Have you noticed that security screening at some U.S. airports is relatively easy, while at others it can be a pain? Although security screening at all airports is administered by the same federal agency—the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)—the experience is not always the same.

Upgraded Points, a travel and credit card website, recently analyzed TSA contact center complaint data from 2015 to 2023 to identify the U.S. airports that receive the most and fewest passenger complaints.

“Security checkpoints are an inevitable part of air travel, but the experience can vary greatly by airport,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor in chief at Upgraded Points. “And because security checkpoints can be such a stressful experience, we found out where passengers are most and least satisfied with the TSA, providing valuable insights for travelers.”

According to the study, these are the airports that should be avoided if possible:

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 6.83 complaints per 100,000 passengers

2. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 5.78 complaints per 100,000 passengers

3. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 5.6 complaints per 100,000 passengers

4. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – 5.5 complaints per 100,000 passengers

5. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 5.38 complaints per 100,000 passengers

These airports received the most complaints in 2023:

• Newark Liberty International Airport: 12.84 complaints per 100,000 passengers

• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: 10.35 complaints per 100,000 passengers

• Palm Beach International Airport: 8.98 complaints per 100,000 passengers

• Southwest Florida International Airport: 8.92 complaints per 100,000 passengers

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 8.91 complaints per 100,000 passengers

But the good side

Fortunately, there are some U.S. airports that do not receive many complaints from travelers about security measures. These airports have the fewest complaints over the eight-year period.

1. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – 1.97 complaints per 100,000 passengers

2. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 2.63 complaints per 100,000 passengers

3. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 2.74 complaints per 100,000 passengers

4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – 2.75 complaints per 100,000 passengers

5. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 2.8 complaints per 100,000 passengers

In 2023, Charlotte Douglas International Airport had the best record with 3.47 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The two Dallas airports – Dallas Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field – took second and third place, respectively.