Albuquerque International Sunport Joins Palm Beach, Louis Armstrong New Orleans, Newark Liberty and More US Airports You Should Avoid This Christmas and New Year Holiday Season Due to Huge Complaints, Now American Tourism is Choking Once Again

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaches, U.S. tourism is facing a significant challenge. Albuquerque International Sunport has joined a growing list of U.S. airports that are notorious for high passenger complaints, including Palm Beach, Louis Armstrong New Orleans, and Newark Liberty. These airports are causing huge disruptions in what should be a joyful time for travel. Albuquerque, in particular, has the highest complaint rate among major U.S. airports, with passengers frequently reporting issues such as baggage mishandling, long delays, and poor customer service.

With tourists flocking to the U.S. for the holiday season, it’s clear that these complaints are choking the tourism industry. This growing frustration at major U.S. airports is tarnishing the reputation of American travel, making it even harder for travellers to enjoy their holidays. Travel And Tour World warns that if you’re planning to travel through these airports, it’s important to be prepared for potential issues. Albuquerque, along with Palm Beach, Newark, and New Orleans, is just a few of the problematic airports that may lead to a stressful start to your vacation. Keep reading to learn more about where not to go this holiday season to avoid the chaos.

The Shocking Truth: The U.S. Airports With the Most Passenger Complaints Revealed

Airports are supposed to be gateways to adventure, business, and leisure, but for many travellers, they can be a source of stress and frustration. Recent data from Rustic Pathways has uncovered the U.S. airports with the highest rates of passenger complaints, highlighting just how much long waits, poor service, and damaged luggage impact the travel experience.

Albuquerque International Sunport, Newark Liberty International, and Orlando International Airport top the list with the highest complaint rates, creating a major headache for passengers. The study, which analyzed complaints between 2015 and 2024, sheds light on the worst offenders where travellers report being most likely to face issues like mismanagement of baggage, customer service failings, and long delays.

As millions prepare for holiday travel, it’s crucial to know which airports pose the biggest risk for a negative experience. Travelers should be armed with the knowledge of where these problems are most prevalent so they can adjust their expectations or plan ahead for a smoother journey.

The U.S. Airports That Ranked Worst for Complaints

According to the recent Rustic Pathways study, Albuquerque International Sunport claims the top spot with the highest number of complaints at 10.09 complaints per 100,000 passengers. This is a staggering increase in passenger frustration considering the airport served just 22.5 million travellers during the study period. Passengers overwhelmingly cited mishandling of property, screening issues, and delays as the biggest pain points. These issues often overshadow the positive aspects of the airport, creating significant frustration for those passing through.

Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey follows closely behind with 9.68 complaints per 100,000 passengers. Despite handling over 199 million travellers, Newark still struggles with a high volume of negative experiences, especially when it comes to screening procedures and customer service. With a significant proportion of complaints related to property mishandling and security issues, it’s no wonder passengers dread landing here.

Meanwhile, Orlando International Airport, serving tourists heading to Disney World and other attractions, comes in third with 9.15 complaints per 100,000 passengers. With more than 218 million travellers passing through the airport, Orlando sees an alarming number of complaints, particularly around customer service and baggage handling. These issues detract from the otherwise exciting vacation experience for many families.

Why These Airports Are So Problematic for Passengers

What’s driving the high number of complaints at these airports? The research shows that while security delays and poor customer service play a significant role, baggage mishandling is a recurring problem that frustrates thousands of passengers every year. According to the study, passengers frequently report that their luggage is either delayed, damaged, or lost altogether.

In addition to baggage issues, airports like Newark and Orlando also struggle with security delays and lack of helpful staff. During busy periods, such as the holiday season, passengers often find themselves waiting in long lines, with little communication or assistance from airport staff, which significantly worsens their experience.

Airports That Managed to Keep Complaints Low

While certain airports are clearly struggling, there are other U.S. hubs that stand out for keeping complaints to a minimum. Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina recorded the lowest complaint rate, with just 3.11 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The Charlotte Douglas airport handled more than 223 million passengers during the same period, but it remains relatively complaint-free compared to its competitors.

Similarly, San Francisco International Airport earned its spot as the second-lowest complaint rate with 3.8 complaints per 100,000 passengers despite serving over 221 million travellers. The smooth processes and efficient customer service at these airports have earned them high marks from travellers.

Other airports, such as Kansas City International and Dallas Fort Worth International, have also done well in reducing complaints, with Kansas City ranking fourth and Dallas Fort Worth coming in sixth. These airports have invested in better customer service and operational efficiency, which directly contribute to higher levels of passenger satisfaction.

What This Means for Holiday Travel: Tips to Avoid Stress at the Worst Airports

As holiday travel season approaches, it’s essential to plan ahead and set expectations when flying through airports with higher complaint rates. Knowing which airports have the highest risk for delays, baggage issues, and poor customer service can help you avoid stress during your journey.

Here are a few tips to reduce the impact of potential issues:

1. Arrive Early: If you’re flying through airports with high complaint rates, such as Orlando or Newark, give yourself extra time to get through security and handle any potential delays.
2. Track Your Luggage: Many complaints stem from baggage mishandling, so consider tracking your luggage with the airline’s app or using a personal tracker.
3. Use Priority Security: If available, invest in priority security screening to bypass long lines and reduce your chances of missing a flight.
4. Know Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with your consumer rights in case of delays or lost luggage to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
5. Consider Alternative Airports: If you have the flexibility, consider flying into airports with lower complaint rates, like San Francisco or Charlotte, to enhance your travel experience.

The Growing Importance of Airport Service and Passenger Experience

As the study reveals, the way airports handle passenger services can have a significant impact on overall satisfaction. While most airports are focused on infrastructure upgrades and security, many fail to recognise the importance of customer service and efficient processes. Airports that invest in better customer service, streamlined operations, and innovative technologies are more likely to see a reduction in complaints and an increase in passenger loyalty.

It’s clear that airports with a focus on passenger experience can outperform their competitors, not just in terms of operational efficiency, but in passenger satisfaction as well.

Conclusion: Choose Your Airport Wisely for a Smoother Holiday Journey

In conclusion, the study on U.S. airports and their complaint rates highlights the need for consistent improvements in airport services. While Newark and Orlando are infamous for their high complaint rates, airports like Charlotte and San Francisco have managed to keep passenger frustrations to a minimum. As we head into the holiday season, being aware of which airports are more likely to cause stress can help you plan a smoother journey.

If you’re flying through one of the high-complaint airports, plan ahead, allow for extra time, and utilise available services to make your experience as stress-free as possible. Remember, knowledge is power, and by choosing wisely, you can avoid a holiday headache and enjoy your journey with ease.