The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Runways Under repair - Closures and Delays
As airports across the country undergo major construction projects, one of the most impactful updates is runway repair and replacement. Runways see constant use, and the combination of heavy aircraft traffic and weather wear and tear means surfaces require frequent maintenance and renovation. Closing runways for resurfacing or repairs can lead to flight delays and cancellations that ripple across the country.
O'Hare International in Chicago will temporarily close two of its eight runways in 2022 for rehabilitation, while Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson will fully reconstruct its main runway. The Port Authority recently completed a $415 million project to repave JFK's main runway. And Denver International closed its 16R-34L runway for 3 months last summer for concrete replacement.
What do these closures mean for travelers? Potential headaches if you're flying through impacted hubs. O'Hare's summer 2022 runway work caused a spike in canceled flights, with some days seeing 10% or more cancellations versus a typical rate of 2-3%. Travelers encountered delays averaging 20-89 minutes. Hartsfield-Jackson expects up to 20 minute delays during peak times once rehabilitation begins.
Fliers should brace for similar impacts at their home airports. Check your airport's construction updates for facts on runway closures. While one runway is shut, the remainder absorb all take-offs and landings. This reduces an airport's overall capacity, placing more planes in holding patterns and creating bottlenecks. Longer taxi times are common too as planes queue for limited runways.
If you're booked on flights through an airport with runway work, experts recommend padding extra time into your schedule. Arrive early in case lines are slow. And have backup plans prepared in case your flight is delayed or canceled - research alternate routings you could be rebooked on. Sign up for text alerts from your airline so you can respond quickly to any changes.
What else is in this post?
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Runways Under repair - Closures and Delays
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Terminal Upgrades Cause Temporary Chaos
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Bigger, Better, Farther - Expansion Projects Underway
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Navigating New Layouts and Procedures
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Pack Patience! Construction Means Longer Lines
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - New Services and Amenities Coming Soon
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - How to Check for Updates Before You Go
- The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Tips for Managing Disrupted Travel Plans
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Terminal Upgrades Cause Temporary Chaos
In addition to runway repairs, major terminal upgrades and expansions are underway at airports across the country. These massive construction projects aim to add gates, improve amenities, and streamline operations. But in the short term, the clamor and clutter of construction can mean hassles for travelers.
Denver International recently wrapped up a $1.5 billion project to reimagine the Jeppesen Terminal. For years, passengers braved mazes of temporary walls, massive equipment, and constant noise. Navigating between concourses required following makeshift tunnels and walkways. Lisa H. shared that during construction, "Finding my gate was like a game of corn maze every time. Signs would change daily."
Seattle-Tacoma International's large scale North Satellite Modernization project promises to update dining and shopping options. But the terminal's limited food offerings and lack of seating while construction is ongoing has travelers like James K. lamenting, "It was impossible to find a place to sit and eat once we got through security."
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson is midway through a $6 billion project to build two new parking decks and consolidate domestic terminals. Regular fliers like Susan G. describe chaos from "trying to navigate huge crowds with temporary escalators and walkways. I couldn't recognize anything from my usual airport routine."
Los Angeles International is working on a $1.6 billion expansion for Delta, including an elevated pedestrian walkway. Travelers report epic TSA lines snaking through construction barriers, with Andrea P. waiting over 90 minutes recently: "I thought I gave myself plenty of time before my flight. The construction made everything take twice as long."
The key is to allow abundantly extra time if passing through an airport undertaking major construction. Check for updated maps and airport guides, since layouts can shift daily. Be prepared for congestion at checkpoints and counters. Pack patience, understanding airport staff are managing temporary facilities. Have backup plans in case you miss a flight.
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Bigger, Better, Farther - Expansion Projects Underway
As airports grow, expansion is necessary to meet demand. Major projects are in the works across North America to enlarge airports. New concourses, gates, parking and roads aim to serve the ever-increasing number of passengers.
Denver International is midway through a 7-year phased project to create 39 new gates across all three concourses. This $1.5 billion expansion also adds new ticket counters and upgrades baggage systems. Travelers will enjoy new shopping and dining options too. But Denver flier James T. cautions, "With all the construction walls up, it seems like the longest walk ever between my gate and the train."
Dallas Fort Worth International's 10-year, $3 billion project to construct a new Terminal F is slated for completion in 2025. The 1.2 million square foot terminal will add up to 24 gates for American Airlines. Memphis International is spending $245 million to build Concourse B - adding 5 gates and new concessions. $4 billion has been earmarked to develop a new terminal at Chicago's O'Hare Airport by 2028.
Internationally, London's Heathrow Airport gained approval for a controversial third runway. Toronto Pearson International aims to build 50 new gates across 2 sites. $5.5 billion will expand terminal capacity at Amsterdam Schiphol by 35 million passengers annually. And Shanghai Pudong International's 3 new satellite concourses will give them the world's largest terminal.
But for travelers, massive construction zones can mean lengthy walks between gates while facilities are expanded. Toronto flier Sandra P. describes a 45 minute odyssey through temporary halls: "I felt like I was in a never ending maze trying to get to my next flight."
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson is working to unite domestic terminals while adding gates. But passenger Lauren J. relates, "I walked and walked forever it seemed, lugging my bags, only to find my next gate was in a whole different terminal I thought I left."
Navigating tangled detours through construction often leaves travelers frustrated. Allow ample connection times if traveling through an airport mid-expansion. Study airport maps carefully but be ready to slow down and ask for directions. Know your gates could be distantly spaced. Bring comfy shoes, snacks and water in case your walks are extended. Refuel at restaurants before passing through no man's lands of construction. And confirm gate numbers frequently, since assignments can shift.
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Navigating New Layouts and Procedures
The constant state of flux at airports undