2025's busiest day for flights is coming. Here's how to navigate it
Because that day is expected to be the busiest day for flight departures in the US in 2025 – and Chicago O'Hare is scheduled to see the highest number of planes taking off, followed by Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and Los Angeles.
The data comes from aviation analytics firm Cirium, which also reveals that there are scheduled to be over 28,314 departures from airports in the US on July 18 – equating to over 3.8 million seats. The average number of daily departures in the US is between 13,000 and 14,000.
So how can passengers best negotiate Chicago O'Hare?
Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for Altezza Travel, has some tips for getting around an airport she describes as a "layover marathon".
She tells The Independent: "The terminals are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. Yes, there's no 4. There was a temporary terminal 4, but it was shut down after terminal 5 was built, and this terminal was not renumbered to avoid breaking airport systems.
"Terminals 1 through 3 are connected, so that part is easy.
"A whole different game is T5, for international flights.
"To get there, you'll need to leave security, hop on the ATS train, and hope you've got time."
Claire Baker, Head of Customer Experience at luxury travel concierge company Winged Boots, says it's "worth reserving a fast lane pass in Terminal 5 to speed through security and avoid the long queues".
And she recommends decompressing in the yoga room on the mezzanine level of Terminal 3's rotunda.
She says: "Here, travelers can take guided yoga sessions, perfect for unwinding and escaping the airport rush ahead of flying."
There are also "Mother's Rooms" and "Mamava pods" throughout the terminals that provide calming environments for nursing parents, the airport itself points out. These spaces include comfortable seating, changing tables, sinks, electrical outlets, and soft lighting.
The airport continues: "Travelers who appreciate good views while they wait should explore the breezeway seating across from the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Terminal 3, or stop by the bridge between Concourses G and H to watch aircraft taxi and take off from the American Airlines ramp.
"Another excellent vantage point can be found at Gate E1 in Terminal 2, right by the family lounge, which offers a sweeping view of the United Airlines fleet and runway operations."
The airport also has some tips for dining, telling The Independent that the L Stinger — consisting of the eight gates at the far end of Concourse L —is home to the Burger Federation, "which offers top-ranked burgers".
The airport continues: "For those who prefer to slow down with a sit-down meal before a flight, O'Hare has a few reliable go-to spots. Berghoff Café in Concourse C, Tuscany in Concourse B, and Romano's Macaroni Grill near the H and K gates are all popular with frequent travelers, and all offer full-service dining in comfortable settings. Terminal 5 travelers can also enjoy well-regarded local restaurants like Bar Siena and The Hampton Social."
Also note that meals can be ordered ahead of time using the Grab app and the Farmer's Fridge app.
When it comes to navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, from Pittsburgh, notes that "navigation is straightforward, with the terminals all lined up", and adds that the Plane Train "connects them fast". But she warns that it's "always packed".
"I've got a love-hate thing with it," she tells The Independent. "I only use it if I have a heavy bag or I'm late.
"Otherwise, I walk the tunnels. They're quiet, with soft lights and art installations. Honestly, it feels like airport therapy.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a behemoth measuring 27 square miles – that's larger than the land area of Manhattan and five-and-a-half times as big as London Heathrow, Europe's busiest hub.
So pay close attention to Georgia's tips for navigating it.
She tells The Independent: "DFW is a literal city. One of the largest airports in the US by area, with five terminals [A, B, C, D, and E] arranged like flower petals.
"It's easy to get lost if you're not paying attention.
"Skylink is the internal lifeline — a train that loops inside security. It's fast and honestly a lifesaver.
"Terminal Link is its less helpful cousin — the outside bus. It's for folks who haven't cleared security or who've exited already. It's slow, confusing, and I avoid it."
And you'll need your wits about you at Denver International Airport (DIA), which is the biggest airport in the US at 54 square miles. Or three-fourths as big as Washington, DC.
Denver-based frequent flyer Angela Berardino from The Brouhaha Collective travel PR firm flies out of DIA about 30 times a year, and points out that the airport has been undergoing a major renovation for the past two years, "with more to come".
The result? Navigation is even trickier for the uninitiated.
She says: "If you are an infrequent flyer, plan ahead because signage and construction is confusing."
Georgia agrees, saying: "It's beautiful, but chaotic. From the outside, you've got those iconic mountain-peak roofs. Inside — a confusing experience. Navigation isn't intuitive."
Your first step? Check DIA's website for security wait times, advises Angela, who adds that they're shown in real time. "I check every time," she says.
