8 Airports You Should Avoid

When planning a trip, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your flight will take off on time… or at all. Unfortunately, certain airports in the United States have earned a reputation for being particularly unreliable, with frequent delays and cancellations that can wreak havoc on your travel plans. AirHelp, a travel claims management agency, has released a new report identifying the worst airports to fly from in May 2024, based on an analysis of how frequently these airports experienced disruptions.

1. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport was the most disrupted in May 2024, with 45.6% of flights affected. The airport’s congestion, along with labor shortages and high traffic volume, contributed to these high disruption rates. As a major hub, delays at DFW can create a domino effect that impacts flights across the country.

2. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport came in second for the highest disruption rate, with 40.6% of flights affected in May 2024. Similar to Dallas/Fort Worth, the volume of air traffic, combined with operational challenges, makes this airport prone to delays.

3. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), North Carolina

Charlotte Douglas International Airport ranked third for flight disruptions in May 2024, with 37.8% of flights affected. High passenger traffic and operational complexities contributed to frequent delays, placing this major hub among the most challenging airports for on-time departures during the month.

4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois

Chicago O’Hare International Airport had 34.7% of flights disrupted in May 2024. Severe weather, particularly winter storms, adds to its woes in other parts of the year. O’Hare is also a major airline hub, so delays here often affect flights nationwide, resulting in cascading disruptions.

5. Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida

Miami International Airport had a disruption rate of 31.7% in May 2024, making it one of the most problematic airports for travelers. Like Fort Lauderdale, Miami’s issues are significantly impacted by weather, especially thunderstorms that are frequent in spring and summer. These conditions can lead to widespread delays.

6. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Florida

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) ranks among the worst, with 30.5% of flights disrupted in May 2024. Like nearby Miami, the primary issues stem from Florida’s frequent thunderstorms. According to a recent report, Fort Lauderdale topped the list of airports with the highest delay rates over the past year, making it one of the least reliable options for travelers.

7. Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida

Another major Florida airport, Orlando International, also experienced high disruption rates in May 2024, with 30.5% of flights affected. As with other Floridian airports, weather plays a big role, particularly the frequent thunderstorms that make summer a difficult time to fly.

8. Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado

Denver International Airport saw disruptions in 28.7% of flights in May 2024. Denver’s high altitude and frequent winter weather, including snowstorms, contribute to delays, particularly during the colder months. These factors make Denver a challenging hub for both travelers and airlines alike.

If you’re flying through any of these airports, it’s smart to prepare for potential delays or cancellations. Checking the weather forecast, booking flights at off-peak times, and considering alternative airports can help mitigate some of the risks. While travel disruptions are often unavoidable, knowing which airports are the most unreliable can help you make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of your trip being derailed.

References: The Sun: Most Unreliable Airports in America | Fox Business: US Airports with the Worst Fly Out Rates