New Study Exposes America's Most and Least Stressful Airports for Travellers
A comprehensive new study has pinpointed the airports across the United States that cause the highest levels of stress for travellers, while also highlighting those that offer a more relaxed experience. Conducted by Mozio, a ground transportation search and booking platform, the research analysed key factors such as flight delays, parking expenses, and travel times from airports to city centres at the nation's 20 busiest hubs.
Chicago O'Hare Tops the List as Most Stressful Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport emerged as the most stressful airport in the country, receiving a stress score of 8.42 out of 10. According to Mozio, over a quarter of flights, specifically 25.4 percent, experience delays at O'Hare, making delays a frequent part of the travel experience. Additionally, parking costs are steep at $43 per day, and the drive into downtown Chicago takes more than an hour, contributing to its high stress rating.
New York City Airports Dominate the Stress Rankings
New York City's airports also feature prominently among the most stressful. LaGuardia Airport in Queens ranks second with a stress score of 7.54 out of 10. It is noted for its exorbitant parking fees, which can reach $80 per day, and a 26.3 percent delay rate for departing flights. The commute to Midtown Manhattan from LaGuardia can take nearly an hour, adding to traveller anxiety.
John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport share the third-place spot, both with a stress score of 7.19 out of 10. While JFK has a relatively high on-time departure rate of 78.3 percent within 15 minutes of schedule, it suffers from massive passenger volumes and parking costs of $70 per day. The drive to Times Square typically takes about 56 minutes, often longer in traffic. Newark, located in New Jersey, also charges $70 for parking and has a slightly better on-time performance of 76.2 percent. However, it is considered less stressful than its New York counterparts due to a shorter commute to Midtown Manhattan.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Named Least Stressful Airport
On the other end of the spectrum, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is celebrated as the least stressful busy airport, with a remarkably low stress score of 1.76. It boasts one of the highest on-time departure rates in the study, with 81.5 percent of flights leaving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. Parking is affordable at $30 per day, and the drive to the Minnesota State Capitol takes only 20 minutes, making it a hassle-free option for travellers.
The study also identified other low-stress airports, including:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix
- San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco
- Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte
This research comes at a time when Easter travel chaos is predicted across air, rail, road, and sea, underscoring the importance of understanding airport stressors to better plan journeys. By focusing on delays, costs, and accessibility, Mozio's findings provide valuable insights for travellers seeking to minimise stress during their trips.
