Additional Coverage:
Airport Layover Logistics: Walking Times Between Security and Gates
Catching a flight can be stressful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the airport layout. One crucial factor to consider is the distance between security checkpoints and your gate. FinanceBuzz recently researched the longest treks in major U.S. airports, and the results might surprise you.
Airports with the Longest Walks
Several airports require significant walking time. Here are the top contenders, ranked by walking time to the farthest gate:
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 19 minutes
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): 18 minutes
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): 18 minutes
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 18 minutes
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): 16 minutes
- Daniel K.
Inouye International Airport (HNL): 14 minutes
- Denver International Airport (DEN): 14 minutes
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): 14 minutes
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): 13 minutes
- Detroit Metro Airport (DTW): 13 minutes
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW): 12 minutes
- Portland International Airport (PDX): 11 minutes
- John Wayne Airport (SNA): 11 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 10 minutes
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): 10 minutes
Tips for Navigating Large Airports
If you’re flying out of one of these airports, arrive early. Check the airport’s website for real-time security wait times and gate information. For families with young children, factor in extra time and consider bringing a stroller.
Airports with Shorter Walks
Some airports offer quicker access to gates, including Tampa (TPA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Raleigh-Durham (RDU), where the farthest gates are just a few minutes from security.