Five US airports where TSA branded ‘the worst’ | Travel News

Here’s a rundown of the 5 worst airports for TSA experiences and the explanations behind their rankings:

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Located simply 15 miles from downtown NYC, this New Jersey airport is among the many busiest within the nation, handling over 450 flights each day.

According to the 2024 Upgraded Points examine, Newark Liberty International Airport topped the checklist because the worst for TSA experiences. The airport racked up a staggering 6.83 formally filed complaints per 100,000 vacationers.

The examine revealed that quite a few grievances emerged from TSA PreCheck, crafted to expedite the security screening course of. Common gripes included unavailable TSA PreCheck lanes and irritating delays resulting in holdups.

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

It could also be surprsing to see the South Florida airport on this checklist, as a result of it sometimes receives high marks, however when it got here to security, it wasn’t typical.

However, the Upgraded Points evaluation reveals enduring security at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to be fairly the unpleasant ordeal. With an average of 5.78 complaints per 100,000 vacationers passing by way of TSA checkpoints, it ranks because the second-worst within the nation for security satisfaction.

Online suggestions affords a blended bag, with some passengers lauding their swift and hassle-free experiences at PBI’s security traces.

Yet, there are accounts of TSA workers appearing rudely, together with one where they had been purportedly yelling at passengers over what gave the impression to be unjust causes.

A former airline captain detailed a significantly poor interplay on Yelp, saying: “I’ve never been spoken to so disrespectfully by a TSA agent like this.”

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport got here in third on the checklist, primarily based on less-than-ideal TSA encounters and it being riddled with complaints.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) recorded 5.6 complaints for each 100,000 passengers passing by way of security, as per the examine.

Many online opinions highlighted points equivalent to unusually long queues and TSA brokers hurrying passengers alongside whereas offering complicated and contradictory instructions.

“TSA is an organized mess that left people separated from their loved ones… My friends and I got there three hours early and still came too close to missing our flight,” shared one disgruntled traveler.

Given this, vacationers departing from Orlando International Airport ought to plan for added time and anticipate potential delays to keep away from pointless stress.

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Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers scored poorly with 5.5 complaints for each 100,000 passengers.

The causes cited included understaffing and inadequate open lanes, leading to a slower course of. However, regardless of the high quantity of complaints, many had been fast to reward the airport’s TSA online.

Some even lauded the airport for its swift security checks.

“TSA was actually very friendly and was very quick with doing its job compared to other airports we have been to. This is how TSA should be… They all spoke, were happy, and did their jobs,” commented one Google reviewer.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Ranking fifth is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) in Ohio, which sees hundreds of thousands of passengers yearly. According to a survey by Upgraded Points, this airport obtained 5.38 complaints per 100,000 vacationers.

Online suggestions highlighted points equivalent to uncommon working hours that sophisticated flight schedules, discourteous workers, and sluggish TSA traces. However, Reddit customers identified that regardless of the seemingly long queues, they moved faster than anticipated.

The airport’s Central Checkpoint operates from 4am to 10pm, the South Checkpoint from 3:30am to 7:45pm, and the North Checkpoint opens solely as required, which might account for some grievances.

Reviewers additionally famous that in case your flight departs shortly after security opens, it may be significantly difficult to make it on time.

An air traveller turned to Reddit to ask why TSA brokers are so impolite and did get some useful suggestions.

One consumer wrote: “They’re not supposed to be friendly. They are there too protect from people who want to do harm. Have to be very businesslike and authoritative!”

Another consumer got here to TSA agent’s protection: “I’ve found that 90% of the TSA agents I’ve talked to have been pretty nice, a few were ducks. But that’s people… some people are just tired/having a bad day/crappy.”

A 3rd consumer, who seems to work as a TSA agent, defined why the job is difficult and how it could have an impact on a particular person.

The consumer wrote: “When I am on shift I try to be nice and friendly but when you are constantly berated and yelled at everyday for doing your job and existing by passengers it is really hard.”