Long check-in lines and distances between gates were the top factors that make airports stressful, according to a new study.
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A study released Wednesday by KRC Research on behalf of Concur, a provider of travel and expense management solutions, ranked the 16 most stressful U.S. airports based on interviews with 1,500 business travelers. The survey also revealed that availability of electrical outlets and Wi-Fi are important factors among road warriors.
So which airport ranked most stressful — and most hassle-free?
Most Stressful U.S. Airports
Here's the list of the most stressful U.S. airports according to business travelers:
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- New York's LaGuardia Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Miami International Airport
- Washington Dulles International Airport
- Charlotte/Douglas International Airport
- Philadelphia International Airport
- Orlando International Airport
- Boston Logan International Airport
- Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
Not surprisingly the most stressful locations — including Chicago O'Hare and Los Angeles International Airport — will be among the busiest next week during the peak Thanksgiving holiday travel period. (Read more: Which Airports Will Be Busiest This Thanksgiving?)
Stress-Inducing Factors
The majority of respondents (56 percent) found the vast distance between gates and terminals to be the biggest challenge at Chicago O'Hare, while nearly half (49 percent) agreed John F. Kennedy International Airport presents some of the longest lines.
Other factors that contribute to airport stress included:
- Confusing airport signs (28 percent)
- Poor service from airport staff (28 percent)
- Not enough or crowded bathrooms (19 percent)
- Poor Wi-Fi coverage (19 percent)
- Insufficient amount of electrical outlets (18 percent)
On the positive side, business travelers named Dallas-Fort Worth as the most hassle-free airport thanks to clear signage (42 percent), good Wi-Fi coverage (41 percent) and a variety of quality food options (41 percent).
For more results and tips to help sooth airport stress, click here.
