Cleveland Hopkins Airport: Managing Busy Travel Hubs

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a large and busy airport, serving hundreds of thousands of passengers each month. For example, in August 2024, the airport welcomed 909,992 guests, and in December 2024, it served 806,104 passengers. The airport is the primary hub for the Cleveland metropolitan area and offers a variety of services and accessibility options for travellers. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure to account for security wait times.

Monthly passenger numbers

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a busy airport serving the Cleveland metropolitan area. The airport's monthly passenger numbers vary, with some months experiencing higher traffic than others.

In August 2024, the airport welcomed 909,992 guests, reflecting a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year. This peak during the summer months is likely due to the holiday season, with many travellers taking advantage of the warm weather for vacations.

As the season transitioned to autumn, the passenger numbers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport slightly decreased. In September 2024, the airport served 836,093 guests, still maintaining a relatively high volume of travellers. This number further decreased in October, although the exact figure for this month is not specified.

November 2024 saw 764,763 passengers travelling through the airport, indicating a more noticeable decline in traffic. This could be attributed to the post-holiday season lull, as well as the approaching winter months, which typically see a decrease in travel compared to the summer.

The month of December tends to be a busy time for airports with people travelling for the holidays, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is no exception. In December 2023, the airport welcomed a significant number of 806,104 passengers, reflecting the busy holiday travel season.

The new year also brings new travel plans, and in January 2024, the airport served 679,958 passengers, a 1.4% increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend could be attributed to post-holiday travel and the start of a new year, with people embarking on new trips and adventures.

Overall, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport experiences fluctuations in passenger numbers throughout the year, with summer and holiday seasons typically being the busiest times. These variations in monthly passenger numbers are common for airports, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport remains a significant hub for travellers in the Cleveland area.

TSA wait times

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a busy airport, with 909,992 passengers in August, 836,093 in September, 764,763 in November, and 668,388 in February, to give a few examples. Long security lines have become an issue at the airport, particularly during peak travel periods like spring break. Mornings are especially busy due to the high number of early departure flights.

To address this, CLE has expanded its TSA capabilities with the addition of new lanes. Federal Transportation Security Administration screening at the airport is spread across three checkpoints: the South checkpoint, the Central checkpoint, and the North checkpoint. The South checkpoint has six lanes, the Central checkpoint has two, and the North checkpoint has four. The project, which cost approximately $4.25 million, will double the number of lanes and expand the queuing area at the Central checkpoint. This expansion will increase the airport's ability to process more flights during peak periods.

Despite these improvements, airport officials still encourage travelers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departures to account for potential delays due to weather, traffic, parking, checking in, and security checkpoints.

CLEAR Plus

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year. In 2024, the airport served 806,104 passengers in December, 679,958 in January, and 668,388 in February. In November, the airport welcomed 764,763 guests, a decrease from the previous months.

To enhance the passenger experience and reduce wait times, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offers CLEAR Plus, a fast pass programme that expedites the security process. CLEAR Plus members can verify their identity using their face, eyes, or fingers at dedicated CLEAR Pods, allowing them to quickly move to the front of the security line for screening. This biometric identification technology is secure and convenient, eliminating the need to wait and show physical identification documents.

In addition to faster security processing, CLEAR Plus offers exclusive pricing when bundled with TSA PreCheck®. TSA PreCheck® expedites the physical screening process, allowing members to keep their shoes, coats, and other items on during screening. Together, CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck® provide a seamless and efficient airport experience, reducing wait times and streamlining the security process.

Enrolling in CLEAR Plus is straightforward, and members can start using their membership immediately. Military service members and government employees are eligible for discounted rates. With CLEAR Plus, travellers can look forward to a faster, more enjoyable airport experience, making their journey through Cleveland Hopkins International Airport smoother and more efficient.

Parking

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Ohio, serving 9.5 million passengers per year. With such a high volume of travellers, it's no surprise that there are a variety of parking options available to suit different needs.

The airport itself offers 6 on-site parking options, including the Smart Parking Garage, which is located opposite the terminal and is linked to the building via a ground-floor walkway and a skywalk on level 3. This garage uses lights above open parking spots to guide drivers to the nearest space, and parking here is charged at $5 per hour for the first 3 hours, then $20 per day. The airport also offers a valet service, which costs up to $35 per day.

There are also several off-site parking options available, which tend to be cheaper than on-site parking. These include The Parking Spot, which is located on Snow Road, and Rightway Parking, which offers spots for under $6/day. Both of these options provide a shuttle service to the airport.

For those just looking to quickly pick up travellers arriving at the airport, the Cell Phone Lot is a useful and free option. This lot is located east of the airport, off Jackson Road, and can be accessed by driving from State Road 237 South. However, cars cannot be left unattended here.

Overall, with so many parking choices available, travellers can choose the option that best suits their needs and budget when flying from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Accessibility

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a very busy airport, serving hundreds of thousands of passengers each month. In 2024, it welcomed 909,992 guests in August, 836,093 in September, 764,763 in November, and 668,388 in February.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is committed to providing a range of services and accessibility options for all travelers, including those with reduced mobility. The airport strives to offer fair and equitable treatment and top-notch services to all its customers.

For travelers with reduced mobility, CLE offers various services to ensure a smooth journey. These services include assistance with navigating through the airport, boarding and deboarding the aircraft, and accessing baggage claim areas. Additionally, the airport provides accessible parking options in its Smart Parking Garage, located just steps away from the main terminal. Travelers can reserve their parking spots in advance to ensure convenience and proximity to the terminal.

To enhance the travel experience for all passengers, CLE offers expedited security screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus. TSA PreCheck is available at the Central, South, and North Checkpoints, allowing eligible travelers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks. It also permits laptops and compliant liquids to remain in carry-on bags. CLEAR Plus, a premium service, utilizes biometric technology to instantly confirm members' identities, enabling them to bypass standard security lines. This service is available at the Center and South Checkpoints, making security checks faster and smoother.

The airport also provides comprehensive guides and real-time wait time information to help travelers navigate their way through the airport efficiently. This includes details on security checkpoint locations and hours, as well as information on expedited screening programs. CLE encourages travelers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departures to account for potential wait times and ensure a stress-free experience.

With its commitment to accessibility and range of services, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport strives to ensure a positive and seamless travel experience for all its passengers, regardless of their mobility needs.

Frequently asked questions