Exploring The Busy Will Rogers Airport

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is a relatively small airport with modern TSA requirements and short security wait times. However, the airport does experience busy periods, particularly in the mornings, during the holiday season, and at the start of the new year. During these peak times, travellers are advised to arrive early and expect longer lines. The airport itself is praised for its cleanliness, architecture, and efficient security checks, making it one of the nicest airports in the US.

Morning flights are the busiest

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is busiest in the mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. when travellers need to give themselves plenty of time. Thursday and Sunday mornings are the busiest times to catch a flight, but the holiday season can make the lines longer any day of the week. For example, one traveller reported that they flew out at 5 a.m. and were shocked at how busy security was. They almost missed their flight despite arriving at 4:05 a.m. when security opened at 4 a.m.

The airport is usually fairly quiet outside of the morning rush, with one traveller reporting that they experienced no wait time for security on a 9 a.m. flight. The airport is described as "not really busy" by another traveller, who noted that even with parking and checking a bag, the process took 30 minutes at most.

The airport is also praised for its modern TSA requirements, with travellers reporting that they have never had to wait longer than 15 minutes to get through security. Some travellers recommend arriving 1.5 hours early to allow for time to get food before boarding, while others suggest that 45 minutes is plenty of time if you are not checking a bag.

Will Rogers World Airport is also described as one of the nicest airports in the US, with travellers praising its cleanliness, architecture, and efficient security processes.

Security wait times

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is busiest in the mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when travellers are advised to give themselves plenty of time. Thursday and Sunday mornings are the busiest times to catch a flight, and the holiday season can make the lines longer any day of the week. One traveller who flew out at 5 a.m. said they were shocked at how busy security was and nearly missed their flight.

However, some travellers say that Will Rogers is one of the nicest airports in the US and is one of the fastest they have been through security. Several people report passing through security in under 10 minutes, with the longest time reported being 25 minutes. One person who flew out on a late Sunday afternoon reported a 29-minute wait for TSA, but they arrived two hours early and had plenty of time. They recommend arriving about an hour early, or an hour and a half if you want to play it safe. Another traveller says 45 minutes is usually plenty of time, and 30 minutes is enough if you don't mind boarding as you go through security.

The airport is described as "never really packed to the brim", and one person says the most they have ever waited is 10 minutes. However, during the summer of 2023, the TSA checkpoint experienced 30-40 minutes of wait time due to high volumes of summer travel.

If you are flying out of Will Rogers World Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour early to allow for security wait times, especially if you are flying early in the morning or on a Thursday or Sunday.

Food options

Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) offers a variety of dining options for travellers. Whether you're looking for a sit-down meal, a quick bite, or a refreshing beverage, the airport's restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, you can choose from a range of options, including coffee shops, bakeries, and snack bars. The airport also has a food court with popular fast-food options like Moe's Southwest Grill, which serves Mexican and Southwestern cuisine and has received positive reviews from travellers. Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steak Burgers is another option for those who want a quick bite, offering steak burgers and custard treats.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, there are several full-service restaurants within the airport. These include options like an innovative concept store called The Apt. @ OKC, which offers a curated selection of stationery, beauty products, apparel, and accessories, along with a unique dining experience featuring Italian elegance and authentic dishes crafted from the finest ingredients. Another option is a classic American diner offering juicy burgers, crispy fries, and custard treats. If you're looking for breakfast or brunch options, Hatch Early Mood Food, set to open in March 2024, will provide a variety of choices for early travellers.

For travellers who want to sample local flavours, Cheever's Cafe, located just 2 miles from downtown Oklahoma City, specialises in contemporary comfort food with Southwest influences. They serve a variety of prime steaks, fresh seafood, and salads, along with daily and nightly specials. JK is another option for those seeking a modern Asian culinary journey, with a focus on attentive service and artfully curated ambience.

In addition to these options, the airport also has several lounges and specialty shops, including the Tripadvisor Store and Tin Lizzie's, where you can find travel necessities, souvenirs, and gourmet food items.

Amenities and services

OKC Will Rogers International Airport is the busiest commercial airport in Oklahoma. In 2019, the airport handled 4.42 million passengers, marking its busiest year on record for three years in a row. Despite this, travellers report that the airport is rarely busy, with short wait times for security.

Will Rogers World Airport has a range of amenities and services to enhance the passenger experience. The airport features a modern terminal with ample parking options, including two multi-storey parking garages with hourly parking and "ready-return" rental car spaces. The airport also offers a comprehensive car rental centre, with services from Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Shuttle buses connect the rental facility to the terminal.

The airport has three concourses packed with eateries and curated shops, as well as free Wi-Fi and comfortable lounge areas. Dining options range from quick bites to full-service restaurants, showcasing the best of Oklahoma City's cuisine. Local eateries and upscale dining options are available for travellers seeking a quieter, more relaxed meal. The airport also permanently hosts the Ninety Nines Museum of Women Pilots, a unique facility dedicated to the achievements of women in aviation.

Arrival and departure times

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is a relatively small airport with modern TSA requirements and no wait times for security. However, it is still recommended to arrive early for your flight to account for any unforeseen issues.

For early morning flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours early as the security lines can be busy during this time. Thursday and Sunday mornings are particularly busy, and holiday seasons can make the lines even longer. If you are not checking any bags and have a carry-on only, 45 minutes is usually enough time to get through security. However, if you are checking bags, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour early to allow for enough time to park, walk to the terminal, go through security, and grab a coffee or snack before boarding.

If your flight is in the evening, the airport is usually slower, and you may experience shorter wait times. However, it is still a good idea to arrive early to account for any unexpected delays.

When making a decision about how early to arrive at the airport, it is important to consider your boarding group and the possibility of having to check your bag if there is not enough overhead space. It is also a good idea to allow for extra time in case of any unforeseen issues, such as equipment malfunctions or alarms.

Overall, Will Rogers World Airport is a convenient and efficient airport with relatively short wait times for security. However, arriving early is always recommended to ensure a smooth and stress-free departure.

Frequently asked questions