The United States is home to some of the world’s busiest and most well-known airports, offering varying levels of comfort, convenience, and customer satisfaction. Travelers often have strong opinions about which airports make their journey pleasant and which ones add to the stress of travel. Based on available passenger feedback, investigative studies, and official airport statistics, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 best and top 5 worst airports in America as of now.

Top 5 Best Airports:

1. Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Regularly cited for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and efficient security checks. It’s no surprise that it has been named the best airport in North America several times by Airports Council International.

2. Tampa International Airport (TPA): Known for its ease of navigation and speedy service, TPA also boasts a variety of shopping and dining options that cater to a wide range of traveler preferences.

3. Portland International Airport (PDX): Travelers often praise PDX for its unique amenities such as a movie theater and great local food options. It also scores high on cleanliness and ease of transit.

4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): While being one of the busiest in the world, ATL manages to maintain efficient operations with shorter wait times than might be expected, making it a favorite among frequent flyers.

5. Denver International Airport (DEN): With an aesthetically pleasing design, DEN offers plenty of space, along with an impressive array of shops and restaurants. It also has a commendable public art program.

Top 5 Worst Airports:

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Long security lines, frequent delays, and poor customer service rank EWR as one of the least favorite airports in the country.

2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Despite recent renovations, LGA has a reputation for being overcrowded and under-serviced, with limited food and retail options compared to other airports.

3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX faces criticism for its confusing layout and frequent traffic congestion both inside and outside its terminals.

4. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Travelers often report dissatisfaction with PHL due to its outdated infrastructure, cleanliness issues, and lackluster amenities.

5. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Known for notorious weather-related delays and cancellations, ORD can also be challenging to navigate due to its size and busy nature.

These rankings reflect general traveler sentiment at this time but keep in mind that airports are continually evolving. Investments in technology, infrastructure improvements, and customer service initiatives can rapidly change an airport’s standing on lists such as these. Whether you’re traveling through one of the best or one of the worst airports in America, knowing what to expect can help you better prepare for your journey.