list of airports in United States

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The United States boasts the most extensive and busiest airport system in the world, connecting people and goods across the nation and internationally. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, understanding the landscape of US airports is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, from major hubs to regional gateways, helping you navigate your next journey with ease.

Major Airport Hubs: The Busiest Gateways

Several airports consistently rank among the world’s busiest, serving as critical connection points for domestic and international travel. These hubs offer a vast network of flights, extensive amenities, and often, the most competitive pricing.

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Located in Georgia, ATL consistently holds the title of the world’s busiest airport, primarily due to Delta Air Lines’ significant presence.

  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): A major hub for American Airlines, DFW serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and connects passengers across the Americas.

  • Denver International Airport (DEN): The largest airport in North America by land area, DEN is a key hub for United Airlines and Frontier Airlines, serving the Mountain West region.

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Another crucial hub for both United and American Airlines, ORD is a major gateway to the Midwest and beyond.

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Serving the entertainment capital and the broader Southern California region, LAX is a significant international and domestic airport.

  • McCarran International Airport (LAS): Now officially known as Harry Reid International Airport, LAS is a major destination for leisure travelers visiting Las Vegas.

These airports are generally well-equipped to handle large volumes of passengers, but can also experience congestion, especially during peak seasons. Planning ahead and allowing ample time for connections is always recommended.

Key Airports by Region

Beyond the major hubs, the US is served by a network of regional airports that provide convenient access to specific areas. Here’s a look at some key airports categorized by region:

Northeast:

  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Serving New England.

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): New York City’s largest international gateway.

  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Primarily domestic flights serving New York City.

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Serving the New York metropolitan area.

  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): A major hub for American Airlines on the East Coast.

Southeast:

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO): A popular destination for family vacations.

  • Miami International Airport (MIA): A major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.

  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): A growing hub for American Airlines.

Midwest:

  • Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): A Delta Air Lines hub serving the Upper Midwest.

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): A Delta Air Lines hub connecting to many destinations.

  • St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL): Serving the Missouri and Illinois region.

Southwest:

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): A major airport serving Arizona and the Southwest.

  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT): Serving the San Antonio metropolitan area.

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): A rapidly growing airport in Texas.

West Coast:

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO): A major international gateway to the West Coast.

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Serving the Pacific Northwest.

  • Portland International Airport (PDX): Serving Oregon and Southwest Washington.

A Table of Notable US Airports

Airport Code Airport Name City, State Primary Airlines Passengers (2023 – Preliminary)
ATL Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Atlanta, Georgia Delta Air Lines 104.7 Million
DFW Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas American Airlines 88.2 Million
DEN Denver International Airport Denver, Colorado United, Frontier 77.8 Million
ORD Chicago O’Hare International Airport Chicago, Illinois United, American 73.9 Million
LAX Los Angeles International Airport Los Angeles, California Multiple 75.1 Million
CLT Charlotte Douglas International Airport Charlotte, North Carolina American Airlines 50.9 Million
MIA Miami International Airport Miami, Florida American Airlines 52.5 Million
MCO Orlando International Airport Orlando, Florida Southwest, JetBlue 50.6 Million
SEA Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Seattle, Washington Alaska, Delta 50.9 Million
LAS Harry Reid International Airport Las Vegas, Nevada Southwest, Spirit 47.5 Million
BOS Boston Logan International Airport Boston, Massachusetts Delta, JetBlue 43.8 Million
EWR Newark Liberty International Airport Newark, New Jersey United Airlines 42.9 Million
JFK John F. Kennedy International Airport New York, New York Delta, JetBlue 62.1 Million
LGA LaGuardia Airport New York, New York Delta, American 36.4 Million
PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Phoenix, Arizona American, Southwest 44.3 Million

Passenger numbers are preliminary and subject to change.

Tips for Navigating US Airports

  • Check Security Wait Times: Utilize apps like MyTSA to estimate security line wait times.

  • Arrive Early: Especially during peak travel periods, allow ample time for check-in, security, and potential delays.

  • Utilize Airport Amenities: Many airports offer free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restaurants, and shops.

  • Download Airline Apps: Stay updated on flight status, gate changes, and boarding information.

  • Consider Airport Transportation Options: Explore options like ride-sharing, public transportation, and airport shuttles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the busiest airport in the US?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is consistently the busiest airport in the United States, and often the world.

2. How many airports are in the US?
There are over 5,000 airports in the United States, including public-use and private-use facilities.

3. What is the largest airport in the US by land area?
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in North America by land area.

4. Which airlines dominate the major US hubs?
Delta Air Lines (ATL, DTW, MSP), American Airlines (DFW, CLT, PHL), and United Airlines (ORD, DEN) are the dominant carriers at the major US hubs.

5. Where can I find real-time flight information?
You can find real-time flight information on the FAA website (https://www.flyfaa.com/), your airline’s website or app, and flight tracking websites like FlightAware (https://flightaware.com/).

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