These days, flying commercially can sometimes be described as nothing more than a series of inconvenient events. According to a new study conducted by Bloomberg Businessweek, some airports are far more frustrating than others.
Based on the Bloomberg study, it's clear that airports in America's major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have a lot of work to do to improve their user experience. Fliers complained about the difficult commutes to the airport, mismanaged security lines, and a lack of amenities in the terminal.
Using a combination of data from a 39-question survey of 3,000 frequent flyers, on-time arrival and departure data, along with a calculation of how easy or difficult it is to reach the facility, Bloomberg created what it calls "The Airport Frustration Index." Measured out of a maximum of 100, airports with the highest frustration index are the most ... well, frustrating, while those with the lowest are the least.
Of the 36 major North American airports included in Bloomberg's report, here are the 15 most frustrating for travelers. As much as folks would be wise to avoid these airports, their presence on this list — in many respects — is due to their role as major regional or international hubs. This makes them all but impossible to avoid for most travelers.
With that in mind, check out the list so you may have a better idea for what to expect when you arrive.
15. Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Frustration Index: 54/100
Why it's frustrating: Kansas City International Airport makes Bloomberg's list at No. 15 for two main reasons — airport amenities and poor on-time performance. MCI finished second-to-last in the survey in availability of retail (including food) and 12th from the bottom in on-time performance. In fact, only New York's LaGuardia finished with a poorer rating for its lacking retail options.
14. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Frustration Index: 59.4
Why it's frustrating: Houston's George Bush Intercontinental airport finished the 15th worst for on-time performance, with only 75% of flights leaving on time. Although there were not any particularly glaring weaknesses in the overall airport experiences, none of IAH's attributes were rated particularly well, either. At only 38 minutes on average from Houston's city center, the airport actually has one of the easiest commutes on the list.
13. Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Frustration Index: 62.1
Why it's frustrating: Ft. Lauderdale's International airport makes the list at No. 13 because of its poor on-time performance and lack of airport amenities. FLL finished with the fifth-worst on-time performance of the 36 airports in the study. Its airport food and shopping facilities was rated as the fourth worst by Bloomberg's survey.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider