Nowadays, it seems like a nightmare to visit any of the largest and busiest airports in the US following the COVID-19 pandemic that had everyone locked in. While these once-busy hubs suddenly became ghost towns, travel is back and stronger than ever, and the U.S. airports are humming with travelers once more.
As a result, airports are vying for attention with large-scale expansion and remodeling projects, a plethora of new dining options and services to better serve the flying public, and a procession of newly formed clubs and lounges for affluent passengers seeking to escape the masses.
Top 5 Busiest Airports In The US
Airports are the entry points to our destinations in the busy world of air travel, connecting millions of travelers to nearby and distant locations every day. Some airports in the United States stick out as the busiest hubs of activity, generating a substantial share of the country’s air traffic.
Air travel is an essential aspect of the country’s transportation system. Let’s examine these aviation giants in more detail and see the factors that make them the busiest airports in the United States.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Topping the list as the busiest airport in the US is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this enormous airport handles more than 100 million travelers each year. Its astounding passenger volume is partly due to its advantageous position as a major link hub between North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
ATL is an essential component of the worldwide air transportation network because it effectively handles the surge of travelers thanks to its seven parallel runways and expansive terminal complex. Since this is Delta’s headquarters, each of the seven concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, and T) has a minimum of one Delta Sky Club. ATL’s Club, United Club, and American Airlines Admirals Club are furthermore accessible to Priority Pass subscribers and day pass buyers.
For those with some extra time, the Atlanta airport features an elaborate art program with both permanent and seasonal exhibits. More than 100 dining and drinking options are available if you need to refuel before your flight, with notable options like the highly regarded sophisticated American eatery One Flew South in Concourse E; Shake Shack in Concourse A; Varsity for chilli hotdogs or the Original El Taco for creative Mexican delicacies in Concourse C; and Chicken in addition to Beer for comfort food from the South in Concourse D.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
One of the busiest airports in the United States, Los Angeles International Airport is located on the West Coast. At the heart of the Pacific Rim and beyond, LAX welcomes more than 80 million travelers annually. It is a popular option for local and overseas tourists due to its state-of-the-art facilities, vast route network and proximity to Southern California’s top attractions.
The vast airport in Southern California has begun work on several significant development projects that should help with many of the traffic problems the airport is currently experiencing. Among them is an electric rail system, which is expected to be completed in 2023 and will offer accessibility in and out of the airport for public transit. In addition, LAX has undergone significant changes.
What used to be a sparse selection of restaurants at the airport has grown into a respectable list. Prominent establishments in Terminal 2 are the sophisticated dining experience at SeaLegs Wine Bar and the fast-casual seafood joint Slapfish. In the Tom Bradley International Terminal, you can also find unique Mexican cuisine at Border Grill and inventive burgers at Umami Burger.Even with problems like traffic and continuous development, LAX is still an essential hub for international travel.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Situated in the center of the Midwest, this airport continues to be one of the busiest in the United States. With more than 80 million passengers handled each year, ORD is an important hub for flights throughout the nation. With its roomy design and cutting-edge features, such as a variety of food and retail options, ORD aims to give its varied clientele a flawless travel experience. Being a significant hub for flights within the United States and abroad, ORD has a significant influence on how Americans travel by air.
The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel’s Hilton Athletic Club offers day passes that grant access to a lap pool, sauna, steam room, and locker rooms, perfect for those wishing to break up a sweat in between flights. For some preflight Zen, you may also visit the Terminal Getaway Spa in Terminal 1 or the yoga studio and urban garden in Terminal 3. All four terminals have nursing rooms, and there’s a family lounge with a play zone for kids near gate F1.
Regarding dining alternatives, the properly toasted tortas may be found at three O’Hare locations (in Terminals 1, 3, and 5) of the Chef Rick Bayless-backed Tortas Frontera outlets. Alternatively, visit Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar (located in Terminals 1 and 2) for lighter meals.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Located in the Lone Star State, this airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs worldwide. DFW connects visitors to locations all over the world as a crucial link in the aviation network, handling nearly 75 million passengers through its gates each year.
With a vast assortment of facilities ranging from opulent lounges to vast retail malls, DFW strives to maximize passenger satisfaction while upholding operational effectiveness. The best part is that there are some fantastic restaurants in this large travel complex, if you happen to have extra time. Visit Ling & Louie’s in Terminal A for a delightful sit-down meal with inventive Asian food, Salt Lick Bar-B-Que for a final taste of barbecue before departing, or Twisted Root for a substantial burger. Sip wine at the classy Decanted and stuff yourself with smoked meats along with complimentary meals at Cousins BBQ in Terminal B.
For Mexican-inspired cuisine and beverages, head to Blue Mesa Taco & Tequila Bar in Terminal E, Terminal D is home to the Fort Worth coffee shop Brewed, and Terminal C is home to the dependable Shake Shack. The American Airlines Flagship First Lounge and Admirals Clubs, the Club at DFW for Priority Pass holders, United Club, Delta Sky Club, Capital One Lounge, and Centurion Lounge are among the lounges.
Fun extras include Minute Suites in Terminal A, where you can nap, Spa Here in Terminal C (which offers massages, haircuts, and manicure services), and Gameway, an interactive game cafe in Terminal B. Additionally, at Terminal D, close to gate D8, there is a McDonald’s-sponsored kids’ play area. As the backbone of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, DFW continues to be essential in determining the connectivity and economics of the area.
Airport International in Denver (DEN)
Denver International Airport, which is tucked away in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, rounds out the list. With more than 65 million passengers handled each year, DEN has become a major force in US aviation. Denver International Airport (DEN) finished a capacity extension project in 2022 that boosted the terminal’s capacity by 30% and added 39 more gates (for a total of 148) to the mountain hub. And given how many people pass through this important transit center, that’s a good thing.
The three concourses of Denver Airport are A, B, and C, which logically correlate to the A, B, and C gates. Three additional outdoor decks, family lounges, breastfeeding rooms, new restrooms, power outlets, and workstations were also added to the airport after the expansion project.
The Denver hub is well-known for its distinctive architecture as well as its sizable art collection, which is well worth seeing before takeoff. The airport’s outdoor plaza is transformed into an ice skating rink and venue for live music performances during the holiday season, which runs from mid-November to early January.
DEN provides travelers with a distinctive and unforgettable airport experience with its eye-catching architecture, well-organized layout, and dedication to sustainability. DEN is a significant hub for flights both domestically and internationally, providing access to the untamed splendor of the American West and other regions.
Safe Travels!
In summary, the busiest airports in the United States are essential to the smooth flow of people and products throughout the nation and the globe. These airports, which range from busy centers in large cities to vital crossing points between continents, are essential to contemporary aviation and have a significant impact on how we travel through the air. These aviation giants are prepared to take you on your next adventure, whether you’re flying for work or taking a fantasy vacation.
