Least preferred airports globally (as per TikTok consensus)

Crappy Airports: According to TikTok, the Worst Ones in the World

Ever rolled your eyes at a busy check-in line, sweated through a crowded terminal, or shed a tear over missing luggage? Turns out, you aren't alone. We surveyed TikTok users to find their least favorite airports around the globe, and here's what they had to say about these heavily criticized hubs. Warning: the following content may contain strong language and blunt opinions.

1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)

This sprawling airport claimed the title of travelers' top pet peeves, earning 13.5% of mentions and a staggering 19.2% among domestic airports. Inefficient terminal layouts and tight connections sent the most anxiety spiking here.

"Atlanta feels like running a marathon."
"Sixth circle of hell."
"Atlanta, why is my luggage and gate always miles away?"
"It might as well be its own city getting from a gate to the customs."

2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

This international powerhouse snagged a whopping 30% of mentions, with users highlighting its labyrinthine gate system and nerve-wracking security procedures.

"I hate London Heathrow airport more than words can express."
"London Heathrow airport did not announce my gate until boarding started, causing pure stress."
"London Heathrow is the only acceptable answer."
"Metal seats and almost no charging ports! I once was stuck there for 24 hours!"

3. Miami International Airport (MIA)

Travelers branded Miami as "overcrowded, chaotic, and inconvenient," clinching 4.68% overall mentions and 8.5% among domestic airport mentions. Cleanliness concerns also ranked high in this gridlocked airport.

"Miami Airport operates on hopes and ideas."
"As a flight attendant who has traveled the world, I must say that Miami International is the worst."
"I'd rather not return to Miami."
"Had only one TSA agent checking passports-many people missed their flights!"

4. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

This family-friendly gateway wasn't so friendly for some, with 4.61% of overall mentions from disgruntled airport-goers. Swarms of Disney-bound travelers and overloaded security lines made this airport a frequent source of complaint.

"I was on the TSA line for 3 hours, and it was jam-packed. It looked like Times Square on New Year's Eve."
"Orlando is the worst airport in the universe."
"Feels like every country is in one terminal."
"I live in Orlando and I will die on the hill saying MCO is the worst."

5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Never-ending construction and unyielding congestion led 4.09% of commenters to voice their frustration with LAX.

"One TSA agent per 1,000 people-it's literal hell. Avoid it like the plague."
"Rude people, overcrowded, and they always damage my belongings."
"Getting in and out is a nightmare. Food options suck. Always under construction."
"LAX, and I'm an LA native. The layout is tragic."

6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Europe's crowded mega-hub earned 3.74% of mentions overall but ranked second among international airports (16%) due to luggage nightmares and frenzied customs.

"Paris Charles de Gaulle loses my luggage 50% of the time."
"Every single sign points in the same direction. Nightmare."
"Zero organization. Dirty."
"Unhelpful staff."

7. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Frequent flight delays, outdated facilities, and limited amenities stirred up 3.91% of overall mentions, resonating with domestic travelers.

"Newark always delayed or cancelled."
"Dirty, poor food choices, no lounges."
"I've been stuck on the tarmac for 2+ hours in Newark at least twice in my life."
"Got snowed in. There was no hotel we could get into. The staff just left all of us in a blizzard to fend for ourselves."

8. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

ORD tied Newark at 3.91% of overall mentions, cited for terminal confusion and luggage chaos.

"Layout is so stupid and they lost my luggage twice."
"Should be called O'Hell. Completely disorganized."
"Closed terminals, waited in a cold lobby at 5 am."
"Gotta sprint everywhere so you don't miss your connecting flight."

9. Denver International Airport (DEN)

DEN scored 3.87% of overall mentions due to its expansive, confusing layout and frequently disrupted construction.

"Denver. Customs is a minimum of a 2-hour wait."
"I don't trust Denver-always some sort of delay."
"I have a one-sided feud with the Denver Airport."
"DENVER!!!! (It's not a bad airport, I just get overwhelmed and cry when I'm there.)"

10. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Rounding out the list, JFK drew consistent complaints (2.89%) for outdated infrastructure and stressful international flights.

"JFK, especially the international terminal. It's a mess."
"Too big, yet it looks like it's still in the 1960s."
"I waited over 2 hours for my luggage at JFK."
"We got to the airport 5 hours early and almost missed our flight due to TSA!"

What's Got Travellers' Goat

By zooming out, here's what thousands of TikTok travelers disliked the most:

Top overall complaints:

Poor food options (24.16%)
Confusing layouts (22.65%)
Overcrowding (20.15%)

Most-mentioned international airports:

London Heathrow (30%)
Paris Charles de Gaulle (16%)
Singapore Changi (12.2%)

Most-mentioned domestic airports:

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (19.2%)
Miami International (8.5%)
Orlando International (8.3%)

Airports with the Most Frequent Delays

Delays and the resulting anxiety regarding connecting flights emerged as significant stressors for travelers:

Singapore Changi (SIN): Led delay-related complaints (11.21%)
Las Vegas (LAS) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): Frequent mentions resulted from delays and their negative effects on connections

The Most Difficult Airports to Navigate

Users were vocal about airport layouts that proved challenging to traverse:

Atlanta (ATL): Terminal confusion earned this category (10.16%)
Heathrow (LHR) and Las Vegas (LAS): Both frequently cited for tricky navigation and troublesome connections

Travelers found Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) overwhelming, with tight connections and inefficient terminal layouts causing anxiety and frustration.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) was a hotspot for negative opinions, with users citing its labyrinthine gate system, nerve-wracking security procedures, and uncomfortable seating.
Miami International Airport (MIA) was branded as overcrowded, chaotic, and inconvenient by travelers, who also raised concerns about cleanliness.
Orlando International Airport (MCO), known for its family-friendly vibe, received criticism for swarms of Disney-bound travelers and overloaded security lines.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was criticized for never-ending construction and unyielding congestion.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) ranked second among international airports due to luggage nightmares, frenzied customs, and a lack of organization.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) tied for complaints of terminal confusion, luggage chaos, and frequent delays.
Denver International Airport (DEN) had a confusing layout and was frequently disrupted by construction.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was criticized for outdated infrastructure and stressful international flights.

When it comes to what frustrates travelers the most, poor food options, confusing layouts, and overcrowding top the list. Singapore Changi Airport led delay-related complaints, while Atlanta (ATL) was the most commonly mentioned airport for terminal confusion. The most frequently mentioned domestic airports were Atlanta (ATL), Miami (MIA), and Orlando (MCO).