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Travelers say these are the best—and worst—U.S. airports for on-time flights, cleanliness, restaurants and more

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AirHelp, an air passenger rights company, released its 2024 AirHelp Score report on the best and worst airports around the world. The report ranked 239 airports from 69 countries, including the United States.

To rank the airports, the company used data, partially based on the claims it processes worldwide, to calculate how often flights departed as scheduled in airports across the country and surveyed passengers about wait times, cleanliness, retail stores, and restaurants. Airports were scored based on flights from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.

AirHelp determined an airport's final ranking based on three factors:

  • On-time performance
  • Service quality
  • Food and shops

The 5 best U.S. airports, according to travelers

  1. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
  2. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  3. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
  4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  5. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

The Salt Lake City International Airport ranked as the No. 1 U.S. airport according to travelers. It scored an 8.28 out of 10. The airport also came in sixth in the on-time performance category and was the eighth-best airport in the world, according to the AirHelp report.

Salt Lake City International Airport ranked as the best U.S. airport, according to AirHelp.
Robyn Beck | Afp | Getty Images
Salt Lake City International Airport ranked as the best U.S. airport, according to AirHelp.

Salt Lake City International Airport is just a few miles outside downtown Salt Lake City and has one terminal and two concourses. The SLC airport unveiled significant renovations in 2020 — including upgraded terminals and parking garages — with more expected to be completed by 2026.

The airport serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines, and according to its website, in 2023, saw a record 26,952,754 travelers. SLC hosts more than 330 flights daily to 95 nonstop destinations.

The 5 worst U.S. airports, according to travelers

  1. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  4. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
  5. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ranked as the worst U.S. airport with a score of 7.33, according to AirHelp. Globally, the airport ranked No. 167.

Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport ranked as the worst U.S. airport for on-time flights and more, according to AirHelp.
Joe Raedle | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport ranked as the worst U.S. airport for on-time flights and more, according to AirHelp.

The Florida airport is in close proximity to Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach and is about 20 miles north of Miami.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport serves as a base for Allegiant Air, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines. Southwest Airlines also has a major presence in the airport.

FLL has an average of 336 daily departures and nonstop service to 94 cities and 57 international destinations in 28 countries, according to the Dania Beach website.

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