During Thanksgiving weekend, the TSA screened a record 3.1 million travelers, and as the Christmas season approaches, a new study identifies the "most stressful" airports. Conducted by Australian travel insurance company iSelect, the study evaluated 50 major airports worldwide based on factors like departure delays, flight cancellations, security screening, and baggage claim issues.
Key Findings:
- Most Stressful Airport: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey, ranked first with a score of 18.46. It had significant delays averaging 21.40 minutes and the second-worst score for airport accessibility.
- Redevelopment: EWR is improving its AirTrain system to handle increased passenger numbers, part of a larger redevelopment effort.
- Other Airports: Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon and Manchester Airport in the UK followed Newark, scoring 22.39 and 23.10, respectively. JFK and Chicago O’Hare rounded out the top five.
The study aims to help travelers prepare for potential stressors in their travel plans. Newark has also been highlighted in J.D. Power’s annual Airport Satisfaction Survey, where it ranked last due to numerous delays and cancellations throughout the year.
