Top Airports During the Holiday Travel Season

Next week, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is predicted to maintain its title as the busiest airport in the United States, with an impressive 1.58 million seats scheduled for departure. According to data from Hopper, a significant surge in travel is expected as more than 1.5 million travelers have booked flights over this holiday period. The peak traffic at ATL will occur in the mornings, specifically between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Record Passenger Volume Across U.S. Airports

This year, the holiday travel experience is marked by a staggering total of 32.5 million seats scheduled to depart from U.S. airports between December 23 and New Year’s Day. This figure represents a notable 2.4 percent increase from last year. Travelers should note that there is no single busiest day compared to previous holiday periods, with high volumes anticipated throughout the week following Christmas.

Other Busy Airports to Watch

Following Atlanta, the second-busiest airport will be Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at 1.35 million seats, closely followed by Denver International Airport (DEN) with 1.33 million seats. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and O’Hare International Airport (ORD) will also experience significant traveler traffic. Notably, some airports like Orlando International Airport (MCO) will see their peak hours in the evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To navigate these bustling airports effectively, it’s wise for travelers to arrive early and familiarize themselves with security regulations. Packing gifts in reusable bags, rather than wrapping them, can expedite the security process and enhance the overall travel experience.