Some airports in the United States are known for having long wait times for security screenings and passport control, making travelers have to arrive early to make sure they catch their flights on time. A survey conducted by luggage storage company Bounce found that New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport had the longest average wait times, with security screening taking about 15 minutes and passport control adding an additional 24 minutes and 43 seconds, totaling at 39 minutes and 48 seconds. The heavy traffic at JFK as a primary international hub contributes to the delays experienced by passengers.
Despite JFK experiencing improvements in combined wait times over the past year, it still remains at the top of the list for having the longest wait times. On the other hand, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has seen a significant increase in wait times, with combined wait times increasing from 13 minutes and 55 seconds to 32 minutes and 25 seconds over the past 12 months. However, Newark did not make it to the list of the top 10 airports with the longest wait times in the US.
Following JFK on the list of airports with the longest wait times is Orlando International Airport in Florida, with an average wait time of 39 minutes and 16 seconds. Other airports that made it to the top five include O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Los Angeles International Airport, and Austin–Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. These airports are hubs for a significant number of travelers, leading to long wait times for security screening and passport control.
Conversely, Palm Beach International Airport in Florida was found to have the shortest average wait times, with a combined wait time of 7 minutes and 27 seconds. The efficiency of Palm Beach’s wait times has significantly improved from the previous year, making it the most improved airport in terms of efficiency. Bounce recommends considering flying out of smaller airports if possible to help reduce the wait times experienced at larger, busier airports like JFK and LAX.
Overall, US airports have been able to reduce average wait times for passengers, with the average wait time decreasing from around 29 minutes and 35 seconds to 27 minutes and 16 seconds. However, travelers are still advised to arrive early to account for potential delays in security screening and passport control at certain airports. By being aware of which airports have the longest wait times, passengers can plan their travel experiences more efficiently and save valuable time during the holiday travel season and beyond.
