Tag: Airports

Skip The TSA Line For Free At These Airports With Advanced Reservation
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Imagine getting to the airport and breezing right through security by skipping to the front of the line. With Reserve powered by Clear, you can do just that at participating airports. The service is completely free and does not require membership with Clear, meaning all travelers can take advantage of the program. Passengers simply reserve a timeslot for going through security, receive a QR code, and use it to check in before entering the Reserve Lane.

As passengers miss flights due to airport chaos in the U.S. and abroad, taking advantage of every opportunity to smooth the airport experience is in travelers’ best interest. For flying out of airports with Clear Reserve Lanes, taking advantage of the reserved security check time could be the difference between a pleasant walk to the terminal and missing a flight in the event of clogged security lines.

Currently, Clear Reserve Lanes are available at the following airports:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona (PHX)
- Calgary International Airport in Canada (YYC)
- Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey (EWR)
- Orlando International Airport in Florida (MCO)
- Los Angeles International Airport in California (LAX)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington (SEA)
To use the service, travelers can head to Clear’s website, click on the airport they are departing from, enter their flight details and party size, and pick a time to go through security. The service is free, and only one traveler’s information is needed to book a reservation for a party of up to 10 people. While travelers should make every effort to arrive at their selected time, there is an unspecified grace period before and after selected reservation times. Twenty minutes is set aside for each reservation to ensure travelers have ample time to make it through screening, and reservations can be made up to 72 hours ahead of scheduled departure times.

As travelers continue to deal with canceled flights and long security lines due to high travel demand and staff shortages, anything that helps make getting through the airport a smoother experience is welcome news. This year the TSA is adding new technology to their security checks to help speed up the processing time. The upgrades include new scanning technologies and mobile ID options, helping passengers get to their terminals faster. Five of seven airports listed above are equipped with the new technology, meaning travelers taking advantage of the reserve lanes at JFK, PHX, MCO, LAX, and SEA will be skipping to the front of the line and using the best technology available for a speedy experience.

The first Clear Reserve Lane debuted in October 2021 at Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Clear has been adding the service to other airports since. “The travel experience can be unpredictable – from the moment you step outside your door to the moment you arrive at your destination,” said Caryn Seidman-Becker, Clear’s CEO, in a press release. “We are excited to offer this new experience alongside Orlando International Airport and help give their travelers more predictability and more control over their time. With CLEAR’s solutions, travelers are enjoying faster and easier travel from home to gate.”

Travelers using the program should note that Reserve powered by Clear does not grant access to Clear Plus Lanes. Clear Plus Lanes are for travelers with Clear memberships, which offer faster front-of-the-line service at over 38 airports. A Clear Plus membership is not free like the Reserve Lanes and is offered at $189 per year. For travelers who want the fastest and easiest experience possible any time they travel, combining a Clear Plus membership with TSA PreCheck ensures a quick security experience. Clear Plus will get travelers to the front of the line quickly, and TSA PreCheck makes security easier by eliminating the need to remove belts, shoes, or the removal of laptops, and liquids from carry-on bags.

As travel demand continues to surge, airports and airlines are being forced to cut flights as they cannot keep up. Programs like Clear Reserve Lanes and the recent TSA technology improvements continue to alleviate travel woes for passengers and airport personnel, and their continued expansion is greatly welcomed.

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July 4, 2022
These Are the European Airports Travelers May Want to Avoid This Summer

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If you’re planning a trip to Europe this summer, you might be in for long travel delays and there are a few airports across the continent you may want to avoid.

Europe has been inundated with travel interruptions that have caused headaches and frustration for hundreds of thousands of people in the past few weeks alone. Things aren’t getting better either. In fact, it may be getting worse.

Airports in Europe are struggling to keep up with traveler demand.

There are a few European airports travelers may want to avoid this summer if they want to steer clear of the chaos that is looming over the travel industry.

Every day it feels like there’s another issue at a major airport across the globe. From flight cancellations, and hour-long delays, to airline strikes that cripple entire operations.

Traveling in the summer of 2022 is back but it’s not going to be easy.

