The largest and most important airports in the USA

Chicago, Illinois

Airport Code: ORD

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the most important aviation hubs in the United States, connecting countries and continents. Opened in 1944, it was originally used as a military factory for Douglas Aircraft. In 1949, it was renamed in honor of Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II Navy fighter pilot and the first recipient of the U.S. Medal of Honor.

ORD consistently ranks among the busiest airports in the world. In 2023, it served over 74 million passengers. United Airlines and American Airlines are based here, with flights operated by over 70 airlines.

O'Hare is known for its unique runway configuration. Initially, there were seven runways in different directions, causing frequent intersections and delays. Now, a parallel scheme has been implemented:

• 8 runways
• Main runways running east-west to improve traffic flow
• No more runway intersections, reducing delays
• One of the longest runways, Runway 10C/28C (3,660 meters), accommodates the largest aircraft, including the A380

ORD is also famous for frequent flight delays, especially in winter. The reasons include:

• Snowstorms — Chicago winters are snowy and windy
• Strong crosswinds due to the airport's location
• Thunderstorms, particularly in summer, affecting air traffic

On average, about 20% of flights are delayed each year due to weather or congestion. However, the new runway layout and advanced traffic management technologies have already helped reduce these delays.

Things to Do While Waiting for Your Flight

If you find yourself with time before your flight at O'Hare, there's no shortage of things to do. Here are some ideas for making the most of your time:

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Airport Code: DFW

DFW is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, ranking second in size among U.S. airports (after Denver International Airport). It is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, playing a central role in the U.S. transportation system.

The airport opened in 1973, but the idea for its construction dates back to the 1940s. Previously, Dallas and Fort Worth had separate airports, but due to competition, the need for a unified, large aviation hub became clear. After lengthy negotiations and construction, DFW was established, and it has been expanding ever since. Here are some key milestones:

• 1974
  The first flight departs from DFW (American Airlines to Little Rock).
• 1989
  Opening of the international terminal.
• 2005
  Launch of the SkyLink system—the world’s fastest automated airport transit system.
• 2022
  More than 73 million passengers, making it the second busiest airport in the U.S.

Today, DFW serves as the main hub for American Airlines, providing flights worldwide.

The airport consists of five terminals (A, B, C, D, E) arranged in a semicircular shape and connected by the SkyLink system — an automated train that allows for quick movement between terminals.

• Terminals A, B, C
  Serve domestic flights, primarily for American Airlines.
• Terminal D
  Handles international flights and premium lounges.
• Terminal E
  Serves other airlines, including Delta, Spirit, and Alaska Airlines.

What to do while waiting for your flight?

• The Centurion Lounge (Terminal D)
  One of the best Amex lounges.
• Capital One Lounge
  Offers showers and cozy work areas.
• The Salt Lick BBQ
  Famous Texas barbecue — Terminal D.
• Whataburger
  Iconic Texas burgers — Terminal E.
• LUXE Duty-Free
  Designer brands and perfumes.
• Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop
  A store with merchandise from the famous NFL team.
• Minute Suites (Terminal D)
  Cozy sleep capsules.
• Grand Hyatt DFW
  A 5-star hotel located right in the airport.

How to get to the airport?

• Trinity Railway Express (TRE)
  A convenient train connecting DFW with Dallas and Fort Worth.
• Taxi / Uber / Lyft
  Travel time is around 30-40 minutes.

Denver, Colorado

Airport Code: DEN

Denver International Airport isn't just the largest airport in the U.S. by land area (136 square kilometers); it's also one of the most unusual. Known for its distinctive architecture, rich art collection, and mysterious conspiracy theories, it has become a place of intrigue.

• Opened on February 28, 1995 (construction began in 1989).
• Located 40 kilometers from downtown Denver, Colorado.
• The construction cost was $4.8 billion (well above the initial budget).

Before DEN, Stapleton International Airport was Denver’s main airport. However, it became too small and congested for the growing traffic. Additionally, its proximity to the city left little room for runway expansion, and weather conditions caused frequent delays.

