These Are the Most Expensive Airports in the United States.
Thanks to research published today by Points Guy , we now know which airports to avoid if you want to spend a little less on an Uber ride or just a cup of coffee in the terminal.
In a new study, TPG looked at the 50 busiest airports in the United States and estimated them based on average airfares using figures provided by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, as well as other fees you might expect to pay, such as parking, luggage trolleys, transportation to nearest city center, refreshments and lounge access.
If you’re a New Yorker, leaders may not be all that unexpected; both Newark Liberty International and John F. Kennedy International were named the most expensive airports in the country. According to Scott Meyerowitz, executive editorial director of The Points Guy, in Newark’s and John F. Kennedy’s rankings, transportation costs strongly influenced fares.
“New York is generally an expensive place to fly,” Mayerowitz said over the phone. “But more importantly, the airport fares in the NYC [area] subway are very high. New York City has public transportation options to all three airports, but I wouldn’t call any of them ideal for most people. I live in Manhattan with my family and I always consider how much it will cost me. “
Meanwhile, McCarren International and Orlando International in Las Vegas were considered the most affordable, primarily based on their average airfare. Below you can see how the most and least expensive airports stack up, courtesy of the Points Guy.
Most expensive US airports
1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) 3. Dulles International Airport (IAD) 4. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 5. LaGuardia International Airport (LGA)
The most accessible airports in the USA
1. McCarran International Airport (LAS) 2. Orlando International Airport (MCO) 3. Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) 4. Norman Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) 5. Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Meyerowitz said he hopes such research will help travelers better understand the true cost of a flight and may lead some airports to charge you slightly less for a bottle of water. “When you are considered one of the most expensive airports in the country … I hope you are going to take some action,” he said.
For a complete airport ranking, visit the Points Guy website .