In the front of it all is Europe, home to the 5 most visited countries in the world. Each year Europe welcomes north of 700 million tourists, and this summer is bound to be a record year for international travel to the historical continent.

London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted Airport

Airports throughout the U.K. including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and many more have been hot-spots for thousands of cancellations over the past weeks.

British Airways has been forced to cancel around 8,000 flights between March and October.

This decision was largely affected by the government’s involvement, urging airlines to cancel flights preemptively in order to prevent further chaos across U.K. airports.

The government wasn’t the only one asking, Heathrow airport which is the U.K.’s busiest airport with 1,300 daily flights, asked airlines to cancel around 10% of flights just earlier this week.

This isn’t even the worst of it, just this past weekend, travelers at Heathrow had to wait for hours to retrieve their luggage, ruining and delaying entire trips.

Meanwhile, Gatwick Airport, Britain’s second-busiest airport, announced that I will put a cap on departures and landings this summer. 825 departures and landings will be permitted in July, and 850 daily operations will be allowed in August.

The airport is hoping that with this limit, airlines will be able to better handle travelers during the peak summer season.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport

The Netherlands’ biggest airport is putting a limit on how many passengers will be permitted to fly out of the airport this summer. This comes after passengers have had to wait for hours outside the airport just to make it to the ticket counters, let alone make their way through security.

The airport and airline cited staffing shortages as the culprit and will also put a limit on the number of daily flights in and out of the airport.

El Prat airport in Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca

Easy Jet, a popular low-cost airline in Europe is facing difficulties with its Spanish cabin crew. Unions have urged cabin crews based in Spain to go on strike for nine days in July over ongoing pay disputes.

Despite the airline’s assurances that a strike would not impact airport operations throughout the country, it is unclear how a staff walkout could not impact flight operations given the already low amount of staff airlines have at their disposal.

Staff at El Prat airport in Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca are expected to go on strike from 1-3 July, 15-17 July, and 29-31 July.

Other European airports are at risk as well.

Lufthansa has also announced that it will cancel almost 1000 flights in July due to staffing shortages. This will mainly affect Germany’s two major airports in Frankfurt and Munich.

Travels may want to avoid those two airports, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as the airline announced cancellations will be affecting the weekends.

Brussels, Belgium’s capital, and home to its largest airport is also facing severe travel interruptions with thousands of employees taking to the streets and striking the country’s labor laws. The airport has already seen the cancellation of at least 315 flights, affecting around 40,000 passengers.

Similar strikes can be expected this summer.

The immediate future of aviation across the globe.

It turns out that in order to operate airports you need proper staffing, something that has been in short supply over the past 2 years. The global aviation industry lost around four million jobs since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Getting the right people to fill those jobs takes time – time that airlines thought they’d be having more of.

No one predicted such a high demand for travel in a post-covid world. Airlines certainly didn’t.

It is unclear how long airlines and airports across Europe and beyond will need to get their staffing to proper levels, some experts believe it can take up to 12 months.

The only thing travelers currently have control over is what airports they fly in and out of. Avoiding the major airports in the U.K. , Spain, and The Netherlands will be your best chance to lower the possibility of having to deal with flight interruptions.

READ MORE:

Passengers Missing Flights Across Europe After Travel Chaos At Airports Continue

Travelers Will Face Mass Flight Disruptions Across Europe This Summer

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

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June 24, 2022
These Are The World’s Best Airports For 2022

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SkyTrax, an aviation rating firm, has announced the 2022 winners for its annual World Airport Awards which reveals the worlds best airports. Over 550 airports are assessed, and the awards are given based on customer input. Awards are not influenced by airports or airlines.

What Makes An Airport The Best?

When looking at SkyTrax’s methodology, it’s clear that they seek to provide unbiased data from the surveys they track. All submissions are voluntary, no financial incentives exist for airports or passengers, and there is no third-party involvement in the survey collection. Topics covered in the survey include terminal comfort, check-in, taxi availability, friendliness of airport staff, hygiene standards, getting through security, and many other performance indicators found on SkyTrax’s website. Many airports have been in the top 10 for some time, but Hamad International has only been in the top slot for two years after taking the title from Singapore Changi in 2021.

