Study Reveals Most Stressful Airports Ahead of Holiday Travel
During the Thanksgiving weekend, the TSA saw a remarkable screening of 3.1 million travelers. As we approach the Christmas holiday season, a new study has highlighted the airports that might cause the most stress for travelers.
This research, carried out by the Australian travel insurance company iSelect, evaluated 50 major airports globally, focusing on factors like average departure delays, canceled flights, security screenings, and baggage claim issues.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey topped the list, receiving a score of 18.46 out of 100 as the “most stressful airport.” The study noted that airports often rank high in stress due to check-in challenges.
Newark Liberty also had the “second-worst score for airport accessibility.” The airport was reported to have an average departure delay of 21.40 minutes and ranked poorly for baggage unloading as well.
“The new system will accommodate a growing number of travelers and give them the airport experience they deserve,” is what one spokesperson mentioned, although it’s unclear exactly how that will pan out.
In October, construction began on an upgraded AirTrain Newark system. This new $3.5 billion project will replace the old system, which has been in place since 1996 and is now seen as outdated given the airport’s growth.
New Jersey’s Governor, Phil Murphy, emphasized that modernizing the AirTrain reflects their commitment to enhancing Newark as a gateway for travelers.
According to the same study, Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal, secured the second spot, followed by Manchester Airport in the UK. Newark’s baggage claim received the lowest rating at just 69% effectiveness, with security checks similarly lagging at 69%.
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and Chicago O’Hare International Airport placed fourth and fifth, respectively, on this “Most Stressful” list.
Newark Airport has repeatedly appeared on various surveys, including J.D. Power’s annual Airport Satisfaction Survey. Unfortunately, it came in last in that report, indicative of ongoing issues with ground delays and cancellations.
The insights from iSelect aim to help travelers anticipate and prepare for stress, making for a hopefully smoother travel experience during this busy season.
