Top 10 Biggest Airports in the US
As a frequent traveler, I have spent a lot of time in airports all over the country. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the convenience and efficiency of large airports, especially when it comes to connecting flights and layovers. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experiences and opinions on the top 10 biggest airports in the US, as well as some interesting facts and statistics about each one.
Curiosities and Statistics
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with over 110 million passengers in 2019.
- Los Angeles International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the US, with over 88 million passengers in 2019.
- Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the US by land area, covering over 53 square miles.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport has the most runways of any airport in the world, with a total of 8 runways.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the US, and the largest hub for American Airlines.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is the sixth-busiest airport in the US, and the primary international gateway to the country.
- San Francisco International Airport is known for its unique design, with a main terminal shaped like a giant letter T.
- Miami International Airport is the largest gateway between the US and Latin America, with over 1,000 weekly flights to the region.
- McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is known for its slot machines, which are located throughout the terminals.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, and the primary hub for Alaska Airlines.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
As the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, and a popular choice for connecting flights. The airport has two terminals, with a total of seven concourses, and offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. One of my favorite things about this airport is the Plane Train, a free automated people mover system that connects all the concourses and makes it easy to get around.
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the second-busiest airport in the US, and serves as a major gateway to Asia and the Pacific. The airport has nine terminals, and is known for its iconic Theme Building, which houses a restaurant and observation deck. However, LAX can be a challenging airport to navigate, with long security lines and a confusing layout. If you have a layover here, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your next flight.
Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport, or DEN, is the largest airport in the US by land area, and is known for its distinctive tented roof and art installations. The airport has one main terminal, with three concourses, and offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. One of the unique features of DEN is its baggage system, which uses a network of underground tunnels to transport luggage between the terminal and the planes. This can make for a faster and more efficient baggage claim process.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, or ORD, is one of the busiest airports in the world, and a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. The airport has four terminals, with a total of 191 gates, and offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. However, ORD is also known for its frequent delays and long security lines, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time if you are flying through this airport.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, or DFW, is the largest hub for American Airlines, and the fourth-busiest airport in the US. The airport has five terminals, and offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. One of the unique features of DFW is its Skylink train system, which connects all the terminals and makes it easy to get around the airport. However, DFW can also be a challenging airport to navigate, especially if you are connecting between different airlines or terminals.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is one of the primary international gateways to the US, and a major hub for JetBlue Airways. The airport has six terminals, and offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. However, JFK can be a busy and chaotic airport, with long security lines and frequent flight delays. If you are flying through JFK, be sure to give yourself plenty of time and pack some patience.
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport, or SFO, is known for its unique design, with a main terminal shaped like a giant letter T. The airport is a major hub for United Airlines, and offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. One of the highlights of SFO is the Aviation Museum and Library, which features exhibits on the history of aviation and the airport itself. However, SFO can also be a busy and congested airport, especially during peak travel times.
Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport, or MIA, is the largest gateway between the US and Latin America, and a major hub for American Airlines. The airport has three terminals, and offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. One of the unique features of MIA is its MIA Mover, a free automated people mover system that connects the airport to the Miami Intermodal Center and the Rental Car Center. However, MIA can also be a crowded and hectic airport, especially during the winter months when many travelers flock to South Florida.
McCarran International Airport
McCarran International Airport, or LAS, is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is known for its slot machines, which are located throughout the terminals. The airport has two terminals, with a total of 110 gates, and offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. One of the unique features of LAS is its proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, which is just a short taxi or shuttle ride away. However, LAS can also be a busy and chaotic airport, especially during peak travel times and major conventions.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or SEA, is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, and the primary hub for Alaska Airlines. The airport has one main terminal, with four concourses, and offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. One of the highlights of SEA is its extensive public art collection, which features works by local and regional artists. However, SEA can also be a challenging airport to navigate, especially during construction projects and renovations.
FAQs
What is the busiest airport in the US?
The busiest airport in the US is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with over 110 million passengers in 2019.
What is the largest airport in the US by land area?
The largest airport in the US by land area is Denver International Airport, which covers over 53 square miles.
What is the largest hub for American Airlines?
The largest hub for American Airlines is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
What is the primary international gateway to the US?
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is one of the primary international gateways to the US.
What is the best airport for connecting flights?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is often cited as one of the best airports for connecting flights, thanks to its efficient layout and the availability of the Plane Train.