Labor Day Weekend is the big send-off for summer; barbecues, road trips, and, of course, airports packed tighter than an overhead bin. While long lines and cranky travelers are pretty much guaranteed, some airports ramp up the disarray more than others.
Based on August numbers, these 10 airports are the worst for Labor Day travel. Notorious for frequent delays and cancellations. If you’re flying out of one of them, pack some patience along with your sunscreen. On the plus side, you might finally finish that book you’ve been pretending to read since June.
1. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
If you are flying out of Chicago Midway, brace yourself. Almost half of all flights in August were delayed, and about 1 in 20 were canceled. That makes Midway the worst airport in the country for Labor Day weekend travel. Believe it or not, Chicago O’Hare is actually the safer bet, even with its own delay problems.
2. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
Baltimore secures second place with 43 percent of flights leaving late and just over 5 percent canceled. That means almost every other plane is running behind. Reagan National is a bit better, but only in the way that burning toast is better than burning dinner. Either way, DC travelers don’t have great options, so pick your poison.
3. Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Love Field has not been very lovable this month. About 37 percent of flights have left late, and almost 3 percent were canceled. That means more than one in three passengers got stuck waiting around the terminal.
4. Newark Liberty International (EWR)
Newark is living up to its rough reputation. Almost a third of flights have been delayed, and the airport has one of the highest cancellation rates at 8 percent. In other words, nearly 1 in 12 flights never even take off, and more than one in three travelers get a surprise layover in the terminal.
5. Harry Reid International, Las Vegas (LAS)
Flying out of Las Vegas? The odds are not in your favor. About one out of every three flights has been delayed, and more than 3 percent have been canceled. That is a gamble most travelers would rather not take.
6. John F. Kennedy International, New York (JFK)
JFK has had a rough August with a third of flights delayed and 3.5 percent canceled. If you were hoping LaGuardia or Newark would be smoother, let’s just say they make an appearance on this list, too.
7. St. Louis Lambert International (STL)
St. Louis travelers should be on alert. Almost one in three flights were delayed last month, and more than 3 percent were canceled. That puts STL in the same frustrating league as some of the country’s busiest hubs, even though it serves far fewer passengers.
8. Reagan National Airport, Washington DC (DCA)
Reagan National is performing well on paper, with only 25 percent of flights delayed, but the real issue is cancellations. At almost 9 percent, DCA has one of the worst cancellation rates in the country. That is nearly 1 in 10 flights wiped off the board. At this airport, it is not about how long you wait; it is about whether you ever leave at all.
9. Orlando International (MCO)
Orlando is tricky. About one in three flights is delayed, but only 1.4 percent are canceled. Think of it as Disney’s way of squeezing in one last long wait before you go.
10. LaGuardia Airport, New York (LGA)
LaGuardia sneaks onto the list with 25 percent of flights delayed, but the real kicker is its 8.2 percent cancellation rate, which is almost as bad as Reagan National. That’s nearly one in twelve flights gone completely. Between JFK, Newark, and LGA, New Yorkers are in for a stressful travel weekend, no matter which airport they choose.
What Travelers Should Expect
Experts say about 2.6 million people will take to the skies each day over Labor Day weekend, with Friday being the busiest. Translation: longer lines, fuller flights, and plenty of delays.
How to Outsmart Delays
Download your airline’s app for real-time alerts and sign up for text notifications. That way, you know about delays or cancellations before they’re announced at the gate.
Always Have a Backup Plan
If your flight is canceled, you’ll want options. Research alternate flights and nearby airports before you leave home, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Pack Like a Pro
Keep essentials like meds, chargers, headphones, and snacks in your carry-on. Checked luggage is at higher risk during chaotic weekends, so travel light if you can.
Timing Is Everything
Morning flights are less likely to be delayed than evening ones. Book the 8 a.m. departure instead of rolling the dice with the 6 p.m. flight.
Use Airport Lounges and Day Passes
If you’re stuck waiting, an airport lounge can make the delay much less painful. Many offer day passes, so you don’t need to be a frequent flyer to get in.
Your Labor Day Travel Survival Guide
Labor Day travel is always hectic, and the data shows exactly which airports seem determined to test everyone’s patience. Now that you know which ones have the worst track records, you can plan smarter and stay one step ahead. Arrive early, pack snacks, and keep your backup options in mind. You may not beat the crowds, but at least you’ll be ready when the schedule starts to slip.
For more smart travel tips and tricks, check out our full collection of guides to make your next trip smoother, no matter where you fly from.