These Are the 10 Most Stressful Airports in the US

11 godzin temu

Air travel is supposed to get you from point A to point B, but sometimes the journey through the airport itself can feel like a layover in chaos. Whether it’s bad weather, tricky layouts, or long waits, some airports raise the collective blood pressure more than others.

In this article, we will take a look at the 10 most stressful airports in the United States.

Most Stressful US Airports

According to Travel and Leisure, a study of 384 U.S. airports applied a data-driven approach to identify the most stressful airports in the country.

Interestingly, the top-ranked airport was not located in a major metropolitan hub such as New York City (JFK/LGA/EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), or Chicago (ORD/MDW), nor did it belong to one of the largest connecting hubs like Atlanta (ATL) or Houston (IAH).

To ensure an objective outcome, researchers used Spin the Wheel Generator, a customizable virtual tool designed to weigh and compare multiple variables. The analysis focused on five equally weighted factors, each contributing 20 percent toward the final stress index.

These included passenger volume, average departure delays, cancellation rates, arrival delays, and Google user ratings. The combination of operational data and traveler sentiment produced a comprehensive stress score on a scale of 1 to 10.

The weighted system revealed that even smaller airports, where passenger numbers are modest compared to major hubs, can create disproportionately high stress levels if cancellation and delay rates remain elevated.

This methodology highlights how regional airports, not just large city hubs, can significantly affect traveler experiences.

10. Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) – Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Don’t let its “international” title fool you — Chippewa County International is small, remote, and often at the mercy of northern Michigan’s unpredictable weather.

With limited flight options and services, delays can stretch for hours, leaving passengers feeling stranded. Add in icy winters that make driving to or from the airport stressful in itself, and CIU earns its spot on the list:

Limited flight schedules make rebooking a headache.
Harsh winter conditions frequently cause delays and cancellations.

9. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta, Georgia

The world’s busiest airport was bound to make the list. ATL is a marvel of efficiency when everything clicks, but for travelers, the sheer scale can feel overwhelming.

Between massive terminals, packed security lines, and the constant shuffle of passengers trying to make tight connections, stress levels can skyrocket in minutes:

High passenger volume creates long security and boarding queues.
Tight connection times across sprawling terminals increase pressure.

8. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – Belleville, Illinois

MidAmerica is often overshadowed by nearby St. Louis Lambert, and for good reason: it has limited flights, limited facilities, and limited patience from travelers.

The experience can feel more like waiting in a bus terminal than an airport, and when things go wrong — like delayed flights or missed connections — there aren’t many backup options:

Sparse amenities make long waits frustrating.
Few flight options mean cancellations can ruin travel plans.

7. Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) – Plattsburgh, New York

Plattsburgh is marketed as “Montreal’s U.S. Airport,” which means it’s packed with Canadian travelers seeking cheaper flights.

That extra demand paired with limited infrastructure can make for a stressful scene, especially in peak travel months.

Add in winter storms sweeping off Lake Champlain, and suddenly this “alternative” airport feels like anything but:

Heavy cross-border traffic overwhelms limited facilities.
Winter weather frequently disrupts operations.

6. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) & North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) – Tie

These two smaller airports share a spot because they present similar headaches.

Both TYR in Texas and CKB in West Virginia have restricted flight schedules and limited connections, leaving travelers few options if delays occur.

They’re convenient for locals, but for anyone else, the unpredictability can be stressful:

Limited commercial flights increase the risk of cancellations stranding passengers.
Minimal services and amenities make delays feel endless.

5. Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX) – Hancock, Michigan

Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Houghton County Memorial is about as remote as airports get. Winter storms dominate the region for months, leading to frequent cancellations.

Travelers also find themselves with few rebooking options, since connections are so limited. For flyers trying to reach or leave this far corner of the state, it’s a nerve-testing experience.

Remote location with very limited connections.
Severe winter weather often leads to travel chaos.

4. Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) – Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Chippewa Valley may serve Wisconsin locals well enough, but it’s not built to handle disruption. Flights are few, and amenities are minimal, so even small delays feel like a major ordeal.

If your connection gets canceled, your best option might be driving to Minneapolis–St. Paul instead — which is not what most passengers had in mind.

Limited airline service means fewer options when delays strike.
Passengers often face long drives to larger hubs for alternatives.

3. Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) – Hagerstown, Maryland

Hagerstown Regional is another small airport that can cause big headaches. Its limited routes mean you’re usually funneled through just one or two airlines, and if those flights are disrupted, alternatives are few and far between.

Combine that with older facilities and minimal amenities, and you’ve got a recipe for stress.

Reliance on just a few carriers leaves travelers vulnerable to cancellations.
Basic facilities make long waits uncomfortable.

2. Watertown International Airport (ART) – Dexter, New York

Watertown International is about as “international” as it gets in name only. Travelers here deal with long gaps between flights, barebones amenities, and harsh northern New York winters that love to interfere with schedules.

For many passengers, the most stressful part isn’t the flight — it’s waiting for one to finally leave:

Extremely limited flight schedules.
Harsh winter weather often leads to cancellations and delays.

1. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – Aspen, Colorado

Topping the list is Aspen, one of the most notoriously stressful airports in the country. Nestled high in the Rockies, Aspen’s single runway is short, narrow, and surrounded by mountains — making approaches tricky even for experienced pilots.

Add in frequent snowstorms, high winds, and crowds of skiers during peak season, and ASE is the ultimate recipe for airport anxiety:

Challenging mountain terrain and short runway make flying stressful.
Frequent weather delays during ski season leave travelers stranded.

Bottom Line

Airports are rarely anyone’s favorite part of travel, but some stand out for all the wrong reasons.

From long security lines to limited space and unpredictable weather delays, the most stressful airports can turn even the shortest journey into a test of patience.

While Aspen tops the list as the most stressful, even smaller regional airports like Watertown and Chippewa County show that stress isn’t reserved for the busiest hubs.

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