Top 10 Busiest Airports in the United States
Introduction: My Personal Experience with Airports
As a frequent traveler, I’ve been to many airports across the United States. Some have been great experiences, while others have been less than ideal. In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences and opinions on the top 10 busiest airports in the United States. I’ll also be including interesting facts, statistics, and expert quotes to give you a well-rounded view of these airports.
Curiosities and Interesting Facts
- The busiest airport in the United States is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with over 100 million passengers in 2019.
- Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the second busiest airport in the country, with over 88 million passengers in 2019.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the third busiest airport in the United States, with over 83 million passengers in 2019.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is the fifth busiest airport in the United States, with over 62 million passengers in 2019.
- The busiest airport in terms of international passengers is Miami International Airport, with over 21 million international passengers in 2019.
- Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States by total land area, covering over 53 square miles.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has a unique feature called the C Gates, which are connected to the main terminal by an underground train.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has a museum featuring local artists and exhibits, making it a great place to learn about the history and culture of Arizona.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the fourth largest airport in the world by land area, covering over 27 square miles.
- San Francisco International Airport has a yoga room for travelers to relax and de-stress before or after a flight.
Top 10 Busiest Airports in the United States
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 busiest airports in the United States and what makes each of them unique.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
As previously mentioned, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the United States. With over 100 million passengers in 2019, it’s no surprise that this airport can feel overwhelming at times. However, the airport has a fantastic selection of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to spend some time during a layover. One of my favorite things to do at this airport is to visit the Delta Sky Club, which offers a comfortable and quiet place to relax before a flight.
2. Los Angeles International Airport
LAX is the second busiest airport in the United States and is known for its iconic Theme Building, which houses a restaurant and observation deck. However, the airport has undergone significant renovations in recent years to improve its facilities and passenger experience. One of my favorite new features is the LAX-it shuttle, which provides a convenient way to get to and from the airport’s ride-sharing pickup area.
3. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the third busiest airport in the United States and is a major hub for United Airlines. The airport is known for its iconic neon Welcome to Chicago sign and has a great selection of shops and restaurants. However, the airport can feel crowded at times, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to your gate.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the United States and is a major hub for American Airlines. The airport has a unique layout, with five terminals connected by a Skylink train. This can make it easy to get around the airport, but it can also make it feel a bit overwhelming. One of my favorite things about this airport is the Texas-style barbecue available at several restaurants throughout the airport.
5. Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the United States and is known for its unique architecture, including the famous blue mustang statue outside the airport. The airport has a great selection of shops and restaurants, but it can feel a bit isolated due to its location outside of the city. However, the airport has a fantastic train system that makes it easy to get to and from downtown Denver.
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport
JFK International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the United States and is a major hub for Delta Airlines. The airport is located in the heart of New York City, making it a convenient option for travelers visiting the city. However, the airport can feel crowded and chaotic at times, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to your gate.
7. San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the United States and is known for its sustainability initiatives, including a composting program and a fleet of electric buses. The airport also has a great selection of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to spend some time during a layover. One of my favorite things about this airport is the yoga room, which provides a quiet and peaceful space to stretch and relax before or after a flight.
8. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the eighth busiest airport in the United States and is a major hub for Alaska Airlines. The airport has a great selection of shops and restaurants, including several local businesses that showcase the unique culture of Seattle. One of my favorite things about this airport is the C Gates, which are connected to the main terminal by an underground train. This makes it easy to get to and from your gate, even if it’s far away.
9. McCarran International Airport
McCarran International Airport is the ninth busiest airport in the United States and is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The airport is known for its slot machines and other gambling options, which can make it a fun and exciting place to spend some time during a layover. However, the airport can feel a bit dated and overcrowded at times, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to your gate.
10. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the tenth busiest airport in the United States and is a major hub for American Airlines. The airport has a great selection of restaurants and shops, including several local businesses that showcase the unique culture of Phoenix. One of my favorite things about this airport is the museum, which features local artists and exhibits. It’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of Arizona.
FAQs: Answering Your Questions about the Top 10 Busiest Airports in the United States
1. What is the busiest airport in the United States?
The busiest airport in the United States is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with over 100 million passengers in 2019.
2. Which airport is the largest in terms of land area?
Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States by total land area, covering over 53 square miles.
3. Which airport is the best for layovers?
San Francisco International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are both great options for layovers, with a great selection of restaurants, shops, and amenities.
4. Which airport has the most international passengers?
Miami International Airport is the busiest airport in terms of international passengers, with over 21 million international passengers in 2019.
5. Which airport is the best for families?
Many of the top 10 busiest airports in the United States have great amenities for families, including play areas, nursing rooms, and family restrooms. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport are both great options for families, with a wide range of family-friendly amenities.