Top Seven Best Airports in the World

1) Hamad International Airport, Qatar

Hamad International is Qatar’s primary airport, which took the place of its old airport in 2014, and is the winner of this year’s World Airport Awards. Qatar Airways is the primary airline, and the airport hosts a passenger train for travelers to reach their terminals quickly. Google reviews of the airport tend to hold high praise, with many citing the airport as the best international airport they have been in.

2) Tokyo International Airport, Japan

Also called Haneda Airport, Tokyo International takes second place in this year’s awards. Primary airlines include Skymark Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Skynet Asia Airways, Japan Airlines, and Air Do. Along with taking second place, the airport also won awards for being the best airport in Asia and the world’s cleanest airport.

3) Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

Singapore Changi held the top slot for several years, from 2013 to 2020. Primary airlines include SilkAir, Jetstar Asia Airways, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines. Along with third place, the airport also won awards for having the best staff in the world and the best dining options. The airport also has a cinema and swimming pool for extra-long layovers.

4) Narita International Airport, Japan

Also known as Tokyo-Narita, this airport is the second largest in Tokyo after Haneda. Primary airlines include Peach, Japan Airlines, Spring Airlines, Japan, Zipair Tokyo, Jetstar Japan, and Nippon Cargo Airlines. Narita received an additional award, being named the best airport for five to ten million passengers.

5) Incheon International Airport, South Korea

As the largest airport in South Korea, Incheon International is home to many airlines. Several primary airlines include Air Seoul, FedEx Express, Korean Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, and Air Incheon. In 2012, Incheon was voted the World’s Best Airport and has remained high on the list every year since.

6) Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Showing a significant jump over the last year, Paris Charles de Gaulle moved from 15^th to 6^th on the list of the world’s best airports this year. One of the busiest airports in Europe and the world, it was also awarded the best airport in Europe award. Primary airlines include Air France Cargo, Air France, and FedEx Express.

7) Munich Airport, Germany

One of the busiest airports in Germany, Munich Airport, received several awards in 2022. The airport received the best airport in central Europe award and an award for having the best airport hotel. Munich Airport’s primary airline is Lufthansa.

The Verdict

No matter which airport travelers are visiting, there is always something that feels special about getting ready to fly. The sense of adventure and the yet-to-be-discovered permeates the air. Visitors to the above airports are sure to enjoy their time in-between and before flights. For a closer look at the top 100 airports for 2022, the complete list can be found at SkyTrax’s World Airport Awards site.

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June 19, 2022
These 10 U.S. Airports Have The Most Delays
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As the world adjusts to post-pandemic travel once more, it’s clear that many things have changed for the worse – and we’re not just talking about mask-wearing or confusing entry requirements any more. There are new mainstays of the travel experience that travelers are encountering in growing numbers, and flight delays are amongst the most common and frustrating parts of travel in 2022 that travelers will have to get used to.

Whilst most travelers will be unfortunate enough to encounter delays at one time or another, there are certain airports that carry an increased risk of your flight being affected – and others where the risk is far smaller.

Here’s a look at which ten airports in the US have the most delays, which airports are the best when it comes to flights avoiding delays, and what the industry is doing to tackle the growing problem of flight delays.

US Airports With Most Delays – Information For Travelers

It’s been the best of times and the worst of times for travelers so far this year. Whilst most top travel destinations around the world have removed their Covid-19 related entry restrictions and shown travelers the green light to visit, soaring ticket costs, mass cancellations and thousands of delays have somewhat dampened the appetite for travel that has been growing since the pandemic first grounded travelers in the US.

Whilst delays may be unavoidable, travelers actually have a better chance of avoiding delays depending on which airport they are departing from. Information collected by the aviation company FlightAware has revealed which airports featured the most delayed flights in the US, and which airports had the fewest.