The new airport was built on a vast area, which allowed:

• The creation of long, independent runways (without intersections).
• High capacity and minimized delays.
• Incorporation of architectural and artistic elements inspired by Colorado’s nature.

Architecture and Infrastructure

• Jeppesen Terminal
  The airport's main building, famous for its roof shaped like the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
• 6 Runways
  Including the longest runway in the U.S. (4.88 km), capable of handling an Airbus A380.
• DEN Transit Center
  Connecting the airport to downtown Denver.
• Extensive Art Collection
  DEN is known as "the most artistic airport in the U.S."

Conspiracy Theories Around Denver Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport is one of the most mysterious airports in the world. Due to its unusual art, underground tunnels, and strange symbols, many conspiracy theories have emerged. Let’s take a look at where they come from and what’s true.

Underground Bunkers and Secret Tunnels

• Theory: There is a massive underground bunker beneath the airport for the world’s elite or even the headquarters of the New World Order (NWO).
• Facts: During construction, problems with the baggage system did lead to abandoned tunnels and rooms. However, there is no evidence of "secret bunkers."

"Blucifer" – The Creepy Blue Mustang

• Theory: The giant blue mustang with glowing red eyes is a symbol of the apocalypse or even the Antichrist.
• Facts: The sculpture is called Blue Mustang, created by artist Luis Jiménez. 

Mysterious Murals with Dark Themes

• Theory: The airport features murals that predict the end of the world, global wars, and environmental disasters. There are soldiers in gas masks with weapons, alluding to tyranny and war. Grim scenes of destruction – cities in flames, crying children. The image of a phoenix rising from the ashes is seen as a symbol of rebirth, which many associate with secret societies.
• Facts: The murals were painted by artist Leo Tanguma.

The Masonic Stone and Time Capsule

• Theory: There's a stone at the airport with inscriptions related to Freemasons and the "New World Order."
• Facts: In Jeppesen Terminal, there is a granite slab with Masonic symbols and the inscription "New World Airport Commission."

Runways in the Shape of a Swastika

• Theory: When viewed from above, the airport’s runways resemble a swastika, linking it to neo-Nazi symbolism.
• Facts: This configuration was chosen for optimal air traffic management, allowing multiple runways to be used simultaneously.

Conclusion: Fact or Fiction?

All of these conspiracy theories are based on real elements, but Denver Airport uses them as part of its marketing. They've even put up humorous posters with questions like "What are we hiding?" So, if you find yourself at DEN, take a closer look at the strange symbols, murals, and Blucifer. Who knows, maybe the theories aren’t as crazy as they seem?

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Airport Code: FLL

FLL is the fourth busiest airport in Florida, serving over 36 million passengers annually. It is especially popular among budget airlines and cruise passengers departing from Port Everglades.

• 1929
  Opened as Merle Fogg Field, used for private and military flights.
• 1940s
  During World War II, it became a military airbase.
• 1953
  Converted into a civilian airport and granted international status.
• 2000s — Present
  Undergoing active modernization, with terminal and runway expansions.

The airport consists of four terminals, each serving specific airlines:

• Terminal 1 (Yellow)
  Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines.
• Terminal 2 (Red)
  Delta Air Lines, Air Canada.
• Terminal 3 (Purple)
  American Airlines, JetBlue Airways.
• Terminal 4 (Blue)
  International flights (Spirit Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca, Air Transat).

Popular Destinations: New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Juan, Toronto, Nassau, Bogotá, Lima.

Things to Do While Waiting for Your Flight

• Escape Lounge (Terminal 3)
  A cozy relaxation area with food and drinks.
• Zona Fresca (Terminal 3)
  Fresh Mexican tacos and burritos.
• Casavana Cuban Cuisine (Terminal 4)
  Traditional Cuban cuisine.
• Dufry Duty-Free (Terminals 2, 3, 4)
  Perfumes, alcohol, souvenirs.
• Admire Local Art
  Each terminal features art installations by local artists, inspired by Florida’s nature and culture.

