Using a combination of data from a 39-question survey of 3000 frequent flyers, on-time arrival and departure data, along with a calculation of how easy or difficult it is to reach the facility, Bloomberg created what it calls "The Airport Frustration Index." Measured out of a maximum of 100, airports with with highest frustration index are the most...well, frustrating, while those with the lowest are the least.
Of the 36 major North American airports included in Bloomberg`s report, here are the 15 most frustrating for travelers. As much as folks would be wise to avoid these airports, their presence on this list — in many respects — is due to their role as major regional or international hubs. Which makes them all but impossible to avoid for most travelers.
With that in mind, check out the list so you may have a better idea for what to expect when you arrive.
15. Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Frustration Index: 54/100
Why it`s frustrating: Kansas City International Airport makes Bloomberg`s list at number 15 for two main reasons — airport amenities and poor on-time performance. MCI finished second to last in the survey in availability of retail (including food) and 12th from the bottom in on-time performance. In fact, only New York`s LaGuardia finished with a poorer rating for its lacking retail options.
14. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Frustration Index: 59.4
Why it`s frustrating:Houston`s George Bush Intercontinental airport cracks the list at number 14. IAH finished the 15th worst for on-time performance, with only 75% of flights leaving on time. Although there were not any particularly glaring weaknesses in the overall airport experiences, none of IAH`s attributes were rated particularly well, either. At only 38 minutes on average from Houston`s city center, the airport actually has one of the easiest commutes on the list.
Thousands of people stay at the George Bush International Airport waiting for flights to evacuate Houston, before Hurricane Rita in 2005
13. Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Frustration Index: 62.1
Why it`s frustrating: Ft. Lauderdale`s International airport makes the list at number 13 due to its poor on-time performance and lack of airport amenities. FLL finished with the 5th worst on-time performance of the 36 airports in the study. It`s airport food and shopping facilities was rated as the 4th worst by Bloomberg`s survey.
12.Orlando International (MCO)
Frustration Index: 63.8
Why it`s frustrating: Orlando International made Bloomberg`s list of most frustrating airports based on several factors, including poor security screening experience and low-quality retail and dining opportunities. However, its bathrooms were surprisingly well rated! With an average of 68 minutes per trip from Orlando`s city center, MCO is the 6th most difficult airport to get to.
11. Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Frustration Index: 65.4
Why it`s frustrating: Chicago`s Midway airport finished just outside of the top 10 on Bloomberg`s list. The main reason Chicago`s second airport is here is a result of its abysmal on-time performance. In fact, its 68% on-time performance is the worst for the major North American Airports in the study.
10. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Frustration Index: 65.6
Why it`s frustrating: Philly`s International Airport brings us to the top 10 most frustrating airports in North America. According to Bloomberg, the airport is described as "old, ugly, and cramped." The publication also warns travelers to avoid its bathrooms. The crab fries at Chickie`s and Pete`s garnered some good reviews, however.
9. Miami International Airport (MIA)
Frustration Index: 66.2
Why it`s frustrating: Miami International Airport`s 9th place finish on the list is mainly due across-the-board poor ratings of its facilities. According to Bloomberg, MIA has the most time-consuming check-in/security process of any airport on the list. In addition, the airport wins the award for having the most confusing terminal layout of the 36 facilities included in the study.
8. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Frustration Index: 67
Why it`s frustrating: They`re not kidding when they say everything is bigger in Texas. DFW — the fortress for American Airlines — covers a massive 27 square miles. According to the survey, flyers warn of numerous last-minute gate changes, long treks through DFW`s cavernous facility, as well as poor on-timer performance. DFW`s 76% on-time performance makes it the 13th worst on the list.
7. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Frustration Index: 67.7
Why it`s frustrating: According to Bloomberg`s survey respondents, Toronto Pearson International is one long line after another. The airport received poor marks for its check-in and security process, as well as the lack of quality food and shopping venues. YYZ also has the third worst commute, with an average of 75 minutes to drive from downtown Toronto to Mississauga, Ontario.
6. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Frustration Index: 71.5
Why it`s frustrating: Why is LAX so high on this list? It`s old, crowded, and it`s difficult to get to. LAX`s security process, bathrooms, and shopping received abysmal scores across the board. With an average commute time of 73 minutes from downtown LA, the airport is the 4th most difficult to reach. According to Bloomberg, survey respondents also recommend anyone traveling to charge electronics ahead of time — there`s a serious dearth of power sockets.
5. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Frustration Index: 83
Why it`s frustrating: JFK cracks the top five mainly due to overall poor airport amenities, along with the fact that it`s the most difficult to reach airport in the study. According to Bloomberg, it takes nearly 2 hours to reach the airport from New York`s city center. The Airport`s 6 different terminals make it quite a gnarly maze to figure out when traveling through.
Airline passengers wait to re-enter Terminal 8 at the John F Kennedy International Airport following a security breach that required the evacuation of the terminal in New York January 16, 2010
4. Chicago O`Hare International Airport (ORD)
Frustration Index: 84.9
Why it`s frustrating: For an airport so high on the Frustrating Airports list, O`Hare`s security lines, bathrooms, and retail received relatively good marks. So what makes ORD so frustrating? Flight delay, flight delays, flight delay. With only 69% of its flights leaving on time, the airport has the second worst on-time performance on this list — behind only its crosstown counterpart, Chicago Midway. In addition, the 78-minute long trek from downtown Chi-town make it the second most difficult airport to reach.
3. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Frustration Index: 87.5
Why it`s frustrating: According to Bloomberg, the only way to successfully navigate Washington`s Dulles Airport is to give it some time. The lines at the Capitol`s nearest international airport are notoriously long — which shows up in its poor marks for its security screening process. In addition to lines at the airport, it`s quite a trek just to make it to the airport. Plan for an average of 67 minutes to make the roughly 30 mile trip from the District to IAD.
2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Frustration Index: 90.1
Why it`s frustrating: Newark Liberty International Airport leads the list in the number of late and cancelled flights. This wouldn`t be so bad if spending time at EWR was an enjoyable experience. Sadly it isn`t. The airport also received incredibly poor ratings for its security screening experience, bathrooms, and available food/shopping.
1. New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Frustration Index: 91
Why it`s frustrating: For an airport that was recently rated as the 10 worst major airport in the world, it should be no surprise that it finished at the top of this list. LGA`s dated and cramped facilities help it garner the titles for having the foulest bathrooms on this list, as well as the lousiest restaurants and shops. It`s dismal 74% on-time performance didn`t help its cause either.
