Not every airport is built the same. While some make connections quick and easy, others require long walks, crowded terminals, and extra time to reach your next gate.

A new study analyzing major U.S. airports found that some of the country's busiest hubs require significantly longer layovers than others, making connection times an important factor when booking flights.

According to the analysis, these airports are among the most challenging for domestic connections:

• Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
• New York John F. Kennedy (JFK)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Denver (DEN)
• Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Las Vegas (LAS)
• Newark (EWR)

Large terminals, heavy passenger traffic, and longer walking distances all contribute to longer connection times.

Some airports are much easier to navigate, allowing travelers to make connections with less stress.

The study ranked these among the best:

• Washington National (DCA)
• Chicago Midway (MDW)
• Dallas Love Field (DAL)
• Honolulu (HNL)
• Detroit (DTW)
• Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP)
• Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
• LaGuardia (LGA)
• Seattle (SEA)

Their more compact layouts make getting between gates faster and simpler.

While every itinerary is different, travelers connecting through large hub airports should consider allowing at least 90 minutes between domestic flights whenever possible.

If your connection involves changing terminals, traveling during peak holiday periods, or flying on separate tickets, giving yourself even more time can help reduce the risk of missing your flight.

A shorter layover isn't always better. Choosing a slightly longer connection at busy airports like Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, or JFK can make your trip far less stressful—especially if delays or gate changes occur.

📚 Related Reading: