Air travel is often a source of stress for many people due to tight schedules and strict security measures. This is especially true for travelers flying out of airports in the United States. In a recent study, the world’s most stressful airports for tourists were examined, with Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey taking the top spot.
The study, conducted by Australian travel insurance company iSelect, analyzed 50 major airports worldwide and ranked them based on factors such as flight delays, cancellations, check-in, security wait times, airport accessibility, and baggage claim convenience. With a score of only 18. 46 out of a possible 100, Newark Liberty International received the lowest ranking on the study index.
Newark Liberty International scored poorly in several areas, including check-in and customs and immigration processes, with only 77% and 66% of reviewers giving positive ratings, respectively. It also had the second-worst score for airport accessibility at 74% and for security checks at 70%.
The study also found that Newark experienced an average departure delay of 21. 4 minutes and a departure cancellation rate of 1. 43% over the past year. According to Adrian Bennett, general insurance manager at iSelect, knowing which airports are more likely to cause delays or long wait times can help travelers prepare and plan their trips.
Efforts are being made to improve Newark Liberty International’s services, with plans to increase passenger capacity to 49 million annually by 2023. Additionally, a new $2. 7 billion AirTrain Newark is scheduled to open in October 2025, aiming to reduce delays and congestion and provide a better travel experience for passengers.
Aside from Newark Liberty International, other airports on the top five most stressful list include Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal, which received a score of 22. 51, making it the second most stressful airport. Manchester Airport in the UK took the third spot, with the worst baggage claim score on the index. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Chicago O’Hare International Airport ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
On the other end of the spectrum, the study also identified the least stressful airports in the world, including Changi Airport in Singapore, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, and Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea.
It’s worth noting that despite the stress-inducing factors at some airports, travel can still be a smooth and enjoyable experience. However, being aware of potential issues and preparing accordingly can help alleviate some of the stress associated with air travel.