Charlotte Douglas Joins San Francisco, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Kansas City, Dallas Fort Worth and More in Facing Unthinkable Travel Chaos During Holiday Week as These US Airports Suffer Explosive Surge in Passenger Complaints

Published on December 27, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The holiday season is notorious for travel disruptions, but this year, some U.S. airports are experiencing unprecedented chaos. Charlotte Douglas joins San Francisco, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Kansas City, Dallas Fort Worth, and several others, facing what can only be described as unthinkable travel challenges. As millions of passengers rush through terminals, these airports are seeing an explosive surge in passenger complaints, with delays, cancellations, and overcrowded terminals becoming the norm.

The issues at these major hubs are causing extreme frustration, as passengers encounter longer-than-usual wait times, inefficient security checks, and limited amenities. Whether it’s the massive crowds at San Francisco or Kansas City’s terminal bottlenecks, travelers are left feeling overwhelmed. Dallas Fort Worth is seeing its busiest holiday season yet, yet still struggles to manage the influx of visitors. Even Minneapolis–Saint Paul, known for its cold-weather operations, isn’t immune to this travel chaos. With these airports suffering from a mounting list of complaints, it’s clear that the holiday week is testing the limits of U.S. air travel. Read on to uncover why these airports are at the center of the storm and what’s causing such turmoil for passengers.

Uncovering America’s Worst Airports for Passenger Complaints: A Detailed Analysis

When it comes to air travel, passengers expect smooth rides, quick service, and hassle-free experiences. Unfortunately, not all airports live up to this standard. The U.S. aviation system, one of the busiest in the world, sees millions of travelers each year, but a disturbing trend of passenger complaints has been emerging. Some airports seem to be taking the brunt of these complaints, leading to serious concerns about service quality, wait times, and overall passenger satisfaction.

Let’s dive deep into the 63 U.S. airports ranked by the highest passenger complaint rates over the past decade. From Albuquerque to Charlotte, we will explore which airports have earned the most complaints per 100,000 enplanements.

Albuquerque International Sunport: A Surprise Contender for Complaints

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) in New Mexico has taken the number one spot for the highest number of complaints. With 2,273 complaints from a modest 22.5 million passengers, this airport has managed to rack up 10.09 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. The question is, what’s going wrong here? Long wait times, poor customer service, or perhaps outdated facilities? Regardless, Albuquerque is not the first airport that comes to mind when considering trouble spots in the U.S., making it a surprising leader in this troubling statistic.

Newark Liberty International Airport: Struggling to Manage Massive Crowds

Coming in second is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. A staggering 19,320 complaints over a period of time with a massive 199.5 million enplanements gives us a ratio of 9.68 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. With Newark’s infamous delays, crowded terminals, and frequent disruptions, it’s clear that New Jersey’s primary gateway to New York is facing severe challenges in customer satisfaction. Despite being one of the busiest airports in the nation, the lack of efficient services is pushing passengers to vent their frustration.

Orlando International Airport: The Vacation Destination With A Sour Taste

Third on the list is Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida. Known for being the main gateway to Disney World, MCO recorded 20,029 complaints across 218 million passengers, leading to 9.15 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. With thousands of families and vacationers passing through each year, the complaints are often centered around long lines, slow-moving security, and customer service issues. Orlando may be the most magical place on earth for tourists, but its airport is a different story.

Palm Beach International Airport: A Small Airport With Big Issues

Though not one of the busiest airports, Palm Beach International (PBI) holds a noteworthy place with 2,686 complaints across just over 31 million passengers. Despite its size, the airport struggles with customer service complaints, pushing it to 8.57 complaints per 100,000 enplanements, placing it in the top four for complaint rates. The smaller scale doesn’t excuse the dissatisfaction felt by passengers who often cite poor terminal amenities and longer-than-expected waits.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International: Complaints Soaring in the Big Easy

In fifth place is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which recorded 4,779 complaints with 55.8 million passengers, leading to a ratio of 8.56 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. The complaints here often cite issues such as congested terminals and inconsistent flight schedules. Despite the charm of the Crescent City, New Orleans’ airport is definitely feeling the pressure.

John F. Kennedy International Airport: A Major International Gateway With Major Issues

At number six, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City racked up 22,306 complaints across an impressive 261 million passengers. JFK’s 8.54 complaints per 100,000 enplanements speaks to its issues with overcrowding, outdated facilities, and lack of overall customer service. As one of the world’s busiest international airports, JFK’s challenges are a real concern for the global reputation of U.S. airports.

Southwest Florida International Airport: Struggling Despite Sunshine

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), known for being a popular gateway to vacationers heading to Florida’s beaches, is ranked seventh with 3,921 complaints from 45.9 million enplanements, leading to 8.53 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. Complaints typically center around poor signage, delays, and general frustration with the overall travel experience.

Jacksonville International Airport: Poor Service in the Sunshine State

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) comes in eighth with 2,357 complaints over 29.1 million passengers, resulting in a ratio of 8.10 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. Travelers often report dissatisfaction with flight delays, limited seating areas, and inefficient customer service.

Eppley Airfield: Complaints Pile Up in Omaha

Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska, despite its relatively small size, ranks ninth with 1,712 complaints across 21.4 million enplanements. This results in 7.98 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. Though not a major international hub, complaints at Eppley are often centered on limited facilities and long waits for baggage.

Cleveland Hopkins International: A City Airport in Crisis

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), located in Ohio, ranks tenth on the list. With 3,278 complaints over 41.5 million enplanements, the airport received 7.88 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. Despite significant traffic, passengers often complain about long wait times and a lack of services.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport: A Shocking Disappointment

John Glenn Columbus International (CMH) in Ohio comes in at number eleven with 2,742 complaints over 35.2 million enplanements, resulting in 7.78 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. The complaints are typically related to inefficiency, delays, and an outdated facility.