Airports Crowdedness: Current Situation And What To Expect

Airports are hubs of activity, with travellers, staff, and aircraft constantly coming and going. The ebb and flow of crowds in airports depend on various factors, from the time of day to the season. Understanding these factors can help travellers navigate the airport experience more efficiently and avoid lengthy waits at security checkpoints. So, how crowded are airports right now, and what can travellers do to make their journey smoother?

Busiest times: early morning, weekends, holidays, Fridays in summer

The time of day and day of the week can have a significant impact on airport congestion and wait times. Mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., tend to be the busiest at airports as travellers aim to catch early flights. Airports also tend to be crowded on weekdays in the early morning and early evening. In contrast, mid-day is the slowest time of the week, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays being the slowest days. If possible, book your flights on these mid-week days and travel during the mid-day window from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m. for fewer crowds.

Weekends are generally the busiest travel days, with Friday evenings and Saturday mornings seeing some airports at their peak. This is because people tend to travel during the weekend to maximise their holiday time, especially for long weekend vacations. Fridays during the summer months are also particularly busy. If you must travel on a Friday, aim to do so before 4 p.m. to beat the rush.

Holidays, such as Memorial Day, Christmas, and Independence Day, can also result in crowded airports. The days leading up to and following these holidays, especially Thursdays and Fridays, tend to be the busiest. To avoid the heaviest crowds during the holidays, consider travelling mid-week, either before or after the holiday. Travelling on the holiday itself, such as on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, often results in less crowded airports and cheaper tickets.

Least busy times: mid-week, mid-day, mid-afternoon to late evening

Avoiding crowded airports is a top priority for many travellers. Airports tend to be less crowded during mid-week days, specifically Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is because taking days off work to fly during the middle of the week is inconvenient for many people. Mid-week flights are also cheaper than weekend flights.

If you're looking to fly during the week, you should opt for mid-morning or early afternoon flights. The majority of airports experience their busiest time of operation during the workday, between 8 am and 5 pm. However, crowds often begin to taper off around 6 pm, with late evenings being one of the least busy times.

If you can't fly during the mid-week, you can still avoid crowds by choosing the right time of day. Generally, the early morning, between 5 am and 8 am, is the best time to fly to avoid crowds. This is because many travellers prefer not to wake up early, resulting in lighter passenger loads. However, you will have to arrive at the airport at an extremely early hour, like 4 am or 5 am.

Another option is to take a late-night or red-eye flight, which usually depart after 9 pm or 10 pm. Most airport activity slows down at night, leading to shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, shops and restaurants at the airport often close by the evening, so be sure to pack snacks and entertainment in advance.

Busiest airports: LAX, Miami International, JFK, Sky Harbor International

While it is hard to say exactly how crowded airports are right now, there are some general patterns to airport crowds that can help you avoid the busiest times. Airports tend to be busiest on weekdays in the early morning and then again in the early evening. The weekends are the busiest travel days, especially Fridays during the summer months. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually slower, with mid-day being the slowest time all week. If you want to avoid crowds, aim for a window from 1 pm to 4 pm or after 10 pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Now, let's look at the four busiest airports: LAX, Miami International, JFK, and Sky Harbor International.

LAX

LAX, or Los Angeles International Airport, is known for having some facility constraints. It has limited contact gate access and limited international arrival passenger staging prior to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspections. There are also specific procedures in place for accommodating diverted flights.

Miami International

While Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of the top 20 airports in America by passenger traffic, it is surprisingly not very crowded. In fact, according to a Forbes analysis, it is the least crowded major airport in America. This is because it has a high ratio of people to gates, with 7.5 million square feet of terminal space and 127 gates.

JFK

JFK, or John F. Kennedy International Airport, is known for its long security lines. However, there are ways to speed up the security process, such as enrolling in CLEAR Plus or TSA PreCheck. These programs allow travelers to use dedicated lanes and keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during screening.

Sky Harbor International

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is known for having speedy security, with an average wait time of 8 minutes. This is likely due in part to the airport's efficient management of security checkpoints and available tools to help travelers navigate the airport.

Least busy airports: Baltimore/Washington International, Detroit Metro Wayne County

When it comes to avoiding crowds at airports, choosing the right day and time can make a big difference. Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least busy travel days, while weekends and holidays tend to be the busiest, with higher airfares. Mornings, especially between 5 am and 8 am, are often the most crowded as travellers aim to catch early flights. In contrast, mid-day is usually the slowest time of the week, and travelling late at night can also provide a quieter experience, although there may be more business travellers at this time.

Now, let's take a closer look at the least busy airports: Baltimore/Washington International and Detroit Metro Wayne County.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport:

Baltimore/Washington International Airport, also known as BWI, is located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Baltimore and is easily accessible via various transportation options. The airport has a range of parking options, from a garage within walking distance to the concourses to remote lots that require shuttles. For those using public transportation, a light rail station with service to downtown Baltimore and other locations is situated next to Concourse E. Additionally, Amtrak and MARC trains serve the BWI Rail Station, which is about a mile from the terminal, with a free shuttle bus service connecting the two. Local buses, passenger van services, private car services, rental cars, and cabs are also available.

In terms of security wait times, Baltimore/Washington International has been recognised for its efficiency, with an average security wait time of just 5 minutes. This makes it a convenient option for travellers looking to minimise potential delays.

Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport:

Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport, operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, boasts an impressive six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates. It serves the metropolitan areas of Detroit, Toledo, Ann Arbor, Windsor, and Southwestern Ontario. The airport is accessible by public transit, with express bus services to downtown Detroit and connections to the wider transit network.

Detroit Metro has also been commended for its swift security process, with an average wait time of 7 minutes. While unexpected delays can occur, the airport strives to make the travel experience quick and simple for its passengers.

By choosing to fly through these airports, particularly on quieter travel days and times, passengers can minimise their exposure to crowds and potentially expedite their travel experience.

Tips to get through security faster

While airports are crowded places, especially during peak travel seasons, there are several tips you can follow to get through security faster. Here are some strategies to help you navigate airport security like a pro:

Plan Your Travel Time Strategically

Aim to book your flights during off-peak hours and days. Typically, mid-week days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least busy for air travel. In contrast, weekends, Fridays, and Sundays tend to be more crowded. If you can, fly during the mid-afternoon or late evening, as these times usually have fewer crowds. Mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., tend to be the busiest as travellers aim to catch early flights.

Enrol in Trusted Traveller Programs

Signing up for programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear Plus can significantly reduce your wait times. These programs allow you to use dedicated lanes and keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on during security checks. With TSA PreCheck, 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes.

Dress Strategically

Wear slip-on shoes and minimal accessories to speed through the security scanner. Avoid wearing shoes, belts, or jewellery that you'll need to remove and put back on. Additionally, consider wearing a jacket with big pockets so that you can quickly store your phone, wallet, and passport after passing through security.

Pack Smart and Prepare Your Carry-On

Ensure your carry-on luggage complies with TSA rules to avoid extra screening. Keep your electronics and liquids easily accessible and follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: 3.4 ounces or less per container, all containers in a 1-quart plastic bag, with one bag per traveller. Organise your carry-on so that you can quickly remove and replace items during screening.

Arrive Early and Be Prepared

Give yourself plenty of time by arriving at the airport early. It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Have your documents, such as your ID and boarding pass, readily available to avoid fumbling at the security checkpoint.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your time spent in security lines and make your overall airport experience more efficient and stress-free.

Frequently asked questions