The airports with the most delayed flights are as follows:
- Miami – 25% of flights delayed
- Dallas Love Field – 26% of flights delayed
- New York JFK – 27% of flights delayed
- Denver – 28% of flights delayed
- Fort Lauderdale – 28% of flights delayed
- Southwest Florida (Fort Myers) – 28% of flights delayed
- Baltimore – 29% of flights delayed
- Orlando – 30% of flights delayed
- Newark Liberty – 31% of flights delayed
- Chicago Midway – 33% of flights delayed
The statistics show that it’s the East coast airports that are more negatively affected by flight delays, with several airports having as many as 1 in 4 flights affected by delays – and the worst affected seeing one out of every three flights affected by delays.

Airports With The Least Amount Of Delays

In terms of airports with minimal delays, Anchorage is the best airport, with only 9% of its departing flights facing a delay. Portland is second with 13%, with Honolulu taking the bronze medal with just 14% of flights delays. San Francisco, Maui and Salt Lake City also faced delays for just 15% of their flights.

Fixing The Problem – What Travelers Should Know

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is well aware of the issue of flight delays and the impact it has on travel, and is working hard to find solutions. One solution being considered is to allow airlines to fly at lower altitudes in order to be less affected by inclement weather – though this approach will use up more fuel than flying at the typical altitude, which could cause flight ticket prices to rise even further. Perhaps a more practical solution, the FAA has hired 500 new air traffic controllers, with plans to add almost 5,000 more in the coming years, which should help reduce delays.

Airlines themselves have also taken it upon themselves to find solutions. American Airlines launched their own program to try and analyze air traffic and potential disruptions even earlier, allowing them to be proactive and reduce as many cancellations as possible. However, with a general staff shortage and flight bookings reaching new highs, we’re likely to see further delays plague travelers this summer.

Read More:

Unvaccinated Canadians Can Now Travel Within And Out Of Canada

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

U.S. State Department Updates Travel Advisories For 10 Countries Including Mexico

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June 17, 2022
These 5 U.S. Airports have the Longest TSA Security Wait Times

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The next 3 months will undoubtedly be the busiest times for air travel this year. Fueled by 2 years of lock-downs, people have been deprived of vacations.

Now is the time for them to get out into the world and make up for all those missed flights and destinations.

With kids being out of school and a lot of parents able to take their vacation, this summer is looking like one for the books. Airlines are selling flights at pre-pandemic levels, and airports and airlines are having trouble with the unprecedented demand for air travel.

From understaffed airlines to hour long security lines at airports, the truth of the matter is that air travel this summer will be nothing short of chaotic over the next few months.

There are however ways to mitigate long wait times and one of the best ways to do that is by avoiding airports with the longest wait times because let’s face it; not every airport is the same.

Frequent domestic flyers know that no two airports are ever alike, and we all have that one airport that we dread flying into or out of.

Some airports aren’t just inconvenient or more expensive to fly out of, some actually require longer security wait times.

This means that if you want to make your travels easier this summer, you’ll be wise to avoid these 5 airports with the longest TSA wait times.

Bounce analyzed data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the US Customs and Border Protection. To determine the average wait time at each airport, the company totaled the wait times at security and passport control.

Be aware that the list does not include time spent collecting luggage or traveling through terminals, passengers should therefore anticipate even longer wait times.

The US airports with the longest wait times

5. O’Hare International Airport (Chicago, Illinois)

Total wait time: 39 minutes, 26 seconds

Average security wait time: 19 minutes, 18 seconds

Average passport control wait time: 20 minutes, 8 seconds

O’Hare International Airport is the world’s fourth-busiest airport, serving around 54 million passengers in 2021.

4. John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York, New York)

Total wait time: 45 minutes, 54 seconds

Average security wait time: 25 minutes

Average passport control wait time: 19 minutes, 54 seconds

John F. Kennedy International Airport is the busiest airport in New York, serving 30.7 million passengers in 2021.

3. San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco, California)

Total wait time: 45 minutes, 56 seconds

Average security wait time: 27 minutes, 48 seconds

Average passport control wait time: 18 minutes, 8 seconds

San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US, serving over 24 million passengers in 2021.

2. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Total wait time: 46 minutes, 41 seconds

Average security wait time: 18 minutes, 18 seconds

Average passport control wait time: 28 minutes, 23 seconds

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is one of three airports in the greater Miami area. More than 28 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2021.

