Top 10 Least Preferred Airports Globally (As Suggested by TikTok Users)
In a survey conducted on TikTok, travelers shared their least favorite airports across the globe, highlighting various grievances and reasons for their discontent. The findings shed light on the airports that cause the most frustration for flight passengers.
Thousands of brutally honest TikTok comments revealed the airports travelers dread the most, and why. While this poll doesn't represent an official ranking, the opinions shared are undeniably real.
Least Favorite Airports
1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
ATL topped the list of airport frustrations, garnering 13.5% of all mentions and 19.2% of mentions among domestic airports. Factors contributing to the anxiety experienced here include endless terminal layouts and tight connections.
Complaints ranged from the airport feeling like a 5K jog due to its vastness to labeling it the 8th circle of hell. One user questioned the airport's logic: "Atlanta, why is my luggage and gate always miles away?" Another described the journey from a gate to customs as if it were an entirely different city.
2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow Airport reigns Supreme among international airport complaints, accounting for an impressive 30% of mentions. Travelers highlighted gate confusion and stressful security procedures as their primary concerns.
Complaints about HeathrowTypical complaints included statements like, "London Heathrow airport-I can't express enough how much I hate it there" and "Didn't announce my gate until boarding started, causing pure stress." Cleanliness, seating, and charging port availability were also points of contention, with one user sharing their experience of being stuck there for 24 hours due to a lack of charging facilities.
3. Miami International Airport (MIA)
Travelers cited Miami as "overcrowded, chaotic, and inconvenient," landing it in third place with 4.68% overall mentions and 8.5% among domestic airport mentions. One flight attendant who had traveled the world weighed in, labeling Miami International the worst among all airports. Users also expressed significant concerns about cleanliness, with one user emphatically stating, "MIAMI. You could not pay me to return there."
4. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Despite its reputation as a family-friendly gateway, Orlando International Airport wasn't so friendly, with 4.61% of overall mentions from angry airport-goers. Crowds of Disney-bound travelers and overwhelming security lines made this a frequent gripe for victims of jet lag.
One user spent three hours in a TSA line that was jam-packed and resembled Times Square on New Year's Eve. Another, who described Orlando as the worst airport on this planet, noted that it felt like the entire country was in one terminal.
5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Never-ending construction and chronic congestion led to frustration for 4.09% of commenters regarding LAX. Critics, many of whom are native Californians, often cite rude people, overcrowding, mediocre food options, and constant construction delays.
6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Europe's confusing mega-hub garnered 3.74% of mentions overall but ranked second internationally (16%) due to issues with lost luggage and chaotic customs. Users complained about poor organization, dirtiness, and signage, labeling the assistance they received as "satan's helpers."
7. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark faced criticism for frequent delays, outdated terminals, and poor amenities, earning 3.91% of overall mentions. Travelers described an airport that often has delayed or cancelled flights, offering poor food choices and lacking lounges. Some shared harrowing tales of snowstorms leaving them stranded with no access to hotels or assistance from the staff.
8. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
ORD tied Newark at 3.91% of overall mentions, frequently cited for terminal confusion and luggage issues. Users often complained about the airport's layout being difficult to navigate, and, like many large airports, cleanliness was an ongoing concern.
9. Denver International Airport (DEN)
DEN drew 3.87% of overall mentions due to its sprawling, confusing layout and frequent construction detours. Some users suggested that the airport is not always trustworthy, anticipating delays more than other destinations.
10. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Rounding out the list, JFK drew consistent complaints (2.89% overall) for outdated infrastructure and stressful international flights. Travelers criticized the airport for feeling like a mess, appearing dated, and causing luggage delays.
While the TikTok survey doesn't represent an official ranking or an impartial evaluation, it offers valuable insight into the traveling public's frustrations and their tips for avoiding the worst airports. If you're one of the unlucky passengers stuck in one of these terminals, remember to take a deep breath, indulge in an overpriced snack, and keep in mind that travel hiccups happen; with the right coverage, they don't have to ruin your trip.
[1] Overall mentions: Includes all specific complaints and general negative comments about an airport[2] Domestic airport mentions: Specific complaints and general negative comments about a domestic airport shared by TikTok users
- Airlines may want to consider revising their flight path schedules to minimize connections and delays at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), as its crowded terminal layouts have been a persistent complaint among travelers.
- To alleviate stress, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) could focus on improving gate announcements and increasing the availability of charging ports, addressing concerns raised by many travelers.
- Maintaining cleanliness and reducing overcrowding could significantly improve the experience for travelers at Miami International Airport (MIA).
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) could address issues with long lines at security by improving efficiency and hiring more staff, particularly during peak travel periods.
- In response to criticism, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) might consider reducing construction activities or improving traffic flow during peak hours to minimize congestion.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) may benefit from enhanced organization, cleanliness, and signage, as well as addressing concerns regarding lost luggage and chaotic customs.
- Implementing renovations to modernize facilities and improve food options could help Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) rise above travelers' complaints of frequent delays and outdated terminals.
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) could prioritize addressing concerns over terminal confusion and improving cleanliness to enhance travelers' experiences.
- Denver International Airport (DEN) could focus on improving wayfinding and reducing construction detours to alleviate traveler frustrations.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) could invest in upgrades to its infrastructure and streamline luggage handling procedures to address travelers' concerns.
In addition to these airport-specific measures, travelers may find it helpful to have travel insurance, hotel accommodations, and other provisions in place to help mitigate the impact of flight delays, lost luggage, and other common travel inconveniences.
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