Then, ensure you arrive at the correct part of the airport for the security lane you'll be using.
The airport's explanation for how it works is here - flydenver.com/security.
And what about Los Angeles?
Georgia remarks that "Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 'stress-free' don't belong in the same sentence".
"But I've got a few moves," she says. "It's old, bloated, always under construction. Nine terminals shaped like a horseshoe, with constant detours and endless people.
'But the biggest pain is not inside. It's outside. Getting in and out is the real quest.
"LAX-it — the Uber/Lyft pickup zone — is in a completely separate area. You have to take a shuttle. Don't try to walk there with luggage, even if it seems close. Trust me, it turns into a sweaty, three-stage odyssey real fast."
So, how best to move between terminals?
Georgia says: "If I need to move between terminals, I use the free Route A shuttle. But if you exit security, you'll have to go through TSA again.
"That's why I always check which terminals are connected inside the secure zone. It saves both time and sanity. For example, Terminals 4 and 5 have an internal walkway — no need to exit. Small thing, huge difference."
The busiest day for departures from the US in 2024 was July 12.
On this day, there were 27,211 scheduled departures from airports in the US – equating to over 3.7million seats.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
26 minutes ago
- The Sun
I ditched New York City for upstate and found hundreds of vineyards, NASCAR racing experiences & world famous waterfalls
STANDING on Hurricane Deck with water whipping around me and Niagara Falls thundering behind, I'm experiencing a different side of New York. Most visitors cram into Manhattan, but New York City takes up just 0.56 per cent of the entire state. 6 6 6 Beyond the concrete jungle of America's most populated city lie vineyards, breweries, lakes, a whole lot of classic US charm and, of course, those famous falls. Upstate New York, despite its high-end reputation, is also much kinder on your wallet. The cost of two days in the city is equivalent to about six days outside when it comes to accommodation, dining and activities. My journey began in Syracuse, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region — a lush green area known for its scenic beauty and more than 1,600 vineyards. Without much persuasion, I stopped at a few to sample the local produce — I had a tipple at Anyela's vineyard and the Beak & Skiff brewery, which had very tasty ciders. A half-hour drive away is Skaneateles (pronounced skinny atlas), one of the region's most exclusive spots. Lake Skaneateles is said to be the cleanest in the world, but what really stands out is the shorefront, which is full of sprawling manors with sweeping lawns, guest houses and boat garages. It's a popular place for celebs, with former President Bill Clinton and his family known to holiday there. Just south of Syracuse lies Watkins Glen, which looks like a Hallmark movie set until you hear the roar of engines. The charming village is home to the Watkins Glen International track, where Formula 1 raced for 20 consecutive years from 1961 to 1980 before Nascar took over. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival I had a ride in the back of a pace car for a speedy lap (in motorsport, a pace car leads the racers in warm-up laps). And I saw a bright yellow American school bus — full of grinning students — tear around, too. Turns out that anyone can give it a try. You can even take your own car, or bus, for a spin. Rochester, a mid-sized city on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, was once a boom town built on flour mills and photography — it's the birthplace of Kodak. These days, it's better known for the Strong National Museum of Play, a huge, hands-on museum dedicated to toys, games and childhood. Here, I attempted (and failed) to beat other players at Pac-Man and gazed at an enormous collection of Barbie dolls that my five-year-old self would have loved. From there, I headed west to my final, and favourite, stop: Buffalo. Sitting where the Buffalo River meets Lake Erie, it proved that the state's 61 cities beyond NYC are also well worth exploring. Screams of delight I followed the riverfront past guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock, through Veterans Memorial Park, and on past the restored 1920s carousel at Canalside, where families queued for a ride. The standout spot, though, was RiverWorks — a creative reinvention of old grain silos, now home to ziplines, climbing walls, a big wheel, kayaking and lively bars. Buffalo is also the gateway to Niagara Falls, just a short drive away. I arrived at night to see the illuminations, a spectacle in itself. 6 6 6 But at that point I didn't quite grasp the full power of the famous waterfalls. The next day, I saw them in all their glory. Looking like a blue penguin in my oversized anorak, I boarded the Maid Of The Mist tourist boat to get closer to the thundering cascade. At first, the boat bobs along at a glacial pace. Then, after a light spray of water, the full force of the falls hits. Picture screams of delight, anoraks flapping and thousands of gallons of water crashing into the river below. If you want to feel it properly, head to the top deck. Prefer to stay dry? Stick to the lower level. The boat tour is a must — and so is the Cave Of The Winds. This attraction is a series of wooden walkways leading right to the base of Niagara's Bridal Veil Falls and up to the Hurricane Deck, where the water spray slams sideways and where standing still is a feat in itself. I managed to hold my pose just long enough for a photo, before stumbling away, soaked and buzzing with adrenaline. The Big Apple is a bucket-list must, of course, but don't forget to take a bite out of the rest of New York State, too.