1. Miami International Airport (Miami, Florida)

Total wait time: 46 minutes 57 seconds

Average security wait time: 24 minutes, 54 seconds

Average passport control wait time: 22 minutes, 3 seconds

Miami International Airport is Florida’s second-busiest airport. It served over 37 million passengers in 2021.

The airport has an online security checkpoint portal that states the expected wait time.

If you want to minimize travel troubles for this summer, be sure to avoid these 5 airports above, and if you can’t avoid them be sure to give yourself plenty of time between connecting flights and departures.

READ MORE:

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Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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June 6, 2022
These Are The Top 5 Most Affordable U.S. Airports For Domestic Flights
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In the last year, the consumer price index for airline tickets has shot up by 25% — the largest jump since the Federal Reserve of St. Louis began tracking the index in 1989. In April alone, airfares spiked by 18.6%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Even though airline prices are soaring, Americans aren’t hesitating to break out their credit cards and book a trip. A recent Bank of America Institute survey showed spending at airlines and travel agencies is up a whopping 60% year-over-year.

At the same time, as Americans continue to grapple with 40-year high inflation rates and resource-strapped airlines work to get more planes in the air, traveling on a budget seems to be nearly impossible.

Flight prices are pushing travelers to the breaking point

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many airlines have been drowning in debt and struggling to return to a state of profitability.

Now, with travel restrictions easing across the world and higher operating costs to deal with (like higher jet fuel prices), airlines are desperate to serve travel-deprived consumers — and for a major profit.

This is extremely evident when looking at domestic airfares across the country. Many Americans are looking for domestic travel to enjoy their vacations this year but the cost of some airfares is simply out of control.

These are the top 5 most affordable U.S. airports for domestic flights

NetCredit analyzed data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to identify the average cost of a flight from major airports around the country.

Many of us default to the biggest airports when searching for flight deals. But prices vary even between the big commercial hubs, and you can often find a cheaper or quicker option nearby.

Competition is a major factor though, with prices often cheaper at big airports with multiple airlines or rival airports nearby. Plus, airlines see some airports as hubs for business travelers who are less choosy about higher fares.

So it does pay off to do some research. Take a look at these 5 most affordable U.S. airports for domestic flights.

5. Punta Gorda, Florida

Average Domestic Fare: $142.48

4. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Arizona

Average Domestic Fare: $137.61

3. St. Pete-Clearwater Intl. , Florida

Average Domestic Fare: $130.61

2. Orlando Sanford Intl.

Average Domestic Fare: $118.79

1. Atlantic City Intl.

Average Domestic Fare: $109.43

Atlantic City Intl is the cheapest US airport in NetCredit’s study. But Florida airports dominate the cheap list, making Florida the second-cheapest state on average.

As a tourist hotspot, Florida has more hub airports than any other state, ensuring strong inter-airline competition which is partially responsible for airfare affordability.

Be smart and book ahead to save on airline tickets

Remember the three golden rules of booking cheap flights:
- Book ahead: 95 to 21 days in advance. This booking zone consistently yields the lowest prices for travelers (within 5% of the lowest ticket price).
- …but check third-party discount sites for last-minute reductions if a late booking is unavoidable.
- Be flexible – Research found that flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are cheaper than weekend bookings.
At the end of the day, flying domestically this summer can get very pricey, but if you do your research and compare prices out of different airports, you can save yourself a lot of money.

For example, Los Angeles Intl (LAX) can be pricey. But there are six airports in California that are cheaper than LAX. Long Beach Airport is just a 20-minute drive away and offers California’s cheapest flights from its single, terminal.

READ MORE:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

How Travelers Should Prepare For Busy Airports This Summer

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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May 15, 2022
How Travelers Should Prepare For Busy Airports This Summer

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As summer 2022 approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for substantial travel numbers. They believe passenger volumes may even exceed that of 2019 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The TSA’s Statement

TSA Administrator, David Pekoske, said: “Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints show that people are traveling again, and TSA is ready for their return. Our airport security checkpoints include 47,500 highly-trained security professionals and new technologies that enhance security and reduce physical contact,”

“We continue to recruit, retain, train, and equip a highly-skilled workforce, and we work continuously with our airport and airline partners to anticipate and prepare for higher traffic patterns.”

