Major US Airports What Every Traveler Should Know

Essential Information for America’s Busiest Airports

Whether connecting through a hub or flying direct, knowing the basics of major US airports saves time and reduces stress. Here’s what frequent travelers know about the country’s busiest terminals.

The Big Three Hubs

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

The world’s busiest airport handles over 90 million passengers annually.

Layout: Single domestic terminal with 7 concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F)
Connection time: Minimum 45 minutes; allow 60+ for international
Key tip: The Plane Train connects all concourses underground; runs every 2 minutes
Don’t miss: Concourse E has the best food options

Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

United and American both hub here, creating significant traffic.

Layout: 4 terminals (1, 2, 3, 5—there is no 4)
Airline split: United in T1, American in T3, international in T5
Connection time: Same terminal 45 min; T1-T5 requires 90+ min (re-screening)
Key tip: The tunnel between B and C has a trippy light show

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)

American Airlines’ fortress hub sprawls across 17,000 acres.

Layout: 5 semicircular terminals (A, B, C, D, E)
Skylink: Free train connects all terminals; full loop takes 20 minutes
Connection time: 45 minutes minimum; international in Terminal D
Key tip: Drive-through between terminals possible but complex

West Coast Gateways

Los Angeles (LAX)

Layout: 9 terminals in a U-shape; most don’t connect airside
International: Tom Bradley Terminal (TBIT)
Connection time: Same terminal 30 min; different terminals 60-90 min
Key tip: Underground connector links TBIT to T4-8

San Francisco (SFO)

Layout: 4 terminals in a compact design; most connect airside
Weather: Fog delays common; check flight status before leaving
Connection time: 30-45 minutes typically sufficient
Key tip: Harvey Milk Terminal 1 has excellent local restaurant concepts

Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

Layout: Single terminal with 4 concourses plus satellite (S gates)
Hub for: Alaska Airlines and growing Delta presence
Connection time: 30-40 minutes; add 15 for S gates
Key tip: Local favorites include Beecher’s Cheese and Starbucks Reserve

East Coast Airports

New York JFK

Layout: 6 terminals with limited connections
Getting between: AirTrain connects terminals (requires exiting security)
Connection time: Same terminal 45 min; different terminals 90+ min
Key tip: Terminal 4 (Delta) and T5 (JetBlue) have the best amenities

New York LaGuardia (LGA)

Layout: Newly rebuilt Terminal B; older Terminal C
Serves: Primarily domestic flights
Key tip: New Terminal B is modern; expect ongoing construction

Newark (EWR)

Layout: 3 terminals; United hub in Terminal C
AirTrain: Connects terminals and to NJ Transit
Connection time: 45 minutes minimum
Key tip: Often cheaper than JFK/LGA for NYC trips

Mountain and Central Hubs

Denver (DEN)

Layout: Main terminal with 3 satellite concourses (A, B, C)
Signature: White tent-like roof visible for miles
Connection time: 35-45 minutes; underground train every 2-3 min
Key tip: Concourse B (United hub) has the most options

Phoenix (PHX)

Layout: 3 terminals; American hub in T4
Connection time: 30-45 minutes
Key tip: Excellent Southwest hub for western US connections

Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)

Layout: 2 terminals; Delta hub in Terminal 1
Tram: Light rail connects terminals and downtown
Key tip: One of the most efficient hub airports for connections

Southern Gateways

Miami (MIA)

Layout: Single terminal with North, Central, and South sections
International: Major Latin America and Caribbean gateway
Connection time: 60-90 minutes for international connections
Key tip: Cuban coffee at La Carreta is a must

Orlando (MCO)

Layout: Main terminal with 4 airsides accessed by shuttle
Traffic: Heavy with theme park visitors; expect crowds
Connection time: 45 minutes
Key tip: New Terminal C opened 2022 with modern amenities

General Tips for Major Airports

Check terminal before arriving: Major airports have multiple buildings
Download airline and airport apps: Real-time gate information
Use lounges during delays: Worth the cost for long waits
Know your connection requirements: International arrivals add significant time
Arrive early for unfamiliar airports: Better to wait at the gate than rush