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Cruise worker reveals key mistake passengers make
A cruise ship worker has shared a crucial mistake passengers make on embarkation day that has the potential to ruin the entire holiday. Alley Kerr, from California , U.S., has worked as an entertainer on cruises for several years, including the likes of Royal Caribbean International. A cruise ship worker has shared a crucial mistake passengers make on embarkation day that has the potential to ruin the entire holiday. Alley Kerr, from California , U.S., has worked as an entertainer on cruises for several years, including the likes of Royal Caribbean International. She has since transitioned to travel content creating after moving to Japan , where she captures her adventures as a passenger on solo cruises, along with sharing insider tips in videos uploaded to her YouTube channel, @wanderlustalley . In a recent clip, she warned passengers of the hidden traps laying in wait that could hinder their whole experience. According to the seasoned cruise worker, embarkation day, also known as boarding day, can feel chaotic as long lines of guests queue to get on board. Some passengers worry about securing popular activities, restaurants and add-ons - which often leads to panic buying and everything becoming sold out. As reported by Ladbible , Alley said: 'On embarkation day, it is absolutely insane. If you can avoid waiting for embarkation day and get it done in advance, your life is going to be so much easier.' She noted that she often witnessed first time cruisers' disappointment after they realized there were no experiences left to book. Alley added: 'People who have never cruised before often get on the ship and then suddenly at the end of the day, they're like, "Oh, everything's sold out." There's limited availability for a lot of things.' Luckily, cruise passengers can often find cheaper and more varied shore excursions by booking independently through local tour operators at each destination, rather than relying solely on the cruise line's excursions.
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
TSA unveils new system that will cut down security wait times at airports... but only for certain passengers
Traveling with young kids just got a little easier for parents at select airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new program called Families on the Fly at Orlando International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. It offers dedicated security lanes for families with children aged 12 and under, per Fox News Orlando. The goal? To reduce stress for parents traveling with little ones and ease congestion for everyone else. 'We understand that air travel can be challenging, especially for parents managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids,' said TSA Federal Security Director for Orlando Pete Garcia, per the outlet. 'This program goes beyond convenience; it's about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience at our security checkpoints.' The family-friendly initiative is part of a broader effort by the TSA to improve hospitality and streamline the airport experience amid growing travel demand. The program is already up and running in Orlando and Charlotte, with more airports set to join in the coming months, including Charleston, Jacksonville, and Rhode Island's T.F. Green. Traveling with young kids just got a little easier at select airports as TSA has launched a program that offers dedicated security lanes for families with children (stock image) Others include San Juan, Tampa, John Wayne Orange County, and Honolulu. Many traveling parents are ecstatic about the new lanes. 'It's extremely stressful. There's a lot of stuff, like all the iPads and all the teddies and all that kind of stuff,' said Adam Luper, who is currently visiting the UK from the United Kingdom. Another parent, Fanta Kaba, who was traveling from New York to Orlando, explained: 'It's very exhausting. Especially when [the child] is crying. 'You have to pick him up. You have to drag the bag. So when the line is shorter, it makes it easier for the parents. 'When the line is shorter, it makes it easier for the parents.' Michael Silata, the TSA's assistant federal security director in Orlando, added: 'This dedicated lane helps to ease the traveling public when they come through. And that same time, really add value when they travel through the airports.' While the new lanes are now available, it's still unclear when families will be able to access discounted TSA PreCheck fees or whether the program will expand nationwide. Officials haven't said how long the pilot phase will last or if feedback will be used to guide future rollouts, but the TSA confirmed that Families on the Fly is expected to reach even more airports soon. The TSA recently announced another lane-related update to select airports across the country. The administration shared earlier this month that it would be adding a new expedited lane and discounts 'to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community,' per PR Newswire. Gold Star families - those who have lost a loved one in military service - will also now have TSA PreCheck fees waived. Additionally, TSA will now offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members. The new lanes will be implemented at 10 American airports in cities including: San Antonio, Texas, Anchorage, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, Austin, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington.
