img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:46.97265625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}Last Updated 2 seconds agoLike most travelers, I love to fly. It doesn’t matter how many flights I’ve taken, I still find it exciting.
I even like being in the airport: drinking an overpriced cocktail and wandering around the duty-free stores are all part of the flying experience.
But waiting in endless lines? Being stuck in the airport for hours? Both big no’s from me!
That is why I was interested in reading Bounce’s research on the U.S. airports with the longest and shortest wait times.
Long lines, long waits, and a lack of efficiency can turn an enjoyable airport experience into a nightmare. So, which airports have the biggest problems?
Longest Wait Times
Bounce analyzed both the TSA and passport control wait times at the busiest airports in the U.S. to discover which ones had the longest wait times.
The 3 airports with the longest wait times right now are:
3. O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport, located in Chicago, currently has the third-longest wait times in the U.S.
You should expect an average TSA wait time of 15 minutes 5 seconds followed by an average passport control wait time of 24 minutes 43 seconds.
This means your total average wait time would be 39 minutes 48 seconds.
While other airports on this list have been working to improve their wait times and seen them decrease, the average wait time at O’Hare International Airport has actually increased by 58 seconds compared to last year.
2. Orlando International Airport
In second place for longest wait times is Orlando International Airport in Florida.
The average TSA wait time here is 15 minutes 34 seconds, while you should allow for an average 23-minute 42-second wait to clear passport control.
That would give you a total average wait time of 39 minutes and 16 seconds. It’s worth noting that some people will wait significantly longer than this, while others will breeze through!
Because Orlando is home to both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida, it makes sense that this airport attracts millions of tourists each year. And where there are such huge volumes of international and domestic tourists, long wait times are inevitable.
1. John F. Kennedy International Airport
Officially, the U.S. airport with the longest wait times is John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The average TSA wait time here is 5 minutes 5 seconds, and the average passport control wait time is 24 minutes 43 seconds.
That means the total wait time (on average) is 39 minutes and 48 seconds.
JFK is New York’s primary international hub and a huge airport. It is also a vital connection point, acting as a first point of entry for many international travelers flying on to other destinations. The sheer volume of traffic leads to delays.
For this reason if you’re a domestic traveler with easy access to other New York airports then you could consider looking at flight prices and availability from Newark, LaGuardia, or one of the many other smaller airports in the New York area.
What Can You Do To Minimize The Impact Of Long Wait Times?
Preparation and patience are key if you have to fly through an airport that is reporting long wait times.
The first and most obvious tip is to arrive at the airport with plenty of time. Those queues will feel much longer and much more frustrating if you’re worried about missing your flight!
You might also wish to consider choosing an alternative airport if you’re lucky enough to have several options available to you for your flight route.
If you’re a frequent flier, signing up for TSA pre-check is a great way to save those vital minutes at the airport.
With pre-check, you will pass through a separate TSA lane that moves much faster than the general one. You will also not have to remove your shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets before your screening.
Not a frequent flier or TSA isn’t the right choice for you? Then get prepared while you’re in line.
That means removing jackets, belts and liquids from your bag while you’re waiting. Don’t wait until you’re at the front of the queue as that will only slow the whole line down!
The same rule applies to passport control. Have your passport out and open to your photo page before you approach the desk.
You’d be amazed at how many people I’ve been stuck behind who get to the desk and then think to find their passports in their purses or backpacks!
Tor BrierleyTor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Appeared first on: traveloffpath.com
