Airports are the most familiar places for every business professional, and expectations for them are particularly high. The length of wait times, ease of terminal navigation, availability of internal airport transit lines, and on-time departure performance are our standards for choosing an airport. Below, we provide an essential guide to various U.S. airports for those immigrating to the United States.
NO.1 John F. Kennedy International Airport(John F. Kennedy International Airport，JFK)
Terminal Layout: New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport is the primary international airport for New York City and one of the largest in the world. The 6 terminals are located far apart from each other, namely T1, T2, T4, T5, T7, and T8, and are connected by the internal airport AirTrain outside the security checkpoints. Transferring between these terminals requires passengers to go through security again.
Security: The domestic terminals at JFK are among the better-equipped at the airport, featuring over a dozen security checkpoints.
Internet: The airport provides 30 minutes of free WiFi. Most Delta Air Lines gates offer charging stations, and the T5 atrium is equipped with numerous power outlets.
Other Facilities: Near Gate 12 in T5, there are private suites for nursing mothers, equipped with diaper changing tables, electrical outlets, and benches. JetBlue has set up the new T5 Farm in the T5 departure hall (pre-security)—a 24,000-square-foot (2,229-square-meter) vegetable garden that passengers can view up close. On the roof of the terminal, all passengers can visit the outdoor terrace, where they can also walk their dogs.
NO.2 Los Angeles International Airport(Los Angeles International Airport，LAX)
Terminal Layout: Los Angeles International Airport is spending billions of dollars to renovate all terminals to improve their connectivity. The airport has nine terminals (T1, T2, T6, T7, and T8 are currently under construction), including the new Tom Bradley International Terminal. American Airlines is in T4, Delta is in T5, and United is in T7 and T8. Although the area is large, T4, T5, T6, T7, and T8 are accessible by walking without having to exit and go through security again.
Security Situation: Because the airport is undergoing renovations both inside and out, it has launched a new LAX Is Happening website, which provides guides for each terminal. T5 and T6 have added several security checkpoints to alleviate congestion. However, it is best to choose a security checkpoint near your boarding gate.
Internet: Various terminals at Los Angeles International Airport provide free WiFi. You can get faster WiFi for $4.95 per hour or $7.95 for 24 hours.
Other Facilities: A new nursing room has been set up in T5.
NO.3 Chicago O'Hare International Airport(Chicago O'Hare International Airport，ORD)
Terminal Layout: O'Hare International Airport has three large domestic terminals: T1 is primarily used by United; T3 is the hub for American Airlines; flights for other airlines are mostly in T2. After passing through security, passengers can walk freely between several terminals. However, to take the train between terminals, you need to exit the security checkpoint. You can also reach the more distant T5.
Security: The longest security lines seem to be between T1 and T3 (T2 only has one security checkpoint). At T1 and T3, please choose the outer security checkpoints. For example, in T3, the security line after passing the American Airlines international check-in counter is usually not very long.
Internet: The airport provides 30 minutes of free WiFi, and high-speed internet is available for a fee. Each terminal has several charging stations, with 4 to 8 seats at each station.
Other Facilities: If you are traveling with children, you can let them play in the Kids on the Fly play area in T2. T3 has a nursing room. You can exercise in the Yoga Room (free to use) in T3, with free rental of mats and cleaning wipes. T1 and T3 also have day spas. Haven't had your flu shot yet? While waiting for your connection, you can get one at the clinics in T1, T2, and T3 ($30).
NO.4 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport(Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport，ATL)
Terminal Layout: Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest airport in the United States, consisting of domestic and international terminals, with both terminals located on either side of seven vertical concourses. The underground Automated People Mover runs through the seven concourses, connecting them and the two terminals.
Security: The domestic terminal has three security checkpoints: the Main, North, and South checkpoints. The airport publishes wait times for each checkpoint on its website. Passengers can also fill out a Trak-a-Line form online and provide an email address to receive the latest security updates.
Internet: The airport provides free WiFi.
Other Facilities: Minute Suites in Concourse B offer private mini-offices with sofas, desks, and showers, where you can work, sleep, or watch TV ($38 for 1 hour; starting from 1 hour).
NO.5 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport(Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport，DFW)
Terminal Layout: The elevated Skylink train inside the airport continuously loops between Terminals A through E. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is a hub for American Airlines, with flights in Terminals A, C, and D, while its subsidiary American Eagle uses Terminals B and D. Other domestic airlines use Terminal E, including Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines.
Security: 15 security checkpoints are lined up along the gates. If one is full, you can try the next one; staff often direct passengers to the next checkpoint with shorter lines.
Internet: Free WiFi is provided throughout the airport. The free lounges at B28, C8, C27, and E8 have power outlets installed under every seat. Terminals A, C, D, and E provide workstations (free) with power outlets and USB ports.
Other Facilities: Minute Suites in Terminal D offer mini-offices with sofas and private bathrooms for working or taking a shower ($25 for a 30-minute shower; $150 for 8 hours). The Yoga Studio near Gate D40 is equipped with mats where you can practice yoga (free). Terminals A, B, and C all have Aquafina Junior Flyer's Club children's play areas. XpresSpa in Terminals A, B, D, and E provides spa services. Terminals A and B have nursing rooms.
NO.6 San Francisco International Airport(San Francisco International Airport，SFO)
Terminal Layout: The domestic terminal consists of Terminals 1-3. The international terminal boarding area is mainly divided into two floors; the upper floor is primarily used for restaurants and shops, while the lower floor is mainly for boarding gate waiting areas.
Other Facilities: 24-hour children's playrooms (Kid's Spot) are located at Terminal 2 gates 54A and 58B, and Terminal 3 gates 62 and 87A; the Aviation Museum and Library is in the International Terminal hall, open Sunday-Monday 10:30 am-4:30 pm; Terminal 2 has a yoga room.
Nursing rooms are available in the lobbies of Terminals 1-3 and at the boarding gates after security.
