Travelers flying in and out of the New York City area often face tough choices when deciding which airport to use. The three main airports—John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport—each offer different experiences, especially for international travelers and those dealing with immigration processes. This ranked list breaks down the current state of Each airport in 2025, using recent data, official statements, and traveler feedback. The ranking considers factors like wait times, delays, construction, customer satisfaction, and how these issues affect people going through immigration and customs. The goal is to help travelers, especially those dealing with visas or international paperwork, make informed choices and prepare for what to expect.
Ranking Criteria and Methodology
This ranking uses several key factors:
– Passport control and security wait times
– Flight Delays and Cancellations
– Customer satisfaction scores
– Ongoing construction and modernization
– Ease of access and navigation
– Official statements and recent upgrades
– Impact on immigration and customs processing
Each airport is covered in detail, with practical information for travelers, including tips for handling immigration and customs, and advice for families, students, and business travelers. The list is ranked from most stressful to least stressful for international and immigration-related travel in 2025.
1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Most Stressful for Travelers
Newark Liberty International Airport stands out as the most stressful airport in the New York City area for 2025. Multiple sources, including the 2024 J.D. Power survey, rank it last among North America’s largest airports for customer satisfaction. Newark’s problems affect all travelers, but they can be especially hard on people going through immigration or customs.
Key Issues:
– Delays and Cancellations: Nearly 25% of flights are delayed, the highest rate in the United States. Cancellations are also high at 2.80%.
– Overcrowding and Long Waits: Travelers report long lines at security and passport control, especially during peak hours. Overcrowding is common, making it hard to move quickly between terminals.
– Outdated Facilities: Except for the new Terminal A, most of the airport’s buildings are old and in need of repair. Poor road access adds to the stress, especially for families or those with lots of luggage.
– Immigration and Customs: Long lines at passport control can be especially tough for non-U.S. citizens, who often wait longer than U.S. citizens. This can lead to missed connections or extra stress for those with tight schedules.
– Construction and Future Plans: The Port Authority has announced a “vision plan” for upgrades, including replacing Terminal B and the AirTrain. However, there is no clear timeline or guaranteed funding, so problems are likely to continue for several years.
Practical Tips:
– Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least three hours before your flight, especially if you need to go through immigration or customs.
– Check Real-Time Updates: Use the official Newark Liberty International Airport website to check for delays, construction updates, and terminal changes.
– Prepare for Delays: Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for long waits. If you have a connecting flight, allow extra time between flights.
Stakeholder Perspectives:
– Travelers often express frustration with the long waits and crowded spaces.
– Airport officials admit the problems but say upgrades are coming, though not soon enough for most travelers.
2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): High Stress, Especially for International Travelers
John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and a major gateway for international travel. In 2025, it ranks among the 15 worst U.S. airports for international travelers, mainly due to long passport control waits and ongoing construction.
Key Issues:
– Passport Control Wait Times: The average wait for all travelers is 24.9 minutes, but the maximum can reach 63.3 minutes. About 7.3% of travelers wait over an hour. U.S. citizens usually clear passport control almost twice as fast as non-U.S. citizens, making it especially hard for international visitors.
– Construction Disruptions: JFK is undergoing a $19 billion redevelopment, which causes confusion, delays, and frequent gate changes. Construction is expected to last through 2027, so disruptions will continue for several years.
– Flight Delays and Cancellations: About 22.86% of flights are delayed, and 2.34% are canceled. These numbers are high and can cause problems for travelers with tight connections or immigration appointments.
– Navigation Challenges: Construction often means travelers must walk longer distances or use shuttle buses between terminals, which can be tough for families, elderly travelers, or those with disabilities.
Practical Tips:
– Monitor Construction Updates: Check the JFK official website for the latest information on terminal changes and construction.
– Arrive Early: Arrive at least three hours before your flight, especially if you are not a U.S. citizen and need to go through passport control.
– Use Mobile Passport Control: If eligible, use the Mobile Passport Control app to speed up the process.
Stakeholder Perspectives:
– Travelers often feel stressed by the long waits and confusing terminal layouts.
– Airport officials say the redevelopment will bring long-term benefits, but admit that short-term pain is unavoidable.
3. LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Least Stressful and Most Modernized
LaGuardia Airport has undergone a dramatic transformation, turning from a “punchline” into one of the top-ranked regional airports in the world. In 2025, it is praised for its efficient operations, short wait times, and modern facilities.
Key Benefits:
– Short Wait Times: The average TSA security wait is between 12.1 and 15 minutes, much lower than JFK or Newark.
– Fewer Delays and Cancellations: Only 18.37% of flights are delayed, and 2.72% are canceled, making it more reliable for travelers.
– Modern Facilities: The new Terminal B and other upgrades have made the airport easier to navigate, with clear signs and plenty of seating.
– High Customer Satisfaction: LaGuardia is ranked #2 best regional airport in the world by Skytrax in 2025.
– Smooth Immigration and Customs: While LaGuardia handles fewer international flights, those who do use it for short-haul international travel report quick processing and friendly staff.
Practical Tips:
– Consider LaGuardia for Domestic and Short International Flights: If your trip allows, use LaGuardia to avoid the stress of JFK and Newark.
– Check Wait Times: Visit the LaGuardia Airport official website for real-time updates on security and other services.
– Enjoy the New Facilities: Take advantage of the new restaurants, shops, and comfortable waiting areas.
Stakeholder Perspectives:
– Travelers praise the airport’s clean, modern look and fast processing.
– Industry analysts see LaGuardia as a model for other airports looking to modernize.
How to Choose the Best NYC Area Airport for Your Needs
When deciding between John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport, consider the following:
– Type of Travel: If you need to fly internationally, JFK and Newark have more options, but expect longer waits and more stress. For domestic or short international trips, LaGuardia is often the best choice.
– Immigration Needs: Non-U.S. citizens and those with complex visa situations should allow extra time at JFK and Newark. U.S. citizens usually clear passport control faster.
– Construction and Delays: Check each airport’s official website for updates on construction and delays.
– Customer Experience: LaGuardia currently offers the smoothest and most modern experience.
For more detailed analysis and tips, VisaVerge.com reports that travelers should always check real-time updates and consider their own needs before choosing an airport. Official resources like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provide up-to-date information on all three airports.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each airport, travelers can better prepare for their journey and reduce stress, especially when dealing with immigration and customs. Always plan ahead, arrive early, and use official resources to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.
Learn Today
Immigration processing → Procedures travelers undergo at ports of entry to verify identity and eligibility to enter the country.
Passport control → Official airport checkpoint where travelers’ passports and visas are inspected upon entry or exit.
Flight delays → Situations where flights depart or arrive later than scheduled, often causing missed connections.
Construction disruptions → Ongoing airport building or renovation projects that temporarily affect passenger movement and services.
Customer satisfaction → Measurement of traveler experience quality, including wait times, facilities, and service reliability.
This Article in a Nutshell
Newark Liberty leads as NYC’s most stressful airport in 2025, with high delays and long immigration waits. JFK struggles with construction and passport control. LaGuardia offers the smoothest experience, ideal for short international and domestic flights, thanks to modern upgrades and shorter security lines.
— By VisaVerge.com
