Study Reveals U.S. Airports with Longest Layovers

Booking.com for Business Analysis of Travel Efficiency

A new study by Booking.com for Business has identified U.S. airports where travelers experience the longest average layover times, shedding light on operational challenges that directly affect business travel efficiency and traveler wellbeing. The research examined major U.S. airports and found that layover durations vary significantly, often exceeding the national average.

According to the study, the typical layover time in the United States is approximately three and a half hours. However, several airports report substantially longer waiting periods, increasing pressure on corporate travelers operating under tight schedules.

Kahului Airport Tops the Layover Ranking

Kahului Airport in Maui recorded the longest average layover time in the country, with travelers waiting an average of 5 hours and 8 minutes between connecting flights. The airport primarily serves routes between the U.S. mainland and Maui, including business travel linked to meetings and conferences. Limited daily flight frequency, with around 93 departures per day, significantly contributes to extended connection times.

Island Airports and Major Hubs Extend Connection Times

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu ranked second, with an average layover of 4 hours and 34 minutes. Although the airport operates roughly 136 daily departures serving 57 destinations, reduced flight frequency compared to mainland hubs results in wider gaps between connections.

Similar patterns emerge at major continental airports, including Miami International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport, where average layovers exceed four hours. In these locations, large terminal layouts, high passenger volumes, and lengthy security procedures, particularly for international flights, contribute to longer connection times.

Business Travel Productivity Under Pressure

The Booking.com for Business study highlights that extended layovers present a growing challenge for corporate travelers. Research cited in the report shows that 28 percent of business travelers have cancelled meetings due to fatigue, linking travel logistics directly to productivity and business outcomes.

Despite longer wait times, Miami International Airport has been recognized for enhancing the layover experience. In 2025, it received global recognition as one of the best airports for layovers, supported by a wide range of dining options and passenger services designed to improve comfort during extended connections.

Corporate Travel Management and Planning Strategies

Joshua Wood, Business Director at Booking.com for Business, emphasized that coordinating multi-leg business trips requires careful planning. He noted that one of the main sources of stress for frequent travelers is uncertainty around whether a layover provides sufficient time, especially when airport size, security procedures, and walking distances between terminals vary widely.

Booking.com for Business experts underline the growing role of corporate travel management platforms, which centralize booking, tracking, and coordination of business trips. These tools help organizations streamline complex itineraries, reduce errors, and prioritize direct flights whenever possible to minimize delays and missed connections.

As reported by experts at International Investment, longer average layovers at key U.S. airports are becoming a structural consideration in corporate travel planning. Companies are increasingly factoring time buffers and technology-driven travel management solutions into their strategies to maintain productivity and control costs amid evolving aviation logistics.