Air travel is an adventure, but delays often test our patience. To thrive in the skies, we need to embrace the ultimate travel mantra: flexibility. As one seasoned traveler put it, “Planes don’t always leave when we want them to, but they take us further and faster than the Orville brothers could’ve imagined.” With that in mind, let’s explore the findings from a recent study on airport wait times, so you can plan for smoother journeys ahead.
Behind the Numbers: What the Study Found
A study by Upgraded Points analyzed delays, taxi-out times, and layover durations at 50 of the largest U.S. airports. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Google Flights, researchers examined over 30,000 flights to understand the average time passengers spend waiting. Key metrics included departure delays and tarmac taxiing times, focusing on domestic cross-country travel.
The Slowest Start: Miami International Airport
If you’re flying out of Miami International Airport (MIA), prepare for patience. MIA leads with an average of 47.1 minutes of wait time before takeoff. Editor-in-chief Keri Stooksbury of Upgraded Points highlights why: “Their departure delay averages nearly 25 minutes, and their taxi-out time adds another 23 minutes. It’s a double whammy for travelers.”
MIA’s delays are almost double the average of 29 minutes across other airports, making it the least time-efficient.
Other Airports Where Delays Drag On
Several other major airports follow closely behind MIA in pre-flight delays:
- San Francisco International (SFO): Total wait time: 41.3 minutes
- Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW): Total wait time: 37.9 minutes
- Philadelphia International (PHL): Total wait time: 36.9 minutes
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Total wait time: 36.5 minutes
LaGuardia’s tight runway space leads to extended taxi-out times, while San Francisco balances moderate departure delays with lengthy taxiing. Interestingly, JFK Airport didn’t crack the top five but holds the title for the longest taxi-out time at 24 minutes.
The Best Airports for Quick Departures
On the opposite end, Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui boasts the shortest wait time: a breezy 16.2 minutes. Here’s how the other top airports for efficiency stack up:
- Norman Y. Mineta San José International (SJC): 18.2 minutes
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): 19.4 minutes
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF): 20.7 minutes
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL): 22 minutes
A special mention goes to Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport. Despite its high passenger volume, it averages just six minutes of departure delays.
Read More: She Dated Johnny Depp and Starred in a 90s Crime Drama – But Do You Recognize Her Now?
The Layover Lowdown
Layovers can stretch travel time, and Hawaii leads here too. Kahului Airport (OGG) and Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) in Honolulu top the list for the longest layovers, averaging 5 hours and 8 minutes and 4 hours and 34 minutes, respectively. Miami International and San Francisco International also rank high for extended waits.
Conversely, central U.S. airports like San Antonio (SAT) and Dallas Love Field (DAL) tend to have shorter layovers, averaging around 2 hours and 46 minutes, thanks to their direct flight options.
Making the Most of Airport Delays
While delays are frustrating, many airports now offer amenities to soften the blow. For example:
- San Francisco International (SFO) has a yoga room, museum exhibits, and local restaurants.
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) features an aeroponic garden to explore during downtime.
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) is known for its wide variety of dining and entertainment options.
As one traveler put it, “A layover can turn into a chance to explore something new. You just have to look for the opportunities.”
Tips for a Smoother Journey
No matter where you’re headed, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Budget extra time: Plan for delays, especially at notoriously slow airports.
- Research amenities: Check your airport’s offerings to make wait times more enjoyable.
- Stay flexible: Travel, after all, is about embracing the unexpected.
The Bottom Line
Delays may be inevitable, but your attitude determines how they shape your experience. As Stooksbury notes, “Every delay is just another story to tell.” Armed with knowledge and patience, your next flight might just feel a little more seamless. Safe travels!
Read More: 15+ Incredible Before and After Photos of Women Embracing Motherhood
This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.