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
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Annual Fee is $250.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees