The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, for many of us, air travel. But navigating airports during the silly season can feel like a gamble. Some airports are a breeze with affordable flights and hardly any delays or cancellations, while others may leave you wishing you had stayed home.
To help you plan your journey, here’s a closer look at the best and worst U.S. airports for holiday travel, complete with tips to make your trip smoother.
The Best Airports for Holiday Travel
While some airports in the U.S. buckle under the pressure of festive flyers, others rise to the occasion. According to MarketWatch’s research, here are some of the best airports for holiday travelers!
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas
Ranked as the number one airport for holiday travel, Harry Reid International Airport earns top marks with a perfect Holiday Score of 100 from MarketWatch. With an average airfare of just $281 and a low cancellation rate of 0.25%, you have great value for money and reliability, which is so important for the holidays.
Still not impressed? LAS has a strong on-time departure rate, making it the perfect start for a stress-free holiday.
Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida
Second on the list, Orlando International Airport is a great choice for families and holidaymakers heading to Florida to see world-famous attractions like Disney World. With an average airfare of $262 (among the lowest on the list), MCO offers incredible value. While its delay rate of 21.39% is slightly higher, the airport compensates with a very low cancellation rate of 0.25%.
Whether starting your holiday here or just passing through, MCO is a budget-friendly option, even during the busiest travel season.
Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida
Tampa International Airport consistently ranks high for traveler satisfaction, and its third-place spot on MarketWatch’s list is no surprise. TPA has a low flight delay rate of 16.14% and a lower cancellation rate of 0.24%! Though the average airfare of $323 is slightly higher, the airport’s reliability record more than makes up for it.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York
Once a traveler’s nightmare, LaGuardia Airport has made major improvements in recent years, earning it a respectable fourth place with a Holiday Score of 90.5. Average airfares at $346 are on the pricier side, but the upgraded facilities (including modern terminals and enhanced amenities) and its low cancellation rate of 0.42% make it worth considering.
The Worst Airports During the Holidays
On the flip side, some airports can’t seem to keep up with the hustle and bustle of holiday travel. From overcrowded terminals to sky-high fares and frequent delays, these airports can turn a festive getaway into a test of patience.
If your itinerary includes any of these challenging hubs, a little extra planning—and perhaps a deep breath or two—might go a long way.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
Washington Dulles is one of the least holiday-friendly airports. With an average airfare of $485 (the highest on MartketWatch’s list), it’s an expensive departure point.
That’s not all.
On the plus side, it only has an 11.78% delay rate (one of the best!). So, if you can handle the higher costs, there’s a good chance your flight won’t find itself canceled.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
JFK is one of the busiest airports in the world, so it’s not a surprise that it has a low Holiday Score of 64. Despite its impressive list of international connections, the high delay rate of 16.87%, average airfare cost of $441, and the complexity of navigating the airport make it tough during peak periods.
If you’re unfamiliar with the airport’s layout and can fly out of a quieter airport, skipping JFK is probably a good idea. But if you can’t avoid it, arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to get through security and find your departure gate.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Maryland
As a major airport serving Baltimore and Washington, D.C., BWI experiences high holiday demand, which strains its capacity. With a delay rate of 25.51%, BWI is a risky option for your holiday travel plans. Although the average airfare of $360 is relatively affordable, its cancellation rate of 0.33% can further complicate travel plans.
Pack some extra patience if traveling through BWI during peak holiday times and plan for potential disruptions.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
Ranking last with a Holiday Score of just 60.5, San Francisco International Airport really struggles during the holiday season. A delay rate of 16.88% combined with an average airfare of $466 makes SFO an expensive choice for holiday travelers.
Though cancellations are relatively low at 0.18%, the airport’s high passenger volume and frequent fog-related delays can add stress to any well-planned itinerary. While SFO has excellent amenities and plenty of connections, navigating this major holiday hub can feel like an uphill battle.
Tips for Navigating Holiday Travel
Plan Ahead
Don’t leave your travel plans to the last minute. Book flights early to lock in better fares and your preferred flight times. Set up price alerts on apps like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track airfare fluctuations and snag deals when they appear. If you’re traveling internationally, make sure your passport is up to date well in advance, as the holiday season can bring delays to passport processing.
Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to Speed Up Security
One of the best ways to breeze through airport security is to enroll in TSA PreCheck, which allows you to use an expedited screening line, keep your shoes on, and leave liquids and electronics in your bag. For even faster access, consider CLEAR, which uses biometric data to whisk you to the front of the security line for $189 per year. Combining both services can save you hours during peak travel times.
Travel on Off-Peak Days
If your schedule allows, consider flying on the actual holiday (e.g., Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day), as these days typically see lighter airport crowds. Midweek departures and early morning flights are also less likely to be delayed. Avoid peak days like the day before Thanksgiving or the Friday before Christmas, which are notorious for long lines and packed flights.
Arrive Extra Early
During the holidays, standard airport arrival recommendations might not cut it. Instead of the usual two hours for domestic flights, plan to arrive three hours early. For international travel, aim for four hours. This extra buffer allows for unexpected delays at check-in, baggage drop, and security, ensuring you’re not rushing to your gate.
Monitor Flight Status and Weather Closely
Use airline apps to stay updated on flight status and gate changes. Tools like FlightAware or MyTSA provide real-time updates on delays, cancellations, and security line wait times. Check weather forecasts for your departure and destination cities to anticipate potential disruptions.
Have a Backup Plan
Prepare for worst-case scenarios. If your flight gets canceled, having a backup itinerary in mind can help you act quickly. Save the customer service numbers for your airline, and if a cancellation happens, use the airline’s app or call their service line instead of waiting in long airport lines. Travel insurance that covers flight disruptions can also help offset unexpected expenses.
Which U.S. airports belong on the naughty or nice list? Let me know in the comments below!