On May 10, six airports and airline partners joined a media roundtable at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to talk about their operational preparedness for the anticipated summer season. They discussed key changes implemented to ensure secure, healthy, and safe travel.

Recently, the TSA has enhanced security at airport screening checkpoints. They deployed two new technologies: Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners to improve identification verification.

In some airports, they’ve added digital identification verification at the Travel Document Checker podium. Both of these additions boost security and reduce physical contact at airports.

The CT units provide TSA officers with a 3D image of a passenger’s bag. As a result, they won’t need to check passengers’ bags as much, meaning fewer waiting times for passengers this summer.

The TSA is currently installing the CT units at Billings Logan International Airport, Albany International Airport in New York, Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina.

Travel Tips From The TSA

The TSA has provided all U.S. travelers with some tips to get through the busy summer travel period. These include:

1. Face Masks Are Optional, But Recommended:

The TSA says the CDC still recommends face masks for passengers aged two or older in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs.

The U.S. government recently dropped the mask mandate on public transport. Therefore, travelers don’t legally have to wear masks on public transport – but airlines and the TSA recommend doing so for safety reasons.

2. Pack Smart; Start With Empty Bags

Airline passengers who pack empty bags are less likely to bring illegal items through the TSA checkpoint, according to the TSA. They suggest checking the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov to see which items are prohibited.

3. Know Before You Go

According to the TSA, airports, like highways, have construction delays and high traffic surges. The TSA recommends that all travelers: “plan to arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check-in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate.”

The TSA also suggests all travelers have a valid ID card ready and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less. However, they say that hand sanitizer has an exemption because it has a 12-ounce temporary limit in carry-on baggage.

4. Contact The TSA For Help

Finally, the TSA recommends all Americans contact the TSA if they have any questions about traveling this summer.

They say travelers can “get help by tweeting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT.”

The TSA also adds: “You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.”

In Summary

Although 2022 is likely going to be a busy summer for travel, if you follow the tips in this article—you should have no issues with your summer vacation.

Read more:

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May 12, 2022
Top 5 Busiest Airports In The U.S. and How To Beat The Queues
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The busiest airports in the world have now been revealed, and airports in the US have taken the top five spots. With some other typically busy airports around the world still struggling with Covid-19 related restrictions that have impacted travel, the US has dominated the list of the world’s busiest airports once more, with air traffic compared to last year also rising significantly as the world pivots towards living with the virus.

Here’s a look at which airports made the top ten busiest airports in the world list – plus a look at some ideas of how you can try to beat the queues at busy airports wherever you are flying in the world.

Busiest Airports Revealed – Information For Travelers

The research into the world’s busiest airport was carried out by the industry group Airports Council International World. The findings revealed that Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson reclaimed its pre-pandemic position as the world’s busiest airport, knocking China’s Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport down to eighth place in the process. Hartsfield-Jackson saw a total of 75.7 million passengers in 2021 – a significant increase in 2020, but still some 32% away from 2019’s totals.

Filling out the rest of the top five were Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in second with 62.5 million passengers, Denver International Airport in third with 58.8 million, and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport in fourth and fifth place respectively, after having missed out on the top ten last year.

Two more US airports – Charlotte and Orlando – were in sixth and seventh position. Guangzhou and Chengdu airports, both in China, came in at eigth and ninth place, whilst Las Vegas filled out the last spot in the top ten. Each of the airports reported significantly fewer passengers than in 2019, but the gap is closing. With travel picking up once more, here are some ideas of how you can hope to beat the queues at airports.

