Summer 2024 is here, and New Yorkers are looking for the ideal escape from city life. MarketWatch Guides recently conducted a study comparing major airports across the country to determine which one provides the easiest travel experience. The results showed that New York City has a tale of two airports, with LaGuardia Airport (LGA) emerging as a shining star, ranking as the No. 6 spot for hassle-free travel. LGA has an average security wait time of just 12 minutes and about 82% of flights departing on time, making it a beacon of efficiency for travelers.
On the other hand, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) tells a different story, with nearly 23% of flights experiencing delays, ranking dead last among major airports. Despite this, a study by AirHelp concluded that JFK was still a great option overall when compared to other airports across the country. AirHelp also found that Salt Lake City International Airport and Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport had fewer flight disruptions than JFK, further highlighting the mixed results for New York’s airports in terms of efficiency.
Travelers heading to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are in for a rough ride, with MarketWatch’s findings placing EWR in the top five least dependable U.S. airports. EWR has a high percentage of daily flight cancellations and average fares above $425, making it a less desirable option for travelers. The airport has a history of inefficiency, with past studies showing high rates of delayed flights and connections, further solidifying its position as one of the least reliable airports for travelers.
The MarketWatch study revealed that every region has its high-flyers and turbulence zones. While some airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) have short TSA wait times but high rates of canceled flights, others like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Ronald Reagan Washington National impress with relatively short average wait times. However, New York’s JFK and Newark, as well as Chicago Midway International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, ranked among the bottom five airports in terms of challenging experiences for travelers due to delays and cancellations.
The West Coast emerges as a traveler’s haven, with four out of the five airports having the lowest percentages of canceled flights. Seattle-Tacoma International and Phoenix Sky Harbor International top the reliability charts, each with a cancellation rate of just 0.7%. Meanwhile, the New York and New Jersey tri-state area is fraught with cancellations, with Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and JFK ranking among the top for canceled flights. Travelers looking for reliable connections might do well to avoid these northeastern airports and instead consider airports like Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, or Atlanta for more efficient travel experiences.
As travelers prepare for their summer adventures, it’s important to remember that not all airports are created equal. Some airports, like LaGuardia, offer a hassle-free experience with quick security wait times and on-time departures. Others, like JFK and Newark Liberty, may have higher rates of delays and cancellations, making them less dependable options for travelers. Choosing the right airport can make a significant difference in the overall travel experience, so it’s essential to consider factors like flight disruptions, wait times, and average fares when planning your next trip.
