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Airports to Avoid If Travel Stresses You Out

Dec. 24, 2018
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2 min read
Laguardia Airport Tower New York
Airports to Avoid If Travel Stresses You Out
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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.

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H/T: Travel + Leisure

Featured image by Getty Images/iStockphoto
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.