A recent survey conducted by the Australian travel insurance company iSelect has revealed that Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is considered the “most stressful airport in the world,” ranking at the bottom among 50 major international airports. The report highlights various factors at Newark Airport that contribute to passengers’ anxiety, including complex check-in and security processes, lengthy baggage retrieval times, and a high rate of flight delays. The average delay time at the airport exceeds 20 minutes, significantly higher than at other airports on the list.
Many frequent travelers to the tri-state area have expressed that upon arriving at Newark Airport, their biggest concern is not the flight itself but rather the long queues and waiting times, sometimes feeling more exhausted from the time spent at the airport than the actual flight. Some passengers have even described the process from disembarking the plane to retrieving their luggage as “more agonizing than transferring flights overseas.” Additionally, passengers have reported that the airport layout is confusing, and there is a lack of sufficient information displays, exacerbating feelings of impatience.
Industry experts point out that Newark Airport handles a massive volume of passengers, coupled with aging infrastructure and limited expansion opportunities, which are underlying reasons for the stress experienced by travelers. Improving the overall passenger experience would require upgrades to airport facilities, optimizing staff deployment, and enhancing transparency of information.
On the “stress” rankings list, New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) comes in at the global fourth place, highlighting that challenges exist not only at Newark Airport but also at other major travel hubs.