Airports With the Longest Security Lines During the Holidays

With the holiday season just around the corner, millions of Americans are getting ready to face the crowds at airports. Our analysis of last year's holiday travel reveals which airports had the longest security lines and the most delays during Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. We also asked over 1,000 travelers about their airport experiences. These insights can help you plan ahead and navigate the busy travel season with a little more ease.

Key Takeaways

• Miami International (MIA) had the longest average peak security wait time over the Thanksgiving holiday last year (54.1 minutes).
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) had the highest percentage of delayed flights during the Thanksgiving holiday last year (21.2%).
• Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) had the longest average peak wait times over the winter holidays last year (69.8 minutes).
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) had the highest percentage of delayed flights during the winter holidays last year (30%).
• Nearly 1 in 2 Americans (49%) have had to wait over an hour in an airport security line, with 17% having waited over 2 hours.
• 6% of Americans have missed a flight due to long security lines in the last year.

Thanksgiving Travel Troubles

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for air travel in the United States, known for increased security wait times and delays. Our analysis of airport data reveals which major hubs saw the worst of it during this peak period in 2023.

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Miami International Airport (MIA) was the most time-consuming for travelers during the Thanksgiving rush last year. Passengers at MIA faced average peak wait times of 54.1 minutes in security lines, the longest among all the airports we studied. This extended delay could significantly impact travel plans, especially for those with tight connections or early morning flights.

While Miami topped the list for security wait times, Fort Lauderale-Hollywood International (FLL) presented a different challenge for holiday travelers. FLL recorded the highest percentage of delayed flights during the Thanksgiving period, with 21.2% of all flights experiencing delays. 

Winter Holiday Woes

The winter holiday season, encompassing Christmas and New Year's, often sees a surge in air travel that rivals or exceeds Thanksgiving. Our analysis of airport data from the 2023 winter holiday period reveals which airports experienced the most significant challenges during this festive yet hectic time.

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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), known for long TSA lines, was the most time-consuming for travelers during the winter holiday rush last year. Passengers at SEA endured average peak wait times of 69.8 minutes in security lines, the longest among all airports studied. This long wait could severely impact travel plans, potentially causing missed flights and added stress during an already busy season.

Fort Lauderale-Hollywood International (FLL) once again topped the list for flight delays, continuing its trend from Thanksgiving. During the winter holiday period, FLL recorded an even higher percentage of delayed flights, with 30% of all flights experiencing delays.

Holiday Air Travel Frustrations

While our airport data offers insights into wait times and delays, we also surveyed Americans about their personal experiences with holiday air travel. They expressed their travel-related challenges and frustrations during these busy periods.

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The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but it often becomes a source of stress for air travelers. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans (23%) described their airport experiences during the last holiday season as frustrating. This frustration appeared to peak around Christmas, with 55% of Americans saying it's been the worst holiday for travel.

Long security lines are a major contributor to holiday travel stress. Nearly half of Americans (49%) reported waiting over an hour in an airport security line during the holiday season, with 17% enduring waits of more than two hours. These extended waits have consequences beyond the inconvenience of standing in line: 6% of our respondents have missed a flight due to long security lines in the past year.

In response to these challenges, 10% of Gen Z travelers have paid for the expedited security option CLEAR to speed up their airport security experience. If it means getting to a flight on time, that additional travel expenditure may be worth it — especially if you fly frequently.

Preparing for Peak Season

As joyful as the holiday season can be, air travel can also be challenging. With some airports experiencing long waits and flight delays, our insights offer a helpful guide for navigating the busiest time of year. Choosing less crowded airports, allowing extra time for security, or considering expedited options can help make the experience less stressful. The best way to ensure smoother holiday travel is to anticipate the obstacles and plan ahead.

Methodology

For this study, we leveraged data from US Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to determine the average peak wait times in TSA lines during the 2023 Thanksgiving and winter holidays for the 34 largest airports in the 50 US states. We also surveyed 1,001 Americans who have traveled via flight in the last 2 years about their airport experiences and frustrations traveling during the holiday season.

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Fair Use Statement

Feel free to share these holiday air travel insights for noncommercial purposes, but please include a link back to this page as the source.

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