These Airports Are So Bad, You Should Avoid Them at All Costs

Air travel can be stressful enough, but some airports make the experience downright unbearable. From constant delays and chaotic terminals to poor customer service and nightmarish security lines, these airports have earned a reputation for frustrating travelers. Whether it’s due to overcrowding, outdated facilities, or unreliable connections, these are the airports that frequent flyers dread the most—and the ones you might want to avoid if possible.

Here are the airports that are notorious for delays, inefficiency, and traveler complaints.

1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – A Traffic Nightmare

LAX might be one of the busiest airports in the world, but it’s also one of the most chaotic and frustrating for travelers. The terminal layout is confusing, the traffic congestion is legendary, and navigating between terminals often requires leaving security and taking a slow shuttle. Flight delays are common, and with constant construction projects, passengers often find themselves in a maze of detours and long walking distances. If you have a tight layover, good luck—LAX can turn a simple connection into a travel disaster.

2. New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – A Constant Work in Progress

LaGuardia has long been the punchline of bad airport jokes, thanks to its old, cramped terminals and frequent delays. While recent renovations have improved the experience somewhat, it still struggles with poor public transportation options, overcrowding, and runway congestion. Frequent travelers often describe it as one of the most stressful airports in America, where delays are more common than on-time departures.

3. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – A Hub of Delays

O’Hare may be a major hub, but it’s also one of the worst airports for flight cancellations and delays. Thanks to severe winter weather, frequent thunderstorms, and air traffic congestion, travelers flying through ORD often find themselves spending more time waiting than flying. The sheer size of the airport can also make layovers stressful, as getting from one terminal to another sometimes requires a mad dash through endless corridors.

4. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – The Crowded Connection Headache

Heathrow may be one of the world’s busiest international airports, but that doesn’t mean it’s a smooth experience. The airport is known for long security lines, confusing terminal layouts, and overcrowded lounges. If you’re making a connection at Heathrow, be prepared for stress—passengers often report spending up to two hours just clearing security and passport control. For many, Heathrow feels more like a waiting room than a world-class airport.

5. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Where Flights Go to Get Delayed

Newark Liberty International consistently ranks among the worst U.S. airports for on-time departures. Frequent flight cancellations and a general lack of organization make it a nightmare for passengers. Even when flights are running smoothly, the airport’s outdated terminals, overpriced food, and confusing layout make for an unpleasant experience. Many travelers opt to fly into JFK or even Philadelphia rather than deal with the frustration of Newark.

6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – A Maze of Confusion

Despite being one of Europe’s most important international hubs, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris is notoriously frustrating to navigate. The terminals are spread far apart, making connections stressful, and customer service is often lacking. Many passengers complain about long waits at security and passport control, with some reporting hours-long delays. For a city known for elegance and efficiency, CDG falls surprisingly short.

7. Miami International Airport (MIA) – Long Lines and Poor Service

Miami International Airport is a key gateway to Latin America, but it’s also one of the most stressful airports in the U.S. Immigration and customs lines are infamously long, and poor signage and disorganized layouts make it difficult for passengers to find their way. Delays are common, and with few food and seating options, waiting for a flight here can feel endless.

8. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) – Outdated and Overwhelmed

Manila’s main airport has consistently ranked among the worst in the world due to poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and inefficiency. The airport suffers from frequent power outages, air conditioning issues, and long baggage claim wait times. Security checks can take forever, and travelers often describe the experience as frustrating and exhausting. With limited seating and chaotic boarding processes, it’s a place most travelers try to avoid.

9. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – A Nightmare for Delays

Toronto Pearson has become infamous for flight delays, baggage issues, and overcrowding. The airport’s customs process can be painfully slow, with passengers often waiting well over an hour just to get through immigration. During peak travel times, security lines stretch endlessly, and many travelers report long waits just to retrieve their luggage. For a major North American hub, Pearson’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years.

10. São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) – A Struggle from Start to Finish

As Brazil’s largest airport, Guarulhos is the main gateway for international travelers, but that doesn’t mean it’s a smooth experience. Passengers regularly complain about long immigration lines, disorganized check-in counters, and minimal amenities. Food options are limited and overpriced, and navigating between terminals can be a challenge. Frequent flight delays and lost luggage issues make GRU one of the most frustrating airports to transit through.