Here are the best and worst airports in the U.S. for summer 2026 travel

Summer vacation season is almost here, which means millions of Americans are about to reunite with one of travel's least-loved traditions: sprinting through crowded airport terminals.

If you're booking flights right now, a new report from Forbes Advisor offers a useful preview of which airports are most likely to test your patience this summer—and which ones might actually help you start your vacation stress-free. The study analyzed the 100 busiest airports in the United States across 12 factors tied to common travel headaches, including delays, cancellations, on-time arrivals, airfare costs and infrastructure investment.

The biggest loser was Newark Liberty International Airport, which claimed the dubious title of worst airport for summer travel in 2026. The New Jersey hub earned the highest overall "pain score" largely due to its nation-leading cancellation rate and high percentage of delays. Miami International Airport landed in second place, followed by Orlando International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Florida, in particular, had a rough showing: three of the five worst-performing airports in the country are in the Sunshine State, an important reminder that cheap fares definitely don’t always mean smooth travel days. Orlando posted the worst on-time arrival rate among the nation's busiest airports, while Miami struggled with delays, cancellations and relatively low infrastructure investment per passenger. The report also notes that several fast-growing airports—including Miami, Sarasota, Nashville and Austin-Bergstrom—are feeling the strain of surging passenger demand.

At the other end of the rankings, Hawaii absolutely dominated. The top three airports for summer travel were all located in the Aloha State, led by Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Lihue Airport on Kauai came in second and Kahului Airport on Maui took third. Lihue also posted the best on-time arrival rate in the country, with more than 86% of flights arriving as scheduled. Spokane International Airport in Washington and Boise Airport in Idaho rounded out the top five.

While giant hub airports continue to grapple with congestion, weather disruptions and aging infrastructure, many smaller airports are proving far more reliable. If you have a choice between connecting through a mega-hub or a smaller regional airport this summer, your future self waiting at the gate may thank you.

The 5 worst airports for summer travel in 2026

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
2. Miami International Airport (MIA)
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
4. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
5. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

The 5 best airports for summer travel in 2026

1. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)
2. Lihue Airport (LIH)
3. Kahului Airport (OGG)
4. Spokane International Airport (GEG)
5. Boise Airport (BOI)