For many airline passengers, finding a quick and affordable meal during a layover starts as soon as they enter the airport terminal. Popular terminals like LAX in Los Angeles see more than 30,000 travelers per day stopping at fast-food chains for a snack or meal. Airport terminals across the United States offer a mix of familiar chain restaurants, casual dining spots, and grab-and-go kiosks, catering to the diverse tastes of passengers looking for a quick bite before their flight.
Various food options can be found in airport terminals, ranging from ethnic specialties to customized sandwiches and classic burger combos. Quick-service restaurants located in airports aim to serve a large number of passengers efficiently, providing a sense of familiarity no matter where travelers are coming from. These options allow passengers to grab a quick meal on-the-go and can be especially convenient for those with limited time between flights.
In a recent study conducted by Upgraded Points, major U.S. airports were ranked based on their fast food and casual dining options. The study took into account factors such as overall service efficiency, the number of fast food options available, and the daily passenger traffic passing through each terminal. Top airports for efficient fast food service included Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Ontario International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
One of the primary concerns for passengers looking for a quick meal at an airport is the time it takes to get from their arrival gate to a food source. San Diego International Airport was highlighted as the best major terminal with the highest density of restaurant chains, offering an average of 3.09 chains per mile. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas was praised for having the highest number of quick-service and fast-food options, with a total of 19 fast-food locations spread throughout its terminals.
Among the most popular fast-food chains in the 60 busiest U.S. airports, Chick-fil-A ranked at the top with a presence in 42% of the terminals. Known for its speedy service and high-quality menu offerings, Chick-fil-A is a favorite choice for passengers on-the-go. Burger King, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Subway, and Panda Express also ranked highly among the most popular fast-food chains found in major airports across the country, offering a range of menu options to cater to different preferences and dietary needs.
For passengers seeking healthier food options while traveling, many airport lounges offer salad bars and lighter fare. Quick-service restaurants with a smaller overall presence in airports also provide dishes based on dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices. Registered Dietitian Alex Caspero recommends Chipotle, Panera, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s as top choices for healthier options at airport quick-service restaurants, emphasizing whole grains, healthy proteins, and plenty of vegetables in their menu offerings. Ultimately, airport fast-food locations play a crucial role in providing convenient dining options for travelers on the go, ensuring that passengers can grab a quick meal before their next flight.
