Passengers navigating the vast terminals of U.S. airports might need to factor in considerable walking time to reach their gates, a study has revealed. With security lines and travel disruptions frequently at the forefront of travel concerns, the physical distance to departure gates is an additional challenge that may catch some flyers by surprise.
According to a February 2024 survey conducted by KURU Footwear, a substantial 40% of Americans expressed annoyance at having to endure long walks to their airport departure gates. The study, which involved the analysis of airport maps and Google Maps data, identified the top 10 largest and smallest U.S. airports by land area, shedding light on the significant variance in walking distances encountered by travelers.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport emerged as the leader in extensive gate treks, with passengers potentially covering up to 2.16 miles to reach their farthest gates. Other major connecting hubs like Washington Dulles International Airport and Denver International Airport also topped the list for longest walking distances.
Kathleen Wong, a travel reporter, mentioned that these busy airports often provide concourse trains and moving walkways to ease the journey between terminals. However, the trend of expanding airport amenities is leading to longer walks, as airports are designed with a focus on financial objectives that prioritize retail space over moving walkways, as noted by Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group.
The growing frustration among travelers due to these lengthening airport treks is notable. As Alexander Thome from design firm Stantec explained, post-9/11 security changes and a shift towards larger aircraft for safety have contributed to longer walks. Adding to this, airports aiming to boost non-aeronautical revenue have introduced more shops and eateries, further extending the distance between security and gates.
Conversely, airports with the shortest walking distances include Blue Grass Airport in Kentucky and Westchester County Airport in New York, both offering walks of approximately 0.12 miles.
The survey illuminated some intriguing air travel preferences and behaviors. For instance, 66% of Americans prefer to wear sneakers through airport security, and 41% have chosen to book travel from smaller airports explicitly for convenience. Despite the inconvenience of long walks at larger airports, 45% of respondents said they do not consider airport size when booking travel, instead prioritizing convenience such as proximity to home or destination.
Travelers can employ several strategies to navigate airports effectively. Planning bathroom breaks, scheduling assistance ahead of time, and following terminal signs can streamline the process. Wearing comfortable shoes is also crucial, as walking a mile or two within airport confines is not uncommon.
As travel continues to boom in a post-pandemic world, with airports expanding to accommodate larger crowds, passengers should be prepared for potential “workouts” en route to their gates, as suggested by Victoria Schmid, spokesperson for KURU Footwear.
Relevant articles:
– Passengers at this US airport have the longest trek to their gate Yahoo News Canada, 24 hours ago
– This U.S. airport will take you the longest to walk through timeout.com
– Why you have to walk so far to your gate at the airport CNN
– Longest and Shortest Airport Walks KURU Footwear, Mar 12, 2024