-friendly bamboo flooring, yoga mats at your disposal, and a TV with yoga tutorials. There are also several art installations, such as a four-story-high brachiosaurus in Terminal 1 and the world flags hanging in Terminal 3. While these amenities may help a long layover, don't let it fool you, because this Chicago airport received low marks on the J.D. Power study, with passengers citing long security lines and delays (sometimes over two hours!) getting through customs.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), while being one of the busiest airports in the world, has earned a reputation as a difficult hub to fly in and out of. One major concern is the sheer size of the airport, with multiple terminals and concourses spread across a vast area. Navigating this expansive layout can be time-consuming, and passengers often find themselves facing long walks or relying on the airport's transportation system. Additionally, the airport's immense passenger traffic can result in crowded terminals, exacerbating the issue of finding seating, accessing amenities, and moving efficiently through security checkpoints.

Another notable issue at ATL is its vulnerability to weather-related disruptions. Atlanta experiences occasional severe weather events, including thunderstorms and hurricanes, which can lead to flight delays and cancellations. The airport's susceptibility to these weather patterns can significantly impact the reliability of flight schedules, causing frustration for travelers trying to navigate through Hartsfield-Jackson. Despite ongoing efforts to improve and expand the airport's facilities, its sheer size, passenger volume, and vulnerability to weather-related challenges contribute to the perception that navigating Atlanta Airport can be an overwhelming and sometimes nightmarish experience.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has faced criticism and is seen as a tough airport to fly in and out of for various reasons. One significant issue is the airport's historical struggles with baggage handling and overall operational efficiency. Passengers have reported delays and disruptions in baggage claim, contributing to frustrations and inconvenience. The airport's terminals have also been criticized for their dated infrastructure, leading to challenges in accommodating the growing number of passengers. Insufficient amenities and limited dining and shopping options further contribute to the perception that PHL falls short of providing a positive and seamless travel experience.

In addition to these infrastructure challenges, Philadelphia Airport has encountered issues with on-time performance. Delays are not uncommon, and travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with the overall reliability of flight schedules. Transportation to and from the airport has also been a point of contention, with some passengers facing difficulties accessing efficient and convenient options. While there have been ongoing efforts to address some of these issues, including terminal renovations, the combination of historical problems with baggage handling, infrastructure limitations, and on-time performance challenges has contributed to the perception that Philadelphia International Airport can be a challenging and at times nightmarish airport for air travel.

Denver International Airport (DEN) has faced difficulties that contribute to its reputation as a rather frustrating airport for travelers. One notable concern is the airport's susceptibility to weather-related disruptions, particularly during winter months. Denver experiences heavy snowfall, leading to flight delays and cancellations that can significantly impact the reliability of travel plans. The region's unpredictable weather patterns can create a domino effect, causing a backlog of delayed flights and frustrating experiences for passengers trying to navigate through DEN. Despite efforts to mitigate these weather-related challenges, the airport's vulnerability to adverse conditions continues to contribute to the perception that it can be a nightmare to fly in and out of Denver.

Another source of frustration for passengers at Denver International Airport is the complex layout and lengthy distances within the terminals. The expansive design of the airport, combined with the vast distances between gates and baggage claim areas, can result in long walks and increased travel times for passengers. Navigating through the airport can be particularly challenging for those with tight connections or limited mobility. While the airport's unique architecture and design have been a point of interest to some, the layout can create a cumbersome and confusing experience for others. 

Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, Hawaii, has faced obstacles that have led to it being known as an arduous airport for travelers. One of the primary concerns is the limited capacity of the airport to handle the increasing number of visitors to the island. Maui's popularity as a tourist destination has resulted in congestion and overcrowding at Kahului Airport, particularly during peak travel seasons. The airport's facilities, designed to accommodate a smaller volume of passengers, can become overwhelmed, leading to long lines at check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. This overcrowding has been a consistent source of frustration for travelers.

Transportation options to and from Kahului Airport also pose challenges for travelers. While rental cars are a common choice, the limited availability and high demand can result in delays and increased costs. Public transportation options are relatively limited, and traffic congestion around the airport can further impede efficient travel. As the gateway to Maui, addressing these capacity and transportation issues is crucial for improving the overall travel experience at Kahului Airport and ensuring a smoother journey for visitors to the island.

In Orlando, Florida, home of Walt Disney World Resort and Magic Kingdom, lies Orlando International Airport just 17 miles away. It's quite a juxtaposition from "The Most Magical Place On Earth" to the mayhem of misery of MCO airport. Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the United States because of the millions of travelers from around the globe here to visit the area's world-famous theme parks.

With such a high volume of travelers, Orlando International Airport can be a mess of an airport. Unlike many airports in the U.S., which normally advise you to arrive 90 minutes before boarding, MCO advises passengers to arrive three hours prior to their flight, whether flying international or domestic. The reasoning for this is simple. Many people flying into and out of MCO aren't your average businessperson who travels for work. Instead, these infrequent flyers may be on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney, thus they may be unfamiliar with TSA rules for properly packing liquids, slow to find their IDs, and even slower to react to screening directives. 

Nearly 50 million travelers passed through MCO in 2022 alone, and the elongated security queues aren't the only stressors at MCO. Orlando airport is understaffed, has consistently late flights and delays, and is unnecessarily large (11,600 acres) yet still insanely congested. While a visit to the Magic Kingdom may be fun, the lengthy lines at MCO are not.