How to Get to the Airport from the City

• Brightline Train
  Connects the airport to Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
• Public Buses (Broward County Transit, Route #1)
  Takes you to downtown Fort Lauderdale in 30 minutes.
• Taxi / Uber / Lyft
  A 15-minute ride to downtown, costing $15-25.

Miami, Florida

Airport Code: MIA

Miami International Airport (MIA) is Florida's primary international airport and the largest aviation hub for flights to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Serving around 50 million passengers annually, it ranks as the 10th busiest airport in the United States.

• 1928
  Opened as Pan American Field, serving as the base for Pan American Airways.
• 1945
  Renamed Miami International Airport, marking the beginning of major upgrades.
• 1959
  A new passenger terminal was introduced.
• 1990s–2000s
  Infrastructure expanded with the construction of an international terminal.
• 2020s
  Ongoing projects focus on service enhancements, including automated passport control systems.

The airport has three terminals, all connected by the automated Skytrain system.

• North Terminal (Blue Terminal)
  The main hub for American Airlines with international flights.
• Central Terminal (Yellow Terminal)
  Flights from Delta, United, Air Canada, and Copa Airlines.
• South Terminal (Red Terminal)
  Serves international flights, including Iberia, Lufthansa, LATAM, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

Popular Destinations: New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Madrid, Bogota, São Paulo, Havana, Cancun.

Things to Do While You Wait

1. 01. Galleries and Art
   

• MIA Galleries
  Exhibitions from local and international artists, inspired by Miami's culture.
• The Hall of Aviation
  An exhibition dedicated to the history of aviation in Miami.

1. 02. Latin American Flavors
   

• Café Versailles (North Terminal)
  Famous Cuban restaurant offering traditional sandwiches and coffee.
• Corona Beach House (Central Terminal)
  Mexican dishes and cocktails.
• Bacardi Mojito Bar (South Terminal)
  Caribbean cuisine and signature mojitos.

1. 03. Shopping & Duty-Free
   

• Dufry Duty-Free (All terminals)
  Perfumes, alcohol, souvenirs.
• Michael Kors, Montblanc, TUMI (Central Terminal)
  Popular luxury brands.
• InMotion Entertainment (North Terminal)
  Electronics and accessories.

1. 04. Relax in Lounges
   

• Admirals Club (North Terminal)
  American Airlines lounge with premium services.
• Turkish Airlines Lounge (South Terminal)
  A stylish resting area with panoramic views.

1. 05. Unique Amenities
   

• XpresSpa (Central Terminal)
  Express massages and relaxation zone.
• Pet Relief Area
  Special zones for passengers traveling with pets.

How to Get to the City

• Metrorail (Orange Line)
  Connects the airport with downtown Miami and the Dadeland area.
• Tri-Rail
  Convenient for trips to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
• Miami-Dade Transit Buses
  Routes to various Miami neighborhoods.
• Taxi/Uber/Lyft
  A ride to South Beach takes 20-30 minutes.

Traveling to the United States begins with passing through border control and other airport procedures. To avoid delays and unpleasant situations, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the key rules in advance.

• Citizens of most countries must have either a U.S. visa or an ESTA (if their country participates in the Visa Waiver Program).
• If you have items that require declaration, make sure to fill out the customs declaration form in advance.
• Border officers may ask about the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and where you will be staying.
• If officers have any concerns, you may be selected for additional screening. This is a standard procedure, especially for first-time visitors.
• It’s a good idea to purchase an eSIM or an international SIM card in advance to stay connected.
• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the U.S., but cash may still be needed for certain taxis or vending machines.
• Fresh fruits, meat, plants, and some other food items cannot be brought into the U.S. without special permission.
• If you’re carrying more than $10,000 in cash per family, you must declare it upon arrival.
• Tip from American Butler: If you’re looking for a comfortable travel experience, including private transfers or personal assistance, reach out to American Butler — we’ll make your journey smooth and worry-free!