Airports to Avoid If Travel Stresses You Out
If you traveled from LaGuardia (LGA) this year, you might feel validated in the results of a recent study conducted by InsureMyTrip, which has deemed the airport 'Most Stressful'. The study evaluated the stressfulness of 75 US airports based on the percentage of flights cancelled throughout 2018 and then numerically ranked them.
LGA had the highest percentage of flight cancellations in 2018, at 4.9% thus far, followed by Norfolk (ORF) and then Charleston (CHS). So, if you're flying out of any of these high-ranking airports this holiday season, prepare yourself.
The Daily Mail reached out to LGA to hear what the airport had to say in response to the study. While the airport acknowledged its shortcomings, it foresees a brighter future with its $8 billion renovation on the horizon, including its brand new Terminal B, which has just recently seen the light of day. "Live music, pet-therapy and cultural exhibits" will be integrated in the near future, according to a spokesperson at LGA, in the hopes of contributing to a more peaceful airport experience.
InsureMyTrip was helpful in pointing out a way to avoid stress at LaGuardia for the time being, noting that most delays and cancellations occur from 4 - 6pm. It seems that getting on an early flight out could be your best bet.
While the study was done to distinguish airports that should be avoided, all of the three main airports in New York made the Top 10 Most Stressful Airports, with Newark Liberty International (EWR) ranking at number six and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) at number 10.
On the other hand, Salt Lake City (SLC) is considered the least stressful airport, followed by Boise (BOI) and then Seattle (SEA). Seemingly, western states have a better rate of flight cancellations than those in the Northeast. A notable mention as far as airports ranking low in stress goes to Atlanta (ATL), which is one of the busiest airports in the world, but was still ranked at 65 out of 75.
H/T: Travel + Leisure
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees


