Top 5 Largest Airports in the US – A Must-Read Guide
By Emily Johnson
Introduction
As a frequent traveler, I’ve been to my fair share of airports in the US. Some are better than others, but they all have their unique features. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the top 5 largest airports in the US and what makes them stand out. From my personal experiences and opinions to survey results and data analysis, this guide will give you everything you need to know before your next flight.
Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts
- The US has some of the busiest airports in the world, with over 1 billion passengers traveling through them annually.
- Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with over 100 million passengers annually.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport was the first airport to have a fully operational control tower, back in 1955.
- Los Angeles International Airport has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including Casablanca and Mad Men.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is larger than the island of Manhattan.
Top 5 Largest Airports in the US
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
As previously mentioned, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world. It’s also the largest airport in the US, covering over 4,700 acres of land. With over 250,000 passengers passing through every day, this airport is a well-oiled machine. The airport has everything you need, from a wide variety of dining and shopping options to free Wi-Fi and charging stations.
My personal experience at this airport was quite positive. I had a layover there for a few hours and was able to explore the airport’s art program, which features over 200 pieces of art from local and international artists. I also tried some delicious food at one of the many restaurants.
2. Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the second-largest airport in the US, covering over 3,500 acres of land. It has nine terminals and is known for its iconic Theme Building, which was built in 1961 and features a restaurant and observation deck. LAX is a hub for many major airlines and offers a wide variety of international flights.
While I’ve never had the pleasure of flying into LAX, I have visited the airport before. It’s definitely a unique airport, with its modern architecture and endless entertainment options. If you have a layover here, I highly recommend checking out the Encounter Restaurant in the Theme Building. The food is great, and the views are even better.
3. O’Hare International Airport
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is the third-largest airport in the US, covering over 7,000 acres of land. It has four terminals and is a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. O’Hare is known for its efficient operations, with an average of one flight taking off or landing every minute during peak hours.
My experience at O’Hare was quite pleasant. The airport is easy to navigate, and there are plenty of dining and shopping options. I also appreciated the airport’s free yoga room, which was a great way to relax before my flight.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the fourth-largest airport in the US, covering over 17,000 acres of land. It has five terminals and is a hub for American Airlines. The airport is known for its wide variety of dining and shopping options, as well as its excellent customer service.
I’ve flown through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport a few times, and it’s always been a positive experience. The airport is easy to navigate, and there are plenty of comfortable seating options for those long layovers.
5. Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is the fifth-largest airport in the US, covering over 33,000 acres of land. It has one main terminal and four concourses, with a unique design that’s meant to resemble the nearby Rocky Mountains. The airport is known for its sustainability efforts, including a solar farm and a geothermal heating and cooling system.
I’ve only flown through Denver International Airport once, but I was impressed with its design and sustainability efforts. The airport also has some great dining options, including a Root Down location, which offers farm-to-table cuisine.
FAQs
1. What is the busiest airport in the US?
The busiest airport in the US is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with over 100 million passengers annually.
2. Which airport is the largest in the US?
The largest airport in the US is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, covering over 4,700 acres of land.
3. Which airport has the most international flights?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has the most international flights of any airport in the US.
4. Which airport is the most sustainable?
Denver International Airport is known for its sustainability efforts, including a solar farm and a geothermal heating and cooling system.
5. Which airport has the best dining options?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is known for its wide variety of dining options.