Worst U.S. Airports for Flight Delays That Could Ruin Your Trip
Nothing kills the excitement of a trip faster than getting stuck at the airport. If you’ve ever found yourself pacing near a charging station or desperately searching for an open seat, you might have passed through one of these delay-prone hubs. So buckle up—before booking your next flight, take a look at the worst U.S. airports for flight delays.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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If you’ve ever flown out of San Francisco, you already know the struggle. SFO is practically married to fog, and that relationship isn’t ending anytime soon. Low visibility throws flight schedules into chaos, often leading to delays that can ripple across the country.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
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Midway is a hub for delays, thanks to its older infrastructure and heavy flight traffic. It is also smaller, meaning even minor hiccups can snowball into severe delays. A mix of unpredictable Midwest weather and air traffic bottlenecks makes things worse.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
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BWI isn’t that famous, but it certainly gets its fair share of delays. Its location means frequent weather disruptions, and high passenger volume only adds to the congestion. If your flight is delayed here, at least there’s a decent selection of crab cakes and seafood to keep you entertained while you wait.
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
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Everything is bigger in Texas, including flight delays at Love Field. This airport primarily serves Southwest Airlines, and when weather issues or scheduling problems arise, it creates a domino effect across the network. Summer storms and high demand don’t help either.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
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Seattle-Tacoma, or Sea-Tac, is no stranger to flight delays. Rainy weather isn’t the only culprit—heavy air traffic and ongoing airport renovations also play a role. While waiting, travelers can enjoy the airport’s solid food scene, including plenty of coffee options (because of Seattle). But if you’re hoping for an on-time departure, don’t hold your breath.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
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Las Vegas is about luck, but you might lose if you’re betting on an on-time departure. Harry Reid International Airport sees delays with issues ranging from high air traffic to extreme heat. Summer can be brutal, as high temperatures force aircraft to wait for better conditions.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
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Florida might be the theme park capital of the world, but Orlando isn’t an excellent airport for on-time departures. It suffers from constant congestion. Families heading home after a Disney trip might face another test of patience before even leaving Florida.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
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Flying through Fort Lauderdale means rolling the dice on your departure time. For those heading to or from cruises, a delay here can mean cutting it close—or even missing the boat. If you have connections or a time-sensitive itinerary, FLL’s track record isn’t exactly reassuring.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
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Newark is one of the busiest airports in the country, and with significant volume comes major delays. Some experienced flyers even joke that getting out of Newark on time is a miracle in itself.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
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JFK is a giant in air travel but also a giant in delays. In 2024, about 62% of flights did not arrive on time. International flights, unpredictable weather, and a perpetually packed runway system all contribute to the slowdowns. On the plus side, JFK’s terminal amenities are solid.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
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Miami’s airport might be a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, but it is also a gateway to long delays. In 2024, around 25% of flights were late, with frequent thunderstorms and high international traffic creating constant bottlenecks.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
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Tampa might not be the busiest airport in Florida, but it still has its share of delays. While it’s known for being relatively easy to navigate, that doesn’t mean you’ll get out on time. If you’re stuck waiting, check out the decent dining options to help pass the time.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
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O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, so delays are almost expected. Chicago’s famous snowstorms often cause cancellations and affect flights nationwide. There’s a good chance your travel plans will require some last-minute adjustments.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
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Denver’s airport is known for its massive size and conspiracy theories, but it’s also garnered quite a reputation for delays. Snowstorms, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures wreak havoc on flight schedules.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
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Austin’s airport has grown significantly in recent years, but this growth comes with growing pains. About 25% of flights saw delays in 2024. The airport’s food scene is solid, though, so you can enjoy some good barbecue before finally getting on your way.