Airports from Hell: Miami ranks second...from Hell! By Geniusofdespair

Out of a ranking done at the Daily Beast, today, limited to the 27 American airports that had one million or more total aircraft operations from 2006 through this summer, Miami Dade made it to second worst, at number 26 it is only behind Newark. This news adds to a long line of dubious distinctions that Miami holds. IAH in Houston and LAX in Los Angeles took the top two spots as "best". Fort Lauderdale made it to 19. Here is what they said about MIA:

On-time departures 2009: 72.50% (ranked last)
On-time arrivals 2009: 74.95%
On-time holiday departures: 83%
On-time holiday arrivals: 75%
Average security wait time: 12.6 minutes
Tarmac nightmares: 13th out of 27
Safety: 21st out of 27
Amenities: 12th out of 27

It’s difficult to get in the air on time, but at least the Miami airport, a big hub for American, makes the lengthy wait enjoyable. Aside from the usual manicure, haircut, and massage offerings, Miami includes spray tanning, cellphone rentals, and Cuban cuisine. Regarding delays and security wait times, airport spokesman Gary Chin says, “It’s one of the unfortunate parts of flying in a busy airport.”

Here is what they said about the best airport so you can compare:
IAH — Houston

On-time departures 2009: 86.19%
On-time arrivals 2009: 84.73%
On-time holiday departures: 90% (ranked first)
On-time holiday arrivals: 86%
Average security wait time: 6.1 minutes
Tarmac nightmares: 22nd out 27
Safety: 5th out of 27
Amenities: 8th out of 27

Finally here is Fort Lauderdale:

On-time departures 2009: 79.49%
On-time arrivals 2009: 78.14%
On-time holiday departures: 80%
On-time holiday arrivals: 76%
Average security wait time: 7.6 minutes
Tarmac nightmares: 6th out of 27
Safety: 24th out of 27
Amenities: 22nd out of 27

Fort Lauderdale’s airport was built atop a golf course in 1929. In 2008,11 million people boarded a plane within its terminals, which makes it the 22nd busiest airport in the U.S. Although across the country from the Hollywood of movie stars, it lives up to its Hollywood name, as a filming location of several film.