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The Most Stress-Inducing Airports in 2024: A Travel + Leisure Overview

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 12:13 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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The Most Stress‑Inducing Airports in the World – A 2024 Travel + Leisure Overview

Travel + Leisure’s annual “Most Stressful Airports” roundup isn’t just a fanfare‑filled brag‑sheet; it’s a fact‑based, passenger‑driven guide that warns travelers where the most headaches are likely to occur. The publication relied on a mix of global survey data, industry expert interviews and on‑ground testing to pin down which terminals generate the most anxiety. The result is a top‑10 list that spans three continents and mixes the world’s busiest hubs with airports that are infamous for their labyrinthine layouts and procedural headaches.

Below is a concise recap of the key findings, the reasons behind each ranking, and practical tips that the article offers to ease the journey for future travelers.

1. Istanbul Atatürk Airport – Turkey

Atatürk has long been the nerve center for Turkey’s domestic and international traffic. Even though the airport’s role has been eclipsed by the new Istanbul Airport, the older terminal still remains a hive of activity for many airlines and travelers. The primary stressors cited were:

• Severe security bottlenecks – passengers often have to wait 45‑60 minutes for screening, especially on peak days.
• Unclear signage – Turkish language dominates, which can be confusing for non‑Turkish speakers.
• Frequent flight cancellations – the hub’s high volume and seasonal weather disruptions make the “last‑minute” changes a regular occurrence.

Travel + Leisure advises booking flights that depart early in the morning to avoid the daily rush and to arrive at least 3 hours before departure.

2. Hong Kong International Airport – Hong Kong

The “Gateway to Asia” is notorious for its sheer passenger numbers and a complex two‑island layout. Stress factors include:

• Long queues at customs – especially for travelers arriving from mainland China, the “red‑line” area can take a long time to clear.
• High congestion in departure lounges – the large size of the airport often means that the only way to avoid crowds is to use the “express” fast‑track lanes.
• Language barriers – while English is widely spoken, many staff only handle Cantonese or Mandarin, and a few travelers report difficulty understanding the signage.

Travel + Leisure suggests downloading the airport’s free app to check real‑time security wait times and booking the “Airport Express” shuttle to avoid the more congested local transport.

3. Paris Charles de Gaulle – France

Often considered a “hub of hubs,” CDG’s three terminals and sprawling parking areas can make navigation a nightmare. Key points highlighted were:

• Long transit times – transferring flights often requires passengers to go through security again, taking 60‑90 minutes.
• Crowded departure halls – the sheer number of international flights means that the departure area is almost always crowded.
• Unpredictable delays – late‑night flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather or crew shortages.

The article recommends traveling in the early afternoon to catch the “mid‑day lull” and using the free “CDG Airport” app to keep track of gate changes.

4. Los Angeles International – USA

LAX is a sprawling, high‑traffic airport that often gets criticized for its layout and lack of passenger amenities. Reasons for the stress rating:

• Security wait times – even in the “Low‑Traffic” season, travelers may wait 30‑45 minutes at TSA checkpoints.
• Tight connection windows – many airlines run short layovers, which can be stressful if a flight is delayed.
• Poor signage – the airport’s older signage system can be confusing for first‑time visitors.

Travel + Leisure notes that using the “LAX App” can help travelers find the fastest route between gates and book a “Pre‑Check” line in advance.

5. London Heathrow – UK

Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport and a major international hub. Its stress profile is largely tied to:

• Overcrowded terminals – the four‑terminal layout often feels congested.
• Long security lines – especially for international flights where travelers have to go through both UK and EU security checkpoints.
• Frequent weather‑related disruptions – fog and stormy weather can wreak havoc on schedules.

The article stresses the importance of traveling during off‑peak hours and utilizing the “Heathrow Fast Track” service.

6. Beijing Capital International – China

Beijing’s biggest gateway is known for its high passenger volume and extensive security procedures. The article cites:

• Multiple security checks – domestic travelers first go through Chinese security, then an additional check for international passengers.
• Long customs lines – the “red‑line” line for entering China can take hours, especially on holidays.
• Language barriers – although Mandarin is prevalent, non‑Chinese travelers often find help limited.

Travel + Leisure recommends booking “early‑morning” flights and keeping a digital copy of all travel documents to speed up the customs process.

7. Tokyo Haneda – Japan

Haneda’s fast‑track layout and advanced technology often give it a reputation for being efficient. However, travelers find stress points in:

• Cultural expectations – strict punctuality demands can lead to anxiety if a flight is delayed.
• Crowded departure gates – the airport’s small size relative to passenger volume can feel claustrophobic.
• Security procedures – Japan’s security is meticulous and can be a time‑consuming process.

Travel + Leisure suggests using the “Japan Airport Navigation” app and purchasing a “Rail Pass” for a quick transfer to the city.

8. Dubai International – UAE

Dubai’s massive airport is known for its opulence but can also be a source of stress. Key pain points:

• Long security queues – despite the large staff numbers, the sheer volume of passengers can result in waiting times of up to 60 minutes.
• High volume of international flights – leads to congested departure areas.
• Strict security protocols – especially for passengers traveling to/from high‑risk destinations.

Travel + Leisure advises using the “Dubai Airport App” for live updates and booking a “Pre‑Check” line if available.

9. Seoul Incheon – South Korea

Incheon is famed for its customer service, but stress still occurs in the following ways:

• Security line length – despite the efficient system, the lines can be long during rush hours.
• Customs processing – the “red‑line” process for travelers from mainland China and Japan can be lengthy.
• Transit time – connecting flights require an additional security check for international transfers.

Travel + Leisure recommends arriving at least 4 hours before international departures to buffer for the above delays.

10. New York John F. Kennedy International – USA

JFK’s stress level is rooted in its congested layout and limited transit options. The article highlights:

• Long security wait times – especially on weekends.
• Crowded departure lounges – the terminal’s sheer passenger capacity leads to congestion.
• Complicated transfers – passengers often need to go through multiple checkpoints for connecting flights.

Travel + Leisure encourages travelers to use the “KJFK” app for real‑time gate information and consider the “Express” service for expedited security.

Practical Takeaways for a Stress‑Free Journey

1. Plan Ahead – Use the airport’s official app or a trusted travel platform to monitor real‑time security and gate information.
2. Book Early – Reserve flights that depart early in the morning to sidestep the peak crowds.
3. Carry On – Maximize carry‑on luggage to reduce the time spent in baggage claim and avoid the risk of lost luggage.
4. Use Fast‑Track – When available, use TSA Pre‑Check (U.S.) or the equivalent program in other countries.
5. Know the Layout – Download the terminal map before arrival; knowing where the gates, lounges, and security checkpoints are can shave minutes off your journey.

Linking to the Bigger Picture

Travel + Leisure’s “Most Stressful Airports” feature isn’t a standalone article. The publication also provides a companion piece on “Best Airport Lounges for Stress Relief,” a guide to “Smart Packing for Long Flights,” and an in‑depth look at “How to Avoid Lost Luggage.” These related articles are linked directly in the main story, offering travelers additional resources to transform a potential headache into a manageable experience.

Bottom Line

Travel + Leisure’s 2024 list of the most stressful airports serves as a helpful checklist for globetrotters looking to anticipate and mitigate travel anxieties. By understanding where the bottlenecks lie, planning proactively, and leveraging the tools and services the airports offer, travelers can dramatically reduce the tension that often comes with the pre‑flight and transit phases of travel.