There are many reasons for traveling people from one place to another; some want to explore new cultures and histories, some travel for leisure, some for business opportunities, and some for any particular reason. If you travel to any long-distance location, Air travel is the quickest way to travel safely. Air Travel is one of the most important means of transportation globally.
Regarding Air Travel in the USA, today, the US boasts a vast network of airports, providing transfer facilities to millions of passengers to domestic and International destinations. In this guide, we’ll explore which Airport deserves the Crown of the Busiest US Airport and learn about other busiest Airports.
About the United States
The United States (US) is the third-largest country globally by both land area and population, bordered by Canada, Mexico, the Atlantic, and the Pacific Oceans. As a global superpower and leader in innovation, research, and technology, the U.S. is also home to some of the world’s busiest airports, reflecting its status as a hub for business, tourism, and international connectivity.
Understanding Air Travel and Airport Services:
Air travel is indispensable for connecting people, cities, and continents. Airports are complex infrastructures offering various services, from airlines and check-in counters to baggage handling and security screening. In the U.S., airports serve as key points for domestic and international transfers, making them vital for global and local economies alike.
To determine the busiest U.S. airport, we analyze several key metrics, including passenger traffic, flight operations, and international reach.
The Contenders:
To choose the busiest US Airport, we must consider several factors, including the number of passengers, flight operations, cargo volume, and International connectivity.
Below are the top ten busiest U.S. airports:
1- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2- Los Angeles International Airport
3- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
4- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
5- Denver International Airport
6- John F. Kennedy International Airport
7- San Francisco International Airport
8- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
9- McCarran International Airport
10- Orlando International Airport
1- The Busiest US Airport, Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest U.S. airport, serving over 107 million passengers annually. Located just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, it boasts four runways and offers connections to over 150 domestic and international destinations.
ATL is also the central hub for Delta Airlines, handling 80% of the airport’s air traffic. With modern amenities such as dining, shopping, duty-free stores, and lounges, it is a true gateway to the world.
The airport provides accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Hart’sfield-Jackson is a central transportation hub, a gateway to Atlanta and the world.
2- John F. Kennedy International Airport:
JFK Airport is located just 15 miles from downtown Manhattan, JFK Airport is a vital transportation hub for New York City. It operates six terminals and serves over 60 million passengers annually. JFK’s facilities include restaurants, lounges, and shopping areas, making it a bustling hub for both domestic and international travel.
Delta and JetBlue are the primary carriers, contributing to JFK’s role as one of the busiest and most essential airports in the U.S.
3- Los Angeles International Airport:
Los Angeles International Airport is commonly known as LAX. It is located in Los Angeles. It is a major airport in Los Angeles and the surrounding Metropolitan Areas. LAX, situated about 18 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, serves as a key gateway to the United States from Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
With nine terminals and four runways, LAX handles both domestic and international traffic, serving airlines like Delta, American, and United. It’s a vital connection point for travelers heading to or from the West Coast, handling over 88 million passengers each year.
4- Chicago International O’Hare Airport:
Chicago O’Hare Airport is located 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, O’Hare is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. With four terminals and seven runways, it efficiently handles a high volume of flights, providing connections across the U.S. and the world.
O’Hare is the central hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, with over 585 flights handled daily, making it one of the busiest airports globally.
5- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport:
DFW Airport is strategically located between Dallas and Fort Worth, serving as a major hub for American Airlines. The airport boasts five terminals and seven runways, handling over 63 million passengers annually. It provides convenient access to both domestic and international flights, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
With over 190 domestic and 60 international destinations, DFW is essential to the global transportation network.
6- Denver International Airport:
Denver International Airport is located 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver, DEN is a major airport with three terminals and six runways, making it one of the largest airports in the U.S. by land area. The airport serves over 69 million passengers each year and offers connections to numerous domestic and international destinations.
Denver’s strategic location makes it an essential hub for cross-country and international flights.
7- San Francisco International Airport:
SFO is situated 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, SFO is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, particularly to and from Asia and the Pacific. The airport features four runways and handles over 58 million passengers annually. SFO offers numerous amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges, making it a popular gateway to the U.S. West Coast.
8- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
SEA is located 14 miles south of downtown Seattle, serves as a vital gateway to the Pacific Northwest. It handles over 45 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 100 domestic and international destinations. With two main terminals and two satellite terminals, SEA is a critical hub for Alaska Airlines, connecting passengers to the U.S. and abroad.
9- McCarran International Airport:
Las Vegas is a city of entertainment and a loving destination for partygoers and travelers. It has the biggest and busiest airport, McCarran International Airport, located just five miles south of downtown Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport is a bustling hub for both leisure and business travelers.
Serving over 52 million passengers annually, the airport offers two terminals with modern amenities, making it a crucial gateway to one of the most visited cities in the world.
10- Orlando International Airport:
Located six miles from downtown Orlando, MCO serves as the primary gateway to Florida’s theme parks and attractions. Handling over 50 million passengers annually, the airport offers two terminals and serves a range of domestic and international airlines, making it one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
Orlando International Airport is known as the most extensive and busiest airport in the US and one of the biggest Airports in the world and a major international airport in Mid-Florida.
Which Services are Provided at the ATL Airport?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers a wide range of services to passengers, including:
- Dining & Shopping: Over 300 dining and shopping options.
- Lounges: Includes Delta Sky Club and American Airlines Admirals Club.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
- Ground Transportation: Rental cars, taxis, rideshare, and public transit options.
- Baggage Services: Includes baggage carts, wrapping, and storage.
- Information Services: Passengers can get information about flights, airport facilities, and ground transportation services.
- Medical Assistance: Clinics and first aid stations available.
- Special Assistance: Wheelchair and boarding services for disabled passengers.
- Pet Relief Areas: There are designated pet relief areas for passengers traveling with pets.
- Children’s Play Areas: Children’s play areas are provided where children can play and have fun before or after their flights.
Other Busiest US Airports?
Besides the ATL, there are many other busiest US airports. The Los Angeles International Airport is the second busiest US Airport, serving almost 88 million passengers in 2019. Likewise, LAX, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, and the Denver Airports are among the busiest US Airports. These airports serve a variety of airlines, destinations, and routes.
Here is a list of the ten busiest International Airports in the United States based on passenger traffic in 2021:
- John F. Kennedy Int Airport – New York, NY
- Miami International Airport – Miami, FL
- Los Angeles International Airport – Los Angeles, CA
- Newark Liberty International Airport – Newark, NJ
- San Francisco International Airport – San Francisco, CA
- O’Hare International Airport – Chicago, IL
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Atlanta, GA
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
- Boston Logan International Airport – Boston, MA
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – Seattle, WA
This list may change over time based on airline routes, economic conditions, and global events.
The Busiest US Airports by Flights:
Here is a list of the ten busiest airports in the United States by several flights in 2021:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Atlanta, GA
- O’Hare International Airport – Chicago, IL
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
- Denver International Airport – Denver, CO
- Los Angeles International Airport – Los Angeles, CA
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport – Charlotte, NC
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – Phoenix, AZ
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport – Houston, TX
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – Seattle, WA
- San Francisco International Airports – San Francisco, CA
Note that this list may change over time based on airline routes, airport expansions, etc.
Get Limo Service for Airport Transfers:
Many Limo Services and Town Car companies offer various vehicle options for airport transfers, including Sedans, spacious SUVs, Stretch Limos, Sprinters, luxurious Party Buses, and Motor Coaches. You can research different limo services to find the one that meets your needs and budget.
When Selecting a Limo Service for airport transfers, one must consider its reputation, availability, reliability, safety record, and pricing factors. You can search online for limo services in your area and read reviews to get an idea.
Discuss your budget with the shortlisted Limo Service provider to get the best possible service according to your transfer requirements. Many companies offer Airport transfers with Meet and greet Services, Baggage Claim Services, Car Seat Services, Personal Driver Services, and others on demand.
Must ask your company about cancellation policy. It will help you protect yourself from any unexpected delays or cancellations. Passengers can also check the airport website for additional information about parking, transportation, arrival and departure times, security procedures, etc., before arriving at the Busiest US ATL Airport. Safe travels!
