Stressed woman at airport. Flying out of the Midwest? Choose your airport wisely! You might want to avoid these delay-prone destinations!

Long Delays And Frequent Cancellations: Are The WORST Airports In The Midwest?

Flying out of the Midwest? Choose your airport wisely! You might want to avoid these delay-prone destinations! 🌽✈️ #MidwestAirports #TravelTips #BestAndWorst

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota – Traveling by plane should be a breeze, right? Just get through security, find your gate, hop on the plane, and let the pilots take care of the rest. But in reality, it’s not always that simple. In 2020, around 15% of flights were held up by delays, cancellations, and diversions. And that’s even after giving flights a 15-minute grace period before being considered late!

Some Airports Are Worse Than Others

Not all airports are created equal when it comes to delays and cancellations. The travel website Upgraded Points did some digging to figure out which airports had the highest customer satisfaction. They looked at things like the number of canceled and delayed flights, how easy it is to get from the airport to the city center, and what kind of amenities the airport offers.

The Worst of the Worst

So, which airport came in dead last? That dubious honor goes to John Glenn Columbus International in Ohio. But surprisingly, it wasn’t the worst when it came to delay and cancellation times. That title belongs to Newark Liberty in New Jersey, where the average departure delay time is a whopping 30 minutes! Newark’s nearby airport, LaGuardia, didn’t fare much better, with a similarly dismal delay and cancellation score.

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The Best of the Midwest? Not Quite

When it comes to Midwestern airports, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Indianapolis International Airport impressed by making it into the top 10 overall, but it wasn’t the only Midwestern airport to shine. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport also ranked among the best in the nation, coming in at a respectable 6th place. However, not all Midwestern airports fared as well. Many of the region’s other airports were scattered throughout the rankings, with some falling in the bottom half.

Top 10 Best US Airports

According to the study from Upgraded Points, these are the top 10 best airports in the United States. Congrats, Minnesota and Indiana!

  1. Portland International Airport (PDX)
  2. Denver International Airport (DEN)
  3. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
  4. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
  5. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  6. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
  7. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  8. Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
  9. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
  10. Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

Surviving the Airport Experience

So, what’s a traveler to do? First, if you’re flying out of the Midwest, consider booking your flights through Indianapolis or Minneapolis-Saint Paul for a smoother experience. But if you’re stuck flying through one of the region’s less reliable airports, be sure to give yourself plenty of extra time to account for potential delays. And don’t forget to pack your patience – you’ll probably need it!

Don’t Let Airport Woes Get You Down

At the end of the day, traveling is all about the journey, not just the destination. Sure, dealing with delays and cancellations can be frustrating, but don’t let it ruin your trip. Remember, every airport has its quirks, and even the worst airports can have their charms.

So, whether you’re flying out of a top-ranked airport like IND or MSP or a less reliable one like Newark Liberty, try to keep a positive attitude. Bring a good book, download some podcasts, and treat yourself to a tasty snack while you wait. Who knows? You might just make some new friends at the gate. And if all else fails, just think of the amazing adventures that await you on the other side of that flight. Happy travels!

🗣 Are you surprised by this list? Is there a Midwestern airport that you love or hate? We’d like to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️

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