While much attention usually goes to the most punctual or most delayed airlines, a new study from MileCards examines which airports are the most problematic for travelers. The analysis identifies airports where passengers are most likely to experience long tarmac waits, extended weather-related delays, and generally poor on-time performance.
June emerges as the peak month for U.S. airport delays, with just 75.4 percent of flights arriving on time. The combination of heavy tourist traffic and sudden summer storms contributes to that drop in punctuality. Two airports stand out with the poorest on-time summer arrival rates: Newark Liberty International (EWR) and San Francisco International (SFO), both clocking in at only 68.4 percent on-time arrivals for the season.
In New York, travelers looking to maximize the chance of on-time summer arrivals should favor John F. Kennedy International (JFK) over the city’s other airports. Nationwide, the airports with the best summer on-time arrival records are Honolulu (HNL) and Salt Lake City (SLC), which top the list for punctuality during the busy season.
The study also highlights taxi times as a significant source of frustration. New York airports lead in time spent waiting to depart after boarding: JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) average between 28 and 29.8 minutes of taxi time from the gate—nearly three times longer than at the most efficient airports. Houston Hobby (HOU) and Dallas Love Field (DAL) offer the shortest average taxi times, typically under 10 minutes. At arrival, Los Angeles International (LAX) stands out for the longest taxi time en route to the gate.
MileCards combined these metrics—on-time arrivals, takeoff wait times, and landing taxi times—into a single “misery score” to rank airports by overall traveler inconvenience. Newark topped that list as the most miserable airport, followed closely by a tie for second place among LaGuardia, Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and JFK. On the opposite end of the spectrum, San Jose (SJC) and Portland (PDX) ranked as the least miserable airports, meaning they generally offer more reliable and less stressful travel experiences.
The study’s findings can help travelers choose airports and flight times that reduce the likelihood of delays and extended ground time. While seasonal weather and heavy tourism will always affect summer travel, selecting airports with stronger on-time records and shorter taxi times can make a meaningful difference in your trip experience.