Airports Today: A Snapshot Of The Current Experience

As air travel resumes its pre-pandemic pace, airports are bustling once more. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest in the US, with 4,747,367 seats passing through it in a month, and Dallas Fort-Worth is close behind, with 3,753,858. In Europe, Heathrow sees 1,300 flights a day, but it's not all smooth sailing: there are record-high numbers of flight delays and cancellations, and hours-long security waits. Airports are also still navigating the post-pandemic landscape with COVID-19 safety measures, enhanced cleaning procedures, and social distancing.

Busiest airports

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with 4,747,367 seats passing through it in a month and an average of 871 departing flights per day. The airport has held this title every year since 1998, except in 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Atlanta has since regained its top position and continues to be the busiest airport globally.

The second busiest airport in the world is Dubai International Airport, with 4,127,704 seats, closely followed by Tokyo Haneda Airport, with 3,877,164 seats. The increase in travel to Japan has contributed to Tokyo Haneda's high ranking.

In the United States, the second busiest airport is Dallas Fort-Worth, with 3,753,858 seats expected to pass through in a month and an average of 770 daily flights. Denver comes in third place, with a slight decrease in seats at 3,709,394, but still maintaining a high number of average daily flights at 751.

London has the busiest city airport system in the world by passenger count. Despite the varying volumes of passenger traffic, most major airports are experiencing challenges with flight delays and cancellations, understaffing, lengthy security waits, and lost luggage.

Safety precautions

At the Airport

Security measures at the airport are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. These measures are developed in response to information on threats to transportation security. For example, the TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a separate bin for X-ray screening. Powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening, and powders that cannot be resolved by security officials will be prohibited from the cabin of the aircraft.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for the screening process. You can also help maintain security by reporting any unattended bags or packages, individuals in possession of a threatening item, or persons trying to enter a restricted area.

On the Plane

Flight attendants and pilots are trained for emergencies and undergo rigorous standards to ensure they stay sharp. For example, flight attendants must be able to evacuate an aircraft within seconds as part of their yearly training.

Online

Many airports now use encrypted networks and other security measures to protect users. However, these protections are not foolproof, and they don't guard against all types of attacks. Cybercriminals often target airport Wi-Fi networks because they know travelers are likely to use them for sensitive tasks like online banking or checking work emails. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when using airport Wi-Fi. Make sure you are connecting to the official airport network by checking with airport staff or looking for posted signs. Be wary of networks with names like "Free Airport Wi-Fi" or slight misspellings of the official network name, as these could be malicious networks set up by hackers.

At the Border

When crossing a border, you may be subject to a search of your belongings, including your phone and other electronic devices. In most cases, border control does not need a warrant to look through your belongings. To keep your devices safe, it is recommended that you limit the amount of data on them, encrypt your devices, use secure passwords, and disable biometric logins. You should also back up your data to ensure you don't lose it if your device is seized.

Cleanliness and sanitation

In addition to these measures, airports are also taking steps to improve air circulation within the airport and reduce the number of shared surfaces in restaurants. For example, some airports have implemented social distancing measures, with passengers spacing themselves out into other gate areas. Face masks are also mandatory in most airports, with almost all carriers making it compulsory to wear a face covering in cabins. However, there may be exceptions to this rule if individuals are eating, drinking, or need to remove their mask for identification purposes.

Furthermore, airports are encouraging passengers to check-in online or purchase priority check-in passes to minimise the amount of time spent in queues. This helps to reduce the number of people congregating in close quarters and lowers the risk of exposure to potential health hazards.

Overall, airports are taking extensive measures to ensure cleanliness and sanitation for the safety of travellers and staff. These measures vary across airports, but the general trend indicates a strong focus on creating a safe and hygienic environment for all.

Delays and cancellations

When a flight is delayed or cancelled, it can have a knock-on effect on the rest of the day's flights, especially at busy airports. This is because delays can cause planes and crew to be out of position for their next scheduled departure, leading to further cancellations or delays. As such, even if your specific flight is not affected by the initial issue, you may still experience knock-on effects.

To help travellers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides a map of US airports, detailing any delays or cancellations. This map can be viewed by region or by searching for a specific airport. However, it is important to note that the information provided may not always apply to your particular flight, as the situation can change rapidly.

While delays and cancellations are an unfortunate part of air travel, being prepared and staying informed can help minimise their impact. Checking the status of your flight before leaving for the airport and signing up for alerts can help you stay ahead of any changes or issues. Additionally, having a backup plan, such as alternative flights or travel options, can help ensure you reach your destination with minimal disruption.

In-flight experience

As air travel resumes, airlines and airports are implementing measures to ensure the health and safety of passengers and staff. Airports are taking steps to create a safe, clean environment, such as increasing cleaning schedules, providing sanitiser stations, installing plexiglass shields, and allowing passengers to unpack their items during security checks. Most carriers have made it mandatory to wear face coverings in cabins, with exceptions for eating, drinking, or identification purposes. It is recommended that passengers bring their own sanitising wipes to disinfect surfaces and their personal belongings. Passengers should also wash their hands or use sanitiser frequently, especially after touching any surfaces. When booking, passengers are advised to choose a window seat to reduce exposure to other passengers and to ensure they are seated together as a group. Once seated, passengers should turn on the air vent above their heads to create an air barrier between themselves and the neighbouring passenger.

At some airports, such as Pittsburgh International Airport, restaurants and shops remain open, with lines of people waiting to get food and most seating occupied. However, at other airports, such as Charlotte, most stores and restaurants are closed, with only a few options available for food and drinks.

Onboard, besides the face masks and the absence of in-flight food and beverage service, the experience feels like business as usual. Passengers are allowed to use their electronic devices during the flight and can listen to music during descent, as long as they are plugged into headphones.

Frequently asked questions