Airport travel time – How much is enough?

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Most of us know the general 2 hour rule for airport travel time, however in certain airports that may not be enough time.

Knowing how much time is truly needed at the airport can be challenging. Luckily, Upgraded Points has us covered with their latest study showing how much time is truly needed at some of the nation’s largest airports.

“Successful travel is all about starting your journey on the right note,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. “Our study shows that one-size-fits-all advice doesn’t always work when it comes to airport arrival times. By understanding each airport’s unique challenges – from sprawling layouts to heavy security lines – travelers can better plan their trips and avoid the stress of last-minute scrambles

Airport Time Study Methodology

The Upgraded Points study used over 15 data points when reviewing airport data. Those factors include preflight experience, parking, TSA screening wait times, terminal size, departure delays, and more. The total score is capped at 50 points with higher scores showcasing longer airport travel times.

Airport Time – Top U.S. Airports that require more than 2 hours of Travel time

The following airports require over two hours of additional travel time and with some airports even needing more than 3 hours.

  1. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 3 hrs, 20 mins
  2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 3 hrs, 6 mins
  3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 3 hrs, 5 mins
  4. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 3 hrs, 1 min
  5. Denver International Airport (DEN) – 2 hrs, 59 mins
  6. Miami International Airport (MIA) – 2 hrs, 58 mins
  7. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 2 hrs, 53 mins
  8. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) – 2 hrs, 51 mins
  9. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 2 hrs, 47 mins
  10. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – 2 hrs, 46 mins
Airport travel time graphic
The Most Important U.S. Airports To Arrive Early Photo: Upgraded Points

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Airport Time – Top U.S. Airports that require less than 2 hours of travel time

The following airports require less than 2 hours of travel time and with some airports even needing less than an hour.

  1. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 53 minutes before the flight
  2. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 55 minutes 
  3. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – 59 minutes
  4. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – 1 hour, 2 minutes
  5. San Antonio International Airport (SAT) – 1 hour, 11 minutes
  6. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 1 hrs, 16 mins
  7. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – 1 hrs, 22 mins
  8. Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 1 hrs, 28 mins
  9. John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 1 hrs, 29 mins
  10. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) – 1 hrs, 31 mins
The Least Important U.S. Airports To Arrive Early Photo: Upgraded Points

Travel times do significantly vary across the U.S. and can change depending on a multitude of factors. However, this data showcases just how unique this phenomenon is. View the full study here

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