Top 5 Biggest Airports in Florida

Florida, known for its sunny beaches and vibrant cities, is also home to some of the busiest airports in the United States. These airports are gateways to adventure, connecting millions of travelers to this sunny paradise every year.

From the streets of Miami to the magical theme parks of Orlando, each airport serves as a starting point for countless journeys. In this article, we’ll explore the five biggest airports in Florida, highlighting their unique features and the vital roles they play in making your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.

Let’s explore the 5 biggest airports in Florida!

List of The 5 Biggest Airports In Florida!

you’ll never witness Florida’s skies are always busy because of its big airports. Each airport is important for helping travelers get to Florida’s pretty places and learn about its different cultures. Let’s look at the five largest airports that make Florida special:

Here’s a list of the top airports in Florida! 

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport (MCO) stands as the premier gateway to Central Florida’s world-renowned attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. As the busiest airport in Florida, MCO plays a crucial role in accommodating the influx of tourists and business travelers, offering an array of domestic and international flights.

Airlines and Destinations: Major airlines operating at MCO include Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, and JetBlue, as well as international carriers such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and British Airways.

Also read: Biggest Airports in Texas

Traveler Tips:

Navigating MCO can be a breeze with a little planning. Consider arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your domestic flight and 3-4 hours for international flights to allow ample time for check-in, security, and boarding. For those heading to Orlando’s attractions, numerous ground transportation options are available, including rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and public transportation services.

Let’s have a look at the key points of this airport- 

Code: MOC

Elevation: 29 m 

Hub for Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, and JetBlue, as well as international carriers such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and British Airways. 

runways and terminals: 2 terminals 

Restaurants: ADMIRAL’S CLUB

• ASIAN CHAO
• auntie annes 
• Bahama breeze 
• bananas
• Barnie’s Coffee and Tea 
• Baskin robbins 
• Burger King Camden Food Co
• carvel 
• cask and larder market
• chipotle 
• chick-fil-a
• Cinnabon 
• cold stone creamery 
• Dunkin donuts
• McDonald’s
• manchu wok 
• Mccoys bar and grill 
• wendy 
• wine bar George
• tacos locos 
• panda express 

Also read: Biggest Airports in Colorado

Miami International Airport (MIA)

In 2021, Miami International Airport took the lead as the top international cargo airport in the U.S. and also outpaced John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City to become the busiest entry point for international travelers in the country. That same year, it ranked as the 10th busiest airport in the U.S., handling 17,500,096 passengers. 

The Miami International Airport is a It’s known as “The Gateway to the Americas” because it’s really busy with people traveling internationally. This shows how Miami is a place where lots of different cultures come together and are important for global business and travel.

This is one such airport that connects the United States with other parts of the world, especially places like Latin America and the Caribbean. This is one of the main airports in Florida that has places to relax, art to look at, and shows that give you a taste of Miami’s lively culture. Plus, there’s free Wi-Fi, places to exchange money, and spots that are good for families, making it a comfy and easy place to be.

Airlines and Destinations: They fly to many places in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. 

Also read: Biggest Airports In Hawaii

Traveler Tips:

When flying from or arriving at MIA, it’s a good idea to look up your flight and where you need to go in the airport ahead of time because it’s a big place. Since it is the busiest airport in Florida, you should get there 3 hours before your flight to have enough time for check-in, security, and customs. If you’re going on a cruise or visiting Miami’s sights, there are lots of ways to get where you need to go, like shuttles, taxis, rental cars, and buses.

Let’s have a look at the key points of this airport- 

Code: MIA

Elevation: 3 m 

Hub for: American Airlines, Atlas Airlines, ABX Air, American Airlines, Amerijet International

Atlas Air, Avianca Cargo, Eastern Airlines, LLC, FedEx Express, Havana Air, etc

Runway and terminal: 3 terminals and 4 runways 

Restaurants:

• Wendy’s
• TGI Friday’s
• Subway
• Spring Chicken
• Shula’s Bar & Grill
• Pizza Hut Express
• Nathan’s Famous
• Maestro Della Pizza
• La Pausa
• KFC
• Island Chicken Grill
• Ice Box Café
• Half Moon Empanadas
• Gilbert’s Food Bar (Pre-Security)

Also read: Biggest Airports in South Carolina

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major airport in Florida, especially important for people flying in and out of the busy Miami area. It’s right next to big roads and close to the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. The airport is just 3 miles southwest of the center of Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami, making it a convenient spot for travelers going to or coming from South Florida.

