In August of 2009, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) finished a study that analyzed airport on-time performance throughout the U.S. The airports that ranked the lowest on BTS’s list are some of the biggest and busiest in the country, which is no surprise to anyone who’s traveled recently. Very few of us haven’t dealt with the over-crowded planes and frequent flight delays resulting from airport and airline budget cuts. The fact is, even though airports are working hard to make procedures run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, delays are bound to happen—especially during heavy travel seasons.
Most travelers will probably find themselves delayed at one of our nation’s poorest-performing, major hubs at some point. And going by the statistics, chances are they’ll be there for longer than expected. Having long layovers at airports is annoying, but with a plan of attack prepared, it’s easy to make a miserable stretch of time actually enjoyable in these seven frequently-delayed airports.
Miami International Airport (Florida)
Already MIA doesn’t have the best reputation aesthetically, being called dark and claustrophobic in some reviews. Now the BTS reports that only 72 and 74 percent of its flights leave and arrive on time, respectively. Luckily, there’s been a push by the Division of Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs to designate more areas within the airport and its terminals as art spaces. If stuck, travelers can walk around and take in rotating work by local artists. The food options are limited, but people familiar with MIA recommend the Cubano sandwich from Café Versailles. At the very least the airport offers patrons an authentic Miami cultural experience, even if it’s on the way to another city.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (Texas)
If a taste of Texas is what you’re looking for, a layover at Dallas/Fort Worth might be just up your alley. Each terminal has at least one barbecue eatery—Terminal D has two! There are also twelve different kinds of stores selling Texas-themed merchandise, including wine. For those not in a Lone Star state of mind, the airport has over one hundred other stores to suit your needs, including Best Buy Express locations for last-minute technological needs. Dallas/Fort Worth has a plethora of non-barbecue dining options, mostly what you’d find in a mall food court. However, there is a cereal bar and café called Cereality that has fourteen types of cereal (kid favorites like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, as well as healthier options like Special K and Cheerios) and a variety of toppings. For cereal enthusiasts, that alone might be worth a trip to the airport.
