Summer is a peak travel season, with millions of people jetting off to their dream destinations or visiting loved ones. However, not all airport experiences are created equal. Some airports excel at providing seamless journeys for travelers, while others fall short in terms of services, amenities, and efficiency.
Forbes Advisor has recently released its list of the 10 worst airports for summer travel, where you might want to brace yourself for a less-than-pleasant experience. Let’s take a closer look at these notorious facilities that travelers might want to avoid during their summer adventures.
1. LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Located in New York City, LaGuardia Airport is notorious for long security lines, cramped terminals, and outdated facilities. Construction projects have been underway for years, causing significant disruptions to travelers’ experiences.
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): While LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, it struggles to cope with the surge of summer travelers. Delays, traffic congestion, and confusing terminals can make navigating through LAX a frustrating experience.
3. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Another hub plagued by constant construction, Newark Airport often experiences delays. Limited dining options and crowded waiting areas make it less than ideal for summer travel.
4. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): JFK in New York City is known for its size, which can be overwhelming for travelers unfamiliar with its complex layout. Inefficient security procedures and long immigration queues add to the airport’s challenges during the summer season.
5. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): While O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, it struggles to handle the summer rush. Limited seating, lack of family-friendly amenities, and unpredictable weather conditions can make it a difficult airport to navigate.
6. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Philadelphia’s airport suffers from outdated infrastructure, long security lines, and frequent flight delays. Lack of sufficient seating and dining options can make layovers a less-than-pleasant experience.
7. Miami International Airport (MIA): While Miami International Airport serves as a major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, it is not without its challenges. Delays, long lines at security checkpoints, and limited amenities can make summer travel through MIA a less enjoyable experience.
8. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): As one of the busiest airports in the United States, Boston Logan can experience overcrowding during the summer months. Insufficient seating, long wait times, and limited food options can leave travelers feeling frustrated.
9. San Francisco International Airport (SFO): SFO is known for its foggy weather, which can lead to frequent flight delays and cancellations during the summer. Long security lines and limited seating options only add to the challenges.
10. John Wayne Airport (SNA): Located in Orange County, California, John Wayne Airport suffers from limited parking options, small waiting areas, and long queues. It can get extremely crowded during the summer season, leading to a less-than-ideal travel experience.
While these airports might not offer the most pleasant summer travel experiences, it’s worth noting that they also often serve as important transportation hubs. Travelers can try to plan ahead, arrive early, and be prepared to navigate the challenges these airports present.
However, if convenience and efficiency are top priorities, it might be worth exploring alternative airports or adjusting travel plans to avoid the potential pitfalls and frustrations associated with these notorious facilities.