The Federal Aviation Administration classifies FLL as a “major hub,” underscoring its critical role in facilitating commercial air traffic in and out of Florida.

Airlines and Destinations: A base for major airlines like Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines.

Traveler Tips:

To avoid any stress, aim to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Wear easily removable shoes and minimize metal objects to speed up your time through security. Have your ID and boarding pass ready when you reach the front of the line.

Let’s have a look at the key points of this airport- 

Code: FLL

Elevation: 2.74 m

Hub for: WestJet, Western Air, United Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Silver Airlines, Porter Airlines, Jet Blue, Frontier Airlines, Flair Airlines, Delta Air Lines

Runway and terminal: 4 terminals 

Restaurants: 

• Starbucks
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Burger King

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Tampa International Airport (TPA) stands out for its distinctive and practical design, making it a favorite among travelers for its ease of navigation and the efficient SkyConnect people mover system.

This system effortlessly links passengers to the main terminal, car rentals, and parking, significantly enhancing the travel experience. As the primary airport serving Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas, TPA is a central hub for those looking to explore the west coast of Florida, including destinations like Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Lakeland, and beyond.

Airlines and Destinations: TPA hosts a variety of airlines, offering 71 non-stop destinations that cater to a broad spectrum of traveler needs. 

The airport’s roster includes major domestic carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United, facilitating easy access across the United States. Internationally, TPA provides direct flights to and from countries like Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, among others, making it a versatile hub for global travelers looking to explore Florida’s west coast or venture abroad.

Also read: Biggest Airports in California

Travelers Tip:

Given TPA’s unique layout and the array of amenities it offers, arriving at least 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours for international flights is advisable. This ensures you have ample time to navigate through check-in, and security, and enjoy the facilities without rush.

Let’s have a look at the key points of this airport- 

Code: TPA

Elevation: 8m 

Hub for: American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines, etc.

Runway and terminal: 4 passenger terminals 2 cargo terminals and 4 terminals.  

Restaurants:

• Columbia Restaurant Café
• Cigar City Brewing
• The Café by Mise en Place

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves as a key gateway to Northeast Florida. Despite being our top 5, this airport is one of the top 10 busiest airports in Florida, offering a range of services that cater to both business and leisure travelers. Recognized for its ease of navigation and friendly atmosphere, JAX provides a comfortable and efficient travel experience. 

Conveniently located just north of Jacksonville, the airport grants easy access to the city’s business districts, stunning beaches, and tourist attractions, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region.

Airlines and Destinations: Major airlines operating at JAX include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, among others. These carriers offer direct flights to key cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, New York, and Chicago, as well as seasonal or occasional international destinations.

Travelers Tip:

To ensure a smooth passage through check-in and security, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours for international flights. This extra time can also be used to explore the airport’s amenities.

Let’s have a look at the key points of this airport- 

Code: JAX

Elevation: 9.14 m 

Hub for: City Link Air

Runway and terminal: 2 runways 

Restaurants:

• Starbucks
• Southern Grounds
• Vino Volo

Wrap It Up!

Exploring the five largest airports in Florida gives us a glimpse into the state’s travel scene. Each airport, with its own charm and services, ensures that whether you’re flying in for a beach vacation, a business trip, or a trip to the theme parks, your journey begins and ends on a high note. 

These airports not only connect Florida to the rest of the country but also open doors to the world, making them crucial hubs for international and domestic travelers alike. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to or from the Sunshine State, you’ll know the gateways that will lead you to your Florida adventure.

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