Airports: Less Crowded Now Or Still Busy?

Are airports less busy right now? Well, it depends on the airport. While some airports are experiencing longer-than-usual lines and delays, others are reporting minimal wait times. For example, Dubai International Airport is currently forecasting one of its busiest periods, with more than 3.43 million passengers expected to arrive over a 13-day period. On the other hand, travellers are reporting short wait times of 10-20 minutes at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Peak hours at airports

For example, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the busiest times are between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., with an average wait time of 19 minutes. Meanwhile, at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, the busiest time is between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., with a longer average wait time of 23 minutes.

Mid-week days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually slower, with mid-day being the slowest time of the week. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to book your flights during these days and times.

Additionally, major holidays, such as Memorial Day, can impact your airport experience. Choosing to travel on the days before or after a major holiday can help you beat the crowds.

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Miami International Airport: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. and 11 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Denver International Airport: 4 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Chicago-O'Hare International Airport: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Security wait times

Peak and Off-Peak Hours:

• Weekends, especially Fridays during the summer months, tend to be the busiest travel days.
• Generally, weekdays in the early morning and early evening are peak travel times. Aim for mid-day flights as they usually have the shortest security lines.
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often slower, with shorter wait times.
• Keep in mind that peak hours may differ based on the city. For example, vacation hotspots like Miami might experience a rush midday on Saturdays as travellers return from cruises.

Efficient Airports:

Some airports are known for their efficient security processes, allowing travellers to breeze through in just a few minutes:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport boasts an average security wait time of 5 minutes, making it one of the fastest in the US.
• Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are close competitors, with average wait times of 7 and 8 minutes, respectively.
• Salt Lake City International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport also have notably short security wait times, making them efficient hubs.

Strategies to Reduce Wait Times:

• Enrolling in trusted traveller programs like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry can significantly reduce wait times. These programs offer dedicated lanes and streamlined screening processes.
• Packing smartly and ensuring your carry-on complies with TSA rules can prevent overstuffing, which may trigger extra screening.
• Arriving early is always a good idea. Domestic flights typically recommend a 2-hour check-in time, while international flights suggest 3 hours.
• Dressing for efficiency by wearing slip-on shoes and minimal accessories can speed up your progress through the security scanner.
• Keep your essential documents, such as ID and boarding pass, easily accessible to avoid any last-minute fumbling at the security checkpoint.
• Stay informed by checking real-time security wait times on airport websites or apps. The MyTSA app, for instance, provides valuable insights into delay information and expected crowd levels based on historical data.

Delays

For travellers passing through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), there is an Emergency Contingency Plan in place to deal with excessive tarmac delays. This plan outlines how LAX will handle the deplanement of passengers, the sharing of facilities and gates, and the provision of a sterile area for passengers who have not yet cleared customs. As of January 7, 2025, LAX is experiencing general departure and arrival delays of 15 minutes or less.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is also experiencing similar minor delays of 15 minutes or less for both departures and arrivals as of January 3, 2025.

For those travelling during the holidays, there are several US airports known for their on-time performance. These include Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, with only 17.44% of flights delayed; Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, with just 19.44% of flights delayed despite being the busiest airport in the United States; and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, with a 19.57% chance of delays.

On the other hand, there are airports with a higher likelihood of delays. These include El Paso International Airport in Texas, with a 32.78% chance of delays, and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a 30.67% chance of delays.

Transport to the airport

If you are driving yourself to the airport, it is worth checking live traffic cameras and the airport website for expected delays and recommendations on arrival times. Many airports now have apps that provide information on security waiting times, ground transportation, and parking. You can also reserve your parking spot in advance to secure a space in the airport garage.

For those who don't want to drive, there are various shuttle and private car services available, which can be booked in advance. These include GO Airport Shuttle, SuperShuttle Express, and Expedia, which offer shared rides, private car services, and luxury car services. These services can accommodate different group sizes and often provide sedans, SUVs, limousines, and private vans. Some services also offer door-to-door pickups and drop-offs, and many provide flight tracking software to stay updated on any delays or early arrivals.

Public transportation is another option for getting to the airport. For example, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport recommends using rideshare programs or the light rail to avoid parking hassles.

Whichever mode of transport you choose, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.

Tips for navigating crowds

Plan ahead

Checking in online and selecting your seat in advance can save you time and stress at the airport. If you're flying basic economy, some airlines will charge a fee for selecting your seat ahead of time, but it's worth it to avoid the middle seat and reduce the chance of being bumped from an oversold flight. It's also a good idea to pre-download entertainment, as airport Wi-Fi can be too slow for downloading.

Arrive early

Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and reach your gate. The general recommendation is to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, it's worth checking the airport's website for specific recommendations, as well as security waiting times.

Use apps

Take advantage of airline and airport apps, which can provide real-time information about security lines, walking times to gates, and flight delays or changes. The MyTSA app is particularly useful for checking delay information, current weather conditions, and estimated security screening wait times. For international travel, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's Mobile Passport app allows users to process United States immigration from their phones in under 60 seconds.

Skip the check-in line

If you don't have any checked bags, you can usually skip the check-in line and go straight to security. Look for the "baggage drop" line if you do have bags to check.

Explore other terminals

If you're facing a long line at security, ask an agent if there's another checkpoint in another terminal with a shorter line. This can save you time, especially if the terminals are interconnected.

Relax in a lounge

Airport lounges can provide a quiet space to relax and unwind before your flight. Some credit cards offer lounge access, or you can purchase a day pass for $30-$60. This can be a good option if you have a long layover and need to eat and drink, as you may end up spending a similar amount in the food court.

Frequently asked questions