Beat the Lines at Busy Airports
1. Check the entry requirements of your destination. The last two years have been hell for travel, with restrictions and requirements seemingly changing at the drop of a hat. Setting aside time at home to make sure you have everything you could save hours of queueing, rejection, and requeueing at the airport – and could even be the difference to making the flight or not
2. Get there early. In the age of Covid-19, the last-minute traveler is a rare breed, with those who arrive later often falling foul of the increased screening and queue times and missing flights as a result. Get to the airport in good time to avoid snaking queues and last-minute hiccups
1. Choose your lane wisely. Every traveler can relate to picking a fast-moving queue – only to see it come to a shuddering halt as soon as you join. However, with so many different types of queues – online check-in, business class, bag drop, etc – it’s now more important than ever to make sure you’re in the right lane to check-in, or run the risk of having to snake all the way to the back once more
2. Get your documents ready. Whether it’s passports, tickets, or test results, don’t be the traveler who holds everyone up by rummaging around in your bag for what you need. Keep them at the top of your bag, grouped together and easy to retrieve to ensure you waltz through check-in and security like a breeze
1. Prepare your bags for security screening. Despite the rules having been in place for years now, the number of travelers who are surprised that they will end up losing their expensive perfume or lotion is still far too high. Carry on items are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, and must be placed in a quart-sized resealable bag to ensure you’re through security quickly – and make sure your electronic devices are easily removed too.
6. Find out if your airline has a new ultra-fast self-service bag drop like United just launched across many U.S. airports. The free service is already available at all United hubs in the United States, including New York, Washington DC, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver, letting customers self-check their bag in 1 minute.

7. Pre-book your security time to skip the lineup completely. At LAX and other major airports, you can make an appointment of when you’ll be cruising through security so you don’t have to wait in a general queue.

8. Of course, having a service like CLEAR or TSA-Precheck will help you dodge long wait times, but they do come with a cost.

Read More:

Will The U.S. Airline Mask Mandate End Soon?

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 In 2022

What It’s Like Visiting The United Kingdom Right Now

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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April 18, 2022
These U.S. Airports Have The Longest Wait Times At Security

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Last Updated 6 hours ago

Do you know how long you are going to wait at the airport? You will now! A new report shared by Bounce, a luggage storage app, shows which airports give the longest and shortest wait times at security.

For travelers, the wait time at airports can affect their travel experience, and having data about selected airports can help them make better decisions when visiting certain cities.

The study analyzed data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection Airport to determine the average waiting time at the main airports in the United States.

Some of these airports with long wait lines are even among the top 10 airports in the world, but focusing only on security time might show different results.

The luggage company explained that they considered data from March 2021 to March 2021. Time estimates vary depending on many factors, but here’s what the statistics have shown.

US Airports With Longest Wait Times

These lists combine passport control and security wait times. It’s important that travelers also consider that luggage and other exceptional circumstances can increase these time estimates.

The longest wait time: Miami International Airport

According to the analysis, travelers will have to wait an average of 46 minutes and 57 seconds to go through security and passport revision. The longest wait process is security where passengers usually wait almost 25 minutes and also about 22 minutes at passport control.

Miami International Airport handles many international flights and is the main flight connection for those visiting the United States from Latin America and the Caribbean. Bounce suggested that this is probably why security controls take longer than in other airports.

The second-longest wait time: Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport

Another airport in Florida takes the unfortunate long wait award. At these airports, travelers wait 46 minutes and 41 seconds. The time to go through security takes on average 18 minutes and 18 seconds, and the passport control wait time is 28 minutes and 23 seconds.

This airport controls fewer international flights, compared to the Miami International Airport, but remains very busy. According to the data shared, this airport handles over 700 daily flights.

Third longest wait time: San Francisco International Airport

The next airport with the longest wait time is across the country. Passengers usually wait 45 minutes and 56 seconds to have their passports checked and pass TSA control. Security wait is nearly 28 minutes and passport control wait is 18 minutes.

It is expected that one of the busiest airports in the United States ranks on this list. After Los Angeles International Airport, this airport is the busiest in California, and also serves as a getaway to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

US Airports With The Shortest Wait Times

It’s important to highlight also those airports that make travel smoother and that might be considered by travelers in a rush. This is what Bounce’s report shows:

The shortest wait time: Raleigh–Durham International Airport

Passengers could transit to this airport for as short as 16 minutes and 9 seconds in total. On average, it takes travelers only 10 minutes to wait at the TSA checkpoint and about 6 minutes to go through passport control.

