These U.S. Airports Are the Absolute Worst for a Layover

Unless you’re one of the chosen few with a golden ticket to a direct flight to your destination, you’re likely to end up with a layover somewhere. There’s a subtle art to layovers; you don’t want them to be too long, but you also don’t want them to be too short and risk missing your connecting flight. Of course, sometimes this just comes down to the price of the ticket. I’m certainly one to trade time (longer layover) for money, but there are some airports where it’s just not worth it.

Whether it’s due to the airport’s layout, a history of delays, staffing shortages, or unpredictable weather patterns, these U.S. airports are the worst for a layover. 

1. Newark Liberty (EWR)

I’ve had the unfortunate pleasure of spending many dull hours at EWR, and this is by far my least favorite airport to have a layover. As one of the three major airports serving the New York City area, Newark Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Each terminal has its fair share of restaurants and shopping opportunities, as well as numerous lounges that offer one-time passes. Navigating between terminals can be overwhelming, especially if you’re heading to the international terminal. Newark Airport has one of the highest flight delays in the country, which can turn your layover into a much longer day. 

2. New York (JFK)

JFK was ranked as one of the most luxurious airports in the United States in 2024, thanks to its presence of luxury brands and numerous lounges. If those are important to you, then you’ll love JFK. If wait times and overall efficiency are more important to you, then avoid JFK for a layover. The airport typically ranks high in the number of delayed flights and long security wait times, and there’s a massive $ 19 billion construction project that impacts everything. Oh, and JFK has a history of mishandled baggage (one reason to be team carry-on only!).

3. Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)

Despite the deadly midair collision between a military helicopter and a passenger aircraft in January, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has been a concerning airport for layovers for years. Understaffing and a crowded airspace ensure delays, and passengers on the ground are often less than thrilled with the airport’s cleanliness and dining options. Ironically, DCA is one of the best airports for a boozy layover, according to a 2025 study by Upgraded Points. 

4. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

While flights to and from Philadelphia International Airport are usually on time, the airport itself has one of the lowest rankings when it comes to customer satisfaction and overall quality. A 2025 study by J.D. Power named PHL the worst airport in America due to its lack of cleanliness and dated terminals. The good news is that American Airlines plans to invest in the airport with security upgrades to make the dimly lit parking lots safer, and new seating and carpets are scheduled for 2026. 

5. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Delays are all but guaranteed if you have a layover at SFO. The airport’s runway design is a large reason for the delays, as the airport’s parallel runways are only 750 feet apart. When it's foggy and there’s low visibility (a frequent occurrence in the Bay Area), only one runway can be used, which leads to a domino of flight delays. The good news is that all SFO terminals are connected by both pre- and post-security walkways, so you can walk to a different terminal after being cleared through a security checkpoint. 

6. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ranks high for both delays and cancellations, and generally is a headache to navigate. FLL leads the league as one of the airports with the longest TSA wait times, and ranks high for flight delays. If your layover is longer than four hours, it might be worth it to leave and explore Dania Beach.

7. Denver International Airport (DEN)

From the long TSA lines to the never-ending construction, Denver is easily one of the worst airports for a layover. Its mountainous location isn’t great for nervous fliers, either, as it has some of the most turbulent flights in the country. The security checkpoint’s design is upsetting at best, and long wait times are the standard here. As for the construction, it has been ongoing for so long that I think it’s now just part of the airport’s design. 

8. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

DFW is the second-busiest airport in the United States (Atlanta takes the top spot), with nearly 90 million travelers passing through the airport in 2024. DFW has also earned the gold medal for the airport with the most delays (71 percent of flights are on time). The airport does have a plethora of lounges with day-pass options, plus plenty of restaurants to choose from while you wait to see if your flight will leave on time. 

9. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando is another airport that leads the league in delays, typically due to weather conditions. It happens to be located just a few miles from the “lightning capital of the United States” and falls victim to Florida’s crazy weather patterns more often than not. It’s not just the delays from weather that earn this airport a spot on this list; MCO tends to be one of the worst airports for layovers for its cleanliness, seating, and amenities, too.  

10. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

One thing MDW has going for it is convenience. Chicago Midway is located fairly close to Chicago’s loop, and you can be in downtown Chicago in about 20 minutes if you take the Orange Line. Midway typically experiences flight delays and cancellations, and it’s earned the reputation as one of America’s least reliable airports because of it. MDW could also stand to improve its amenities and cleanliness, too.

Delays and cancellations can (and do) happen at any airport. Give yourself enough time between flights to give yourself the best chance at arriving at your destination on time. Check out our tips for flying article as well as our ultimate guide to finding cheap flights before you head off on your next adventure. Then, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.