Least favorable airports globally (as per TikTok users' opinions)

If you've ever felt like you're in a never-ending race, questioning your life choices at customs, or shedding a tear at a broken baggage carousel, you ain't alone! We hit up TikTok to know the airports folks loathe the most, and the responses were fierce and fast! Let's dive into the world's most hated airports and learn why they send travelers into a spiral.

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) was crowned king of airport misery, claiming a whopping 13.5% of all mentions and a whopping 19.2% of mentions among domestic airports. The labyrinthine terminal layouts and tight connections left many stressed and anxious.

"Running a 5K at ATL."
"The 8th circle of hell."
"Why is my luggage and gate always miles away?"
"It might as well be its own city just getting from a gate to customs."

London Heathrow (LHR) took the throne of international airport complaints, with a resounding 30% of mentions. Travelers weighed in on gate confusion and dreadful security procedures.

"Hate Heathrow airport with all my heart."
"Didn't announce my gate until boarding started, causing pure stress."
"Heathrow is the only acceptable answer."
"Only metal seats with very few charging ports! Once was stuck there for 24 hours!"

Miami International Airport (MIA) was deemed "overcrowded, chaotic, and inconvenient," landing it in third with 4.68% overall mentions and 8.5% among domestic airport mentions. Cleanliness concerns were also raised here.

"Miami Airport runs on hopes and ideas."
"Just a bad flight attendant who has traveled the world, but I must say Miami International is THE worst!"
"Miami, you could not pay me to return there."
"Only one TSA agent checking passports-many people missed their flights!"

Orlando International Airport (MCO), the family-friendly gateway, wasn't so friendly, with 4.61% of overall mentions from furious travelers. The crowds of Disney-bound passengers, combined with overwhelming security lines, were frequent complaints.

"3-hour wait at the TSA line in Orlando, and it was jam-packed. It looked like Times Square on New Year's Eve."
"Orlando-worst airport on this planet."
"Feels like the entire country is in one terminal."
"I live in Orlando, and I will die on the hill saying MCO is the worst."

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), haunted by never-ending construction and chronic congestion, drew 4.09% of commenters to express frustration.

"One TSA agent per 1000 people. It's literal hell. Will avoid it like the plague."
"Rude people, overcrowded, and they always damage my belongings."
"Getting in and out is a nightmare. Food options suck. Always under construction."
"LAX and I'm an LA native. The layout is tragic."

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Europe's chaotic mega-hub, took 3.74% of overall mentions, but made it to second place internationally (16%), thanks to baggage mishaps and disorganized customs.

"Charles de Gaulle loses my luggage 50% of the time."
"Never heard of signs in France! Helpful staff? Satan's helpers."
"Zero organization, people everywhere, dirty."

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) earned its spot for frequent delays, outdated terminals, and poor amenities, resonating strongly among domestic travelers.

"Newark-always delayed or cancelled."
"Dirty, poor food choices, no lounges."
"I've been stuck on the tarmac for 2+ hours in Newark at least twice in my life."
"Terrified of Newark-the staff just left us stranded in a blizzard."

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) shared the pain of Newark, with 3.91% of overall mentions, cited frequently for terminal confusion and lost luggage.

"ORD's layout is so stupid and they lost my luggage twice."
"Should be called O'Hell. Completely disorganized."
"Closed terminals, waited in a cold lobby at 5 am."

Denver International Airport (DEN) drew 3.87% of overall mentions due to its sprawling layout, confusing signs, and chronic construction.

"Denver's customs wait is a minimum of 2 hours."
"I don't trust Denver-always some sort of delay."
"I have a one-sided feud with the Denver Airport."
"DENVER!!!!! (It's not a bad airport, I just get overwhelmed and cry when I'm there.)"

Rounding out the list, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) took consistent complaints (2.89%) for outdated infrastructure and stressful international flights.

"JFK-especially the international terminal-it's a mess."
"Looks like the 1960s and is too big."
"Waited over 2 hours for my luggage at JFK."
"We got to the airport 5 hours early and almost missed our flight due to TSA!"

Thousands of TikTok users weighed in on their biggest airport pet peeves:

Overall:

Poor food options (24.16%)
Confusing layouts (22.65%)
Overcrowding (20.15%)

Most-mentioned international airports:

London Heathrow (30%)
Paris Charles de Gaulle (16%)
Singapore Changi (12.2%)

Most-mentioned domestic airports:

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (19.2%)
Miami International (8.5%)
Orlando International (8.3%)

If you find yourself stranded in one of these terminals, keep calm, enjoy an overpriced snack, and remember: travel glitches happen, but with the right coverage (we're here to help), they don't have to wreck your journey. Travel smart - not hard! :)

Many travelers on social media have expressed their dissatisfaction with Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, often referring to it as a labyrinthine maze and a source of anxiety due to tight connections and long walks between gates and customs.
London Heathrow Airport, with its gate confusion and dreadful security procedures, has been the subject of harsh criticisms on social media, earning the title of the most hated international airport.
Miami International Airport has been deemed "overcrowded, chaotic, and inconvenient" by travelers on social media platforms, with concerns about cleanliness also being raised.
Orlando International Airport, known as a family-friendly gateway, has been criticized for its overwhelming crowds and long security lines, sparking frustration among travelers.
Los Angeles International Airport is known for its chronic congestion, never-ending construction, and poor food options, earning it a place on the list of the most despised airports among social media users.