The second shortest wait time: Baltimore/Washington International Airport

At this airport, passengers wait less than 20 minutes, exactly 19 minutes and 14 seconds. According to the information shared, it could be a good option to consider this airport instead of the Washington Dulles International Airport since travelers might save up to 13 minutes in security wait.

The third shortest wait time: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

At this airport in North Carolina travelers wait less than 20 minutes. It takes on average 9 minutes and 54 seconds on security wait time and 9 minutes and 20 seconds on passport control. A surprising result, considering that this airport is transited by 50 million passengers every year.

Read More:

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5 Of The World’s Best Airports Are In The USA

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 7, 2022
U.S. Airports Are Getting New High Tech Scanners That Will Speed Up Security Lines

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Last Updated 8 hours ago

TSA will deploy new computer tomography systems to analyze carry-on items starting this summer

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last Friday that the agency recently acquired new full-size Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray systems to analyze carry-on items. The new scanners will be installed at the TSA checkpoints across airports in the United States during summer 2022.

The American government agency awarded a $781.2 million contract to Analogic Corporation—an American company that specializes in health care and security technology— for the advanced equipment and the maintenance of the new high-tech scanners. The company will deliver and deploy the powerful equipment, designed with a futuristic aesthetic, within the next few months.

“These awards are another important step in enhancing aviation security,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske, and added: “They provide our dedicated frontline officers with one of the best tools available to screen passenger carry-on items and also improves the passenger experience by allowing passengers to keep more items in their carry-on bags during the screening process.”

According to the information shared, the new powerful CT systems will help accelerate wait times. Great news for travelers in the US, considering that covid restrictions and the new security measures implemented during the pandemic have been slowing down TSA’s process.

About the New Powerful Scanners

During this year’s summer season, travelers in the United States will be able to see the new technology at the TSA checkpoints. The advanced computer tomography system can detect weapons, explosives, and other items banned for travel.

The new scanners include sophisticated algorithms that recreate 3D images of the items recognized inside the carry-on bags. They will allow TSA officers to view, rotate and analyze the images on three axes. That way authorities can identify dangerous items. This is why passengers won’t have to take out many items from their bags.

The technology recently hired is similar to the one used to scan checked bags, in an innovative size, easier to deploy at checkpoints, and with an optimized algorithm. Full-sized CT scanners include screening lanes with divestiture stations, automated bin return, and high threat containment. The agency expects to receive 469 base and 469 full-size systems soon.

In August 2021, TSA already invested $198 million in Analogic Corporation equipment and service for 300 mid-size Checkpoint Property Screening Systems (CPSS), with the same technology to improve security in a touch-free environment. These are already being installed at U.S. airports.

U.S. citizens traveling within the next few weeks might be able to see the new modern spaceship-like scanners at TSA checkpoints.

TSA’s Recent Measures On Travel Experience

On April 18, TSA will lift the mask mandate on airports and passengers will be able to travel without face coverings. The mandate has been extended, but many remain optimistic about the new date. American Airlines even considered the same date to sell alcohol during flights again, considering that the mask mandate was one of the reasons some passengers broke the rules.

The new scanners will accelerate TSA’s regular security check process at airports. However, US citizens and permanent residents can already speed up this procedure by registering and paying for TSA Precheck, a membership that provides benefits for American travelers.

With a TSA Precheck registration travelers do not have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, they will get an expedited screening process, and are also allowed to leave laptops and approved liquids inside carry-on bags. Passengers registered for TSA Precheck must bear in mind that TSA recently warned travelers that unruly passengers could lose this privilege.

TSA has also recently expanded to international destinations. The agency opened a location in the Bahamas at the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. US travelers coming from the Bahamas to the US can use their TSA PreCheck membership to avoid long lines and get home faster.

Read More:

TSA Extends Mask Mandate For Flights And Airports Until April 18

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

U.S. Issues New Travel Advisories For 14 Countries

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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March 23, 2022