In this article, we will take a look at the 5 worst airports in the U.S. for connecting flights. If you would like to read our analysis of the airline industry, you can go directly to the 15 Worst Airports in the U.S. for Connecting Flights.
5. Southwest Florida International Airport
Code: RSW
Score: 54.05
The Southwest Florida International Airport has 1 terminal and 28 gates. The airport offers minimal shops and dining options, with just 1.5 options per mile. Departures from the airport experience a 28% delay rate, averaging 83 minutes, while arrivals face a 31% delay rate, with an average delay of 67 minutes. The airport lacks sufficient charging stations, lounges, and onsite hotels. Furthermore, over 11% of all flights departing from the airport are subject to cancellations, adding to potential travel disruptions.
4. Orlando International Airport
Code: MCO
Score: 71.72
Orlando International Airport, the busiest in Florida, is situated 10 miles from downtown Orlando and has two terminals with a total of 93 gates. Despite its prominence, the airport holds a less favorable reputation for connecting flights. The average delay for both arrivals and departures stands at 74 minutes, with 32% of flights experiencing delays. In terms of amenities, the airport offers 0.31 lounges and charging stations per mile, along with a singular onsite hotel.
3. Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Code: CLT
Score: 79.03
Located at a 10-mile drive from downtown Charlotte, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport has been labeled as the 10th busiest airport in the US, according to US News. Functioning as a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, the airport operates from a single terminal housing 115 gates. Departing flights from the airport experience a 23% delay rate, with an average delay time of 74 minutes, while arrivals face a 20% delay rate with an average delay of 88 minutes. Furthermore, lounges are limited, with one lounge and three charging stations every two miles. The average time to move from one gate to another is 25 minutes.
2. Newark Liberty International Airport
Code: EWR
Score: 87.13
The Newark Liberty International Airport acts as the main airport for New York City and its nearby areas. The airport is located at a 12-mile drive from Manhattan and has three terminals with 121 gates. The Newark Liberty International Airport has been ranked amongst the worst airports in several reviews. Critiques often attribute issues to the airport’s location, which is constrained by short runways and proximity to water, leading to weather-related delays. The airport reports a 28% delay rate for both arrivals and departures, with an average delay time of 73 minutes and a cancellation rate of nearly 3%. It takes 26 minutes to walk from one gate to another at the airport, and there are no onsite hotels.
1. Denver International Airport
Code: DEN
Score: 88.52
Denver International Airport is situated 25 miles from downtown Denver. The airport is at the first position on our list of the 15 worst airports in the U.S. for connecting flights. The airport has one terminal and 127 gates. Departures from the airport face a 31% delay rate, with an average delay time of 62 minutes, while arrivals experience a 25% delay rate, with an average delay of 71 minutes. In terms of amenities, the airport provides an onsite hotel and an average of 1.3 shops and restaurants per gate.
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