This U.S. Airport Was Just Ranked the Most Stressful in the World

"New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) was ranked the world's most stressful airport, according to a study that was shared with Travel + Leisure from iSelect, an Australian-based travel insurance comparison company. The study found the airport lacking when it came to the ease of getting there, discovered one of the worst baggage claim scores, and saw one of the highest rates of canceled departures."

"That's not to say travelers should never fly in and out of EWR-after all, some T+L editors swear by it when going in and out of the greater New York City area. The airport, a major hub for United Airlines, is in the middle of a complete overhaul with plans to replace Terminal B and the existing AirTrain and enhance Terminal C."

"To complete the study, iSelect examined 50 airports around the world that serve as major hubs and looked at seven key areas, including the check-in process, security wait times, immigration and customs wait times, and baggage claim satisfaction. Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) came in as the second-most stressful airport in the world thanks to its high cancellation rates, less-than-desirable check-in process, and low security check rating."

Newark Liberty International Airport ranks as the world's most stressful airport due to difficult access, poor baggage claim satisfaction, and high rates of canceled departures. EWR functions as a major United Airlines hub undergoing a complete overhaul, including replacement of Terminal B, upgrades to the AirTrain, and enhancements to Terminal C. The year 2025 experienced exceptional flight delays and cancellations linked to staffing shortages. iSelect examined 50 major hub airports across seven areas—check-in, security wait times, immigration and customs wait times, baggage claim satisfaction, and cancellation metrics—to produce comparative stress rankings. Lisbon (LIS) and Manchester (MAN) followed EWR in stress rankings.

Read at Travel + Leisure