This Midwest Airport Ranked Top Three In The US For Having The Angriest Passengers

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If air travel tends to bring out the worst in you, don’t fret – you’re certainly not alone. The stress and frustration of travel days can easily turn anyone into an irritable mess. But have you ever wondered which airports in the United States are known for having the angriest passengers? According to a study conducted by Forbes Advisor, one unexpected Midwest airport has made it to the top three. Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska ranked third on the list, with travelers often complaining about travel delays and cold weather. However, despite these grievances, the airport has a relatively good track record for on-time flights. In fact, data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that over 77% of Eppley’s flights were on time in the past year. So, don’t let the negative chatter fool you. But if you’re looking for a more peaceful travel experience, consider flying through Indianapolis International Airport, which ranked as the calmest airport in the country.

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Forbes Advisor Study

According to a recent Forbes Advisor study, some airports in the United States seem to attract more disgruntled travelers than others. The study analyzed negative posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) to determine which airports had the most angry passengers. Surprisingly, Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, ranked third on the list of airports with the angriest travelers.

Eppley Airfield ranked third on the list of angriest passengers

Eppley Airfield, a moderately busy airport in Omaha, Nebraska, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of angry passengers. However, Forbes found that X users tend to complain about travel delays and cold weather when passing through this Midwest airport. Despite these frustrations, data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reveals that over 77% of flights at Eppley Airfield were on time between January 2023 and January 2024. Additionally, only 0.84% of flights were delayed due to weather. These numbers suggest that the negative posts on social media might not reflect the reality of the airport’s performance.

Complaints about travel delays and cold weather at Eppley Airfield

The complaints about Eppley Airfield on social media seem to revolve around travel delays and the cold weather experienced at the airport. It’s important to note that weather delays are not entirely within the control of the airport, as safety is the top priority when it comes to air travel. However, Eppley Airfield’s performance data indicates that weather-related delays are relatively rare. Travelers should consider the overall statistics and experiences of other passengers before forming an opinion about an airport solely based on social media posts.

Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Eppley Airfield’s performance, data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics is worth considering. The data reveals that over 77% of flights at Eppley Airfield were on time between January 2023 and January 2024, which is a commendable percentage. Additionally, only 0.84% of flights were delayed due to weather conditions. These statistics suggest that Eppley Airfield generally operates efficiently and effectively, despite the negative posts on social media.

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J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study

Another important aspect to consider when evaluating an airport’s performance is customer satisfaction. In J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Eppley Airfield received 804 points out of 1,000. While this score is slightly below the average of 809 points for medium-sized airports, it still indicates that a significant number of travelers have had positive experiences at Eppley Airfield. It’s essential to remember that every traveler’s experience can vary, and overall satisfaction can be influenced by various factors.

Jacksonville International Airport

On Forbes’ list of airports with the angriest passengers, Jacksonville International Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, ranked second. An analysis of X posts about the airport revealed that 60% of them contained negative content. The common themes of complaints included lines, TSA procedures, travel delays, and interactions with employees. However, despite these negative posts, Jacksonville International Airport performed well in J.D. Power’s 2023 survey. It received 821 points, even surpassing Eppley Airfield in customer satisfaction.

John Wayne Airport

The airport that topped Forbes’ list of angriest passengers is John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. According to Forbes, 65% of analyzed X posts about the airport contained angry or negative feedback. The main complaints were related to noise, airport staff, and TSA procedures. However, in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction data, John Wayne Airport ranked second among large airports, receiving an impressive 829 points. This score surpassed the national average of 789 for large airports, suggesting that the airport’s performance might be better than reflected in social media posts.

Limitations of Forbes’ analysis

It’s essential to consider the limitations of Forbes’ analysis when evaluating the anger levels of passengers at various airports. The study only analyzed 37,000 X posts referencing the 60 busiest airports in the United States, which averages out to around 617 posts per airport. This relatively small sample size might not provide a comprehensive representation of the overall passenger sentiment. Moreover, people are more likely to share negative experiences on social media, amplifying the perception of dissatisfaction, even though it might not reflect the majority of travelers’ experiences. Comparing Forbes’ analysis with J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction data highlights the importance of considering multiple sources of information.

Calmest airport in the Midwest

For travelers seeking a more peaceful airport experience, it might be worth considering the calmest airport in the Midwest: Indianapolis International Airport. This airport ranks highest in J.D. Power’s 2023 list of medium-sized airports and has been recognized by the Airports Council International for its top customer satisfaction scores in 2023. Passengers at Indianapolis International Airport have consistently reported high levels of satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for stress-free travel.

Other calm airports

In addition to Indianapolis International Airport, a couple of other airports are known for their calm and peaceful environments. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Kansas City International Airport both had some of the fewest negative posts on X. These airports prioritize customer satisfaction and aim to provide a more serene experience for stress-prone travelers. Considering these airports as alternatives can contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

Conclusion

When it comes to air travel, handling stress and encountering different types of passengers can be challenging. By understanding the trends identified in Forbes’ analysis of angry passengers and considering additional data from sources like J.D. Power, travelers can make more informed decisions about their airport choices. While negative posts on X might create the impression of widespread dissatisfaction, it’s important not to dismiss an airport solely based on social media content. Instead, travelers are encouraged to consider statistics, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall experiences of passengers when selecting an airport. Choosing a calm airport can significantly contribute to a more peaceful and enjoyable travel experience, even in situations where anger seems to be prevalent.

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