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A long layover can turn into real misery depending on which airport you get stuck in. MarketWatch dug into hard data on 29 major U.S. airports, pulling numbers from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, airport websites, and traveler review site Skytrax. Researchers scored each airport across 19 factors, from seating and food options to how easy it is to actually charge your phone. The results single out a handful of airports every traveler should try to avoid.
This article was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.
Good Luck Finding a Free Charging Port at DFW
Dallas Fort Worth International looks fine on paper until you actually need to charge your phone. The airport scored a middling 3 out of 5 for seating and cleanliness, but power access dragged its overall ranking down badly, tying for last place among all 29 airports studied. Charging stations exist, but travelers often have to stand and wait or risk losing their spot the moment they walk away.
Atlanta’s Security Lines Will Test Your Patience
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta ranks among the busiest airports on Earth, and the wait times prove it. Skytrax reviewers gave the airport just two out of five stars for staff, seating, food, and queuing times. Long security lines make leaving the airport during a layover feel genuinely risky. One frequent flier online suggested the walkway between terminals A and B for its dim lighting and quiet ambient sound, calling it a surprisingly calm spot to wait out a long delay.
Nashville Is a Case Study in Mediocrity
Nashville International manages to disappoint travelers pretty evenly across nearly every category measured. The airport scored low on cleanliness, seating, and food and beverage service alike, without a single standout strength to balance things out. Local food vendors were supposed to boost the airport’s image, but many guests say the offerings feel like watered-down versions of the real thing. Some travelers also describe the terminals as unusually loud, with constant announcements adding to the noise.
Two West Coast Airports, Two Very Different Stories
Finding a seat becomes a genuine gamble at a couple of major West Coast airports. San Diego International scored just two out of five stars for seating, leaving many travelers sitting on the floor near crowded walkways. San Francisco International fared better for families, ranking in the top 10 nationally for kid-friendly amenities and terminal transport, even while its own food and beverage staff service tied for the lowest score in the entire study.
“A Five-Hour Layover at Terminal B Was Torture”
Newark Liberty earned a reputation for treating passengers like an inconvenience rather than customers. The airport scored just two stars across nearly every Skytrax category, including cleanliness, staff and food service. According to reviewer Sandra Grube, “a five-hour layover at Terminal B between two flights was torture.” She also found most lounges closed for renovation and the available food options both overpriced and out of healthier choices entirely.
“I Hurt All Over” After an 11-Hour O’Hare Layover
Chicago O’Hare picks up awards for its overall design, but that reputation does not extend to its layover experience. The airport scored two stars for seat comfort, charging access, restroom cleanliness, and food selection. One traveler who endured an eleven-hour layover described a chaotic security line staffed by frustrated, shouting employees. According to that reviewer, “I hurt all over when we finally got in our plane,” describing seating that felt genuinely painful after hours of sitting.
An 81-Year-Old Traveler Had to Sit on the Floor
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood ranked as the second-worst airport in the entire country for layovers, and seating shortages were a major reason why. Skytrax gave the airport just one star for quiet relaxation areas and two stars across most other categories. According to reviewer P Keefer, “no seating in this area so we had to sit on the floor,” adding that doing so at 81 years old made an already rough layover considerably worse.
“Almost No Options for Food” at Chicago Midway
Chicago Midway’s biggest failure has nothing to do with seating or noise, it comes down to basic hunger. According to Skytrax, none of the airport’s shops open before 5 a.m., and most close early at night, with no reliable vending machines to fill the gap. According to reviewer H Kuhns, “Midway has been a third-rate airport with almost no options for food.” Travelers with dietary restrictions may want to pack their own snacks before flying through here.
Orlando Takes the Title of Worst Layover Airport
Orlando International ultimately earned the title of worst U.S. airport for layovers, according to MarketWatch’s full analysis. Scarce seating, weak charging access, and cluttered public areas all dragged its score down, despite the airport’s popularity as a gateway to Disney World and Caribbean flights. Skytrax gave it just one star for children’s play areas and quiet spaces alike. For travelers with a long layover ahead, checking an airport’s actual ranking might matter more than checking the departure board.