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The Most Chaotic Airports in the U.S.

We all have that one airport that we avoid flying through at all cost—whether it’s too many delayed flights, crazy lines, not enough seats, or just general disorganization, some airports are simply more chaotic than others. While airport frustration is nothing new, a new study now backs up those gut feelings with hard data.

Gambling site Casino of the Kings crunched the numbers—analyzing flight delays, cancellations, mishandled baggage, and traveler satisfaction—to uncover the most chaotic airports in the U.S. The results offer a clear picture of which airports are most likely to disrupt your travel plans—and might be worth avoiding if you have the option.

The Most Chaotic Airports in the U.S.

Two Florida hubs lead the list, with Tampa International Airport earning the dubious honor of most chaotic overall, and Orlando International Airport close behind in third place. Both airports struggle with high rates of delayed and canceled flights, mishandled baggage, and low traveler satisfaction. 

Coming in second is Newark Liberty International Airport—an airport often criticized by travelers, so its spot on the list will come as no surprise to frequent flyers.

AirportMishandled bags per 100K passengersPassenger satisfaction scoreDaily Percentage of Delayed FlightsDaily Percentage of Cancelled FlightsChaos Score
Tampa International Airport1.12853.47%8.24%99.83
Newark Liberty International Airport2.327.6340.67%2.87%90.16
Orlando International Airport1.15746.20%4.65%89.65
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport0.537.7834.46%9.84%87.5
John F. Kennedy International Airport2.597.6134.99%1.69%85.82
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Int’l Airport1.097.3344.75%2.62%83.52
O’Hare International Airport0.647.7458.60%3.03%75.09
Harry Reid International Airport1.527.5835.78%1.79%72.69
BostonLogan International Airport1.72826.76%2.31%68.24
Miami International Airport1.647.6531.20%1.43%67.81

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