The busy holiday travel season is fast approaching, which means that flight delays are inevitable. In anticipation, Orbitz just released its first-ever list of the best and worst airports to get delayed at this holiday season, which is based on a series of nine different metrics ranging from flight punctuality to the number of food and drink outlets available in America’s 15 busiest airports.
The worst airport overall? Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which got dragged down by poor offerings when it comes to amenities, despite having a decent performance for on-time arrival and flight delays. Newark's Liberty International is second to last because of its poor flight record: It has more cancellations than any other airport on the list and the fewest number of flights leaving on time. And you might want to pack your own snacks: Newark has the fewest dining outlets (just 22).
The best airport in the nation for flight delays? Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which comes in first in the ranking. The airport has the highest percentage of flights leaving on time, plus over 200 shopping outlets and 100 places to eat. Coming in second place overall is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which scores well for flight reliability — it has the fewest canceled flights in the nation. And no surprise for a high-tech city like this: Sea-Tac has the fastest Wi-Fi connection speed of all the airports surveyed.
Some other winners in the individual categories include New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport — which has the most private members' lounges and the most dining outlets — and San Francisco, which has the most public lounges. Some notable losers include Los Angeles International Airport (fewest shopping outlets), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (worst Wi-Fi speed) and Denver International Airport (no public lounges).
Along with the listing of airports, Orbitz released a useful guide that includes information about hotels, transportation and what to see and do at each of the airports, from pet therapy to art installations to ice skating. "The holidays are always the busiest travel time of the year, and all indications show this year will be no different," says Carey Malloy, brand director at Orbitz. "We can’t predict what will happen [this year], but providing information travelers can use to plan ahead is the gift that keeps on giving."
Want to avoid flight delays? Malloy shared a crucial piece of advice for traveling through airports this holiday season. "Planning ahead is the best antidote to holiday travel stress," says Malloy. "So arrive at the airport early and have a backup plan in mind in case there are delays."
Here is the list of America’s 15 busiest airports, ranked from best to worst for delays, along with some key stats about flight performance. Plus, we've got fun amenities at each airport that just might make you want to get delayed.
1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 84.93%
Canceled Flights: 1.22%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 221
Number of Dining Outlets: 100
Don't Miss: Between Concourses A and B is a virtual underground forest with a canopy of trees and all the sounds you'd hear in the wilderness.
2. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 82.19%
Canceled Flights: .61%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 37
Number of Dining Outlets: 42
Don't Miss: You can download an app to take a self-guided walking tour of the airport's public art collection.
3. McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas
Flights Leaving On Time: 81.47%
Canceled Flights: .74%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 52
Number of Dining Outlets: 104
Don't Miss: McCarren wants to help you stay in shape: There are dedicated walking paths ranging from half a mile to 1.5 miles in length.
4. O'Hare International Airport, Chicago
Flights Leaving On Time:79.91%
Canceled Flights: 1.92%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 79
Number of Dining Outlets: 133
Don't Miss: You can pay a day rate for entrance to the Hilton's 8,000-square-foot athletic club, complete with a lap pool.
5. San Francisco International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 73.61%
Canceled Flights: 1.41%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 70
Number of Dining Outlets: 66
Don't Miss: The airport is home to the first-ever airport therapy pig named Lilou.
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City
Flights Leaving On Time: 75.76%
Canceled Flights: 2.84%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 37
Number of Dining Outlets: 148
Don't Miss: The XpresSpa in Terminal 1 or 4 does mini massages to boost circulation before a long flight.
7. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 82.41%
Canceled Flights: 1.54%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 64
Number of Dining Outlets: 72
Don't Miss: Say "om" at the airport's two free yoga studios, where there's a 20-minute instruction video running on a loop.
8. Denver International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 83.88%
Canceled Flights: .66%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 52
Number of Dining Outlets: 73
Don't Miss: Take a spin on the airport's outdoor ice-skating rink, which is open in winter starting November 23.
9. Orlando International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 78.19%
Canceled Flights: 2.07%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 74
Number of Dining Outlets: 67
Don't Miss: There's an impressive art collection on display throughout the airport; the best-known piece is a painting of a tired traveler in the Starbucks on the third level beneath Champ’s Plaza.
10. Los Angeles International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 80.51%
Canceled Flights: .91%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 16
Number of Dining Outlets: 105
Don't Miss: Travelers can calm down with the Pets Unstressing Passengers program, staffed by registered therapy dogs.
11. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 81.17%
Canceled Flights: .82%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 49
Number of Dining Outlets: 62
Don't Miss: There's a walk-in medical care facility — the first of its kind in the U.S. — that treats patients aged six and up.
12. Miami International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 80.06%
Canceled Flights: 2.54%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 70
Number of Dining Outlets: 65
Don't Miss: Repurposed display monitors in MIA’s Concourse F now play vintage film clips of the airport and old home movies filmed in Miami.
13. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston
Flights Leaving On Time: 83.22%
Canceled Flights: 2.96%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 112
Number of Dining Outlets: 25
Don't Miss: The airport's Harmony in the Air program features live musical performances designed to destress passengers.
14. Newark Liberty International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 68.41%
Canceled Flights: 3.11%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 17
Number of Dining Outlets: 22
Don't Miss: The d_parture spa has two locations in Terminal C, offering everything from manicures to facials to hair styling.
15. Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Flights Leaving On Time: 83.01
Canceled Flights: 1.84%
Number of Shopping Outlets: 36
Number of Dining Outlets: 49
Don't Miss: The CLT Canine Crew provides therapy dogs to help calm passengers' nerves.
