Air travel is rarely anyone’s favorite part of a trip, but for some airports, stress is part of the boarding process. A new data-driven analysis has named the 10 most stressful airports in the United States, and the findings highlight that big-city hubs aren’t the only culprits. Smaller regional airports can trigger just as much travel anxiety, often for very different reasons.
Study Highlights Surprising Results
According to Travel + Leisure, researchers reviewed 384 U.S. airports using a weighted scoring model to determine which facilities create the most stressful experiences for passengers. Rather than relying solely on size or reputation, the study applied five equally weighted factors: passenger volume, average departure delays, cancellation rates, arrival delays, and Google user ratings. Each category contributed 20 percent to the final score, producing an overall “stress index” measured on a 1-to-10 scale.
The researchers employed Spin the Wheel Generator, a customizable virtual tool that allowed them to assign equal weight to the selected categories and compare results across airports of vastly different sizes. The approach emphasized that airports with relatively modest passenger numbers can still generate high stress scores if they experience frequent disruptions or poor traveler satisfaction.
Notably, the top airport did not come from the usual suspects like New York’s LaGuardia, Los Angeles International, or Chicago O’Hare. Instead, the most stressful facilities were often regional gateways where weather, limited flight options, and minimal amenities can magnify even minor travel disruptions.
Ranking the 10 Most Stressful Airports
10. Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) – Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Despite its “international” title, Chippewa County is a small, remote airport heavily affected by northern Michigan’s volatile weather. Delays can stretch for hours, and limited flight schedules leave passengers with few alternatives.
9. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta, Georgia
The world’s busiest airport earns its spot thanks to sheer scale. Long security lines, sprawling terminals, and tight connection windows make for a stressful environment even when operations are smooth.
8. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – Belleville, Illinois
With limited flights and facilities, MidAmerica is often overshadowed by nearby St. Louis Lambert. Sparse amenities and few backup options leave passengers frustrated when delays occur.
7. Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) – Plattsburgh, New York
Marketed as “Montreal’s U.S. Airport,” Plattsburgh attracts large numbers of Canadian travelers. That cross-border demand strains its limited infrastructure, while Lake Champlain’s winter weather often compounds delays.
6. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR), Texas & North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB), West Virginia – Tie
Both small airports made the list for similar reasons: minimal commercial flights, limited connections, and few amenities. Delays or cancellations can leave travelers stranded with virtually no alternatives.
5. Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX) – Hancock, Michigan
Located deep in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Houghton is remote and subject to relentless winter storms. Travelers face frequent cancellations and very limited rebooking options.
4. Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) – Eau Claire, Wisconsin
With limited airline service and amenities, Chippewa Valley struggles when disruptions hit. Passengers often end up driving to Minneapolis–St. Paul to salvage their travel plans.
3. Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) – Hagerstown, Maryland
Reliant on just a handful of carriers, Hagerstown leaves travelers vulnerable to cancellations. Older facilities and sparse services amplify frustrations during long waits.
2. Watertown International Airport (ART) – Dexter, New York
Despite its name, Watertown offers extremely limited flights. Harsh winters often disrupt schedules, leaving travelers with long gaps between flights and few options to adjust.
1. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – Aspen, Colorado
Aspen claims the top spot as America’s most stressful airport. Nestled in the Rockies, its short, narrow runway and surrounding mountains make flying difficult even for seasoned pilots. Add frequent snowstorms, high winds, and surging seasonal crowds, and ASE is a near-perfect storm of travel stress.
Regional Airports Matter Too
While the inclusion of Atlanta underscores that congestion at major hubs remains a significant source of stress, the findings highlight how smaller regional airports can cause outsized disruptions. With limited flights, fewer airlines, and minimal facilities, even minor delays can escalate into full-day ordeals.
The analysis suggests that travelers should not assume bigger airports are automatically more stressful. In fact, several of the most challenging travel experiences come not from overcrowded urban hubs, but from remote regional gateways where weather, infrastructure, and scheduling limitations collide.
The Bottom Line
Whether it’s waiting out winter storms in Michigan, braving cross-border congestion in upstate New York, or navigating the treacherous approach into Aspen, the most stressful airports in America turn what should be a straightforward step in travel into an ordeal. For passengers, these rankings are a reminder: sometimes the real turbulence starts long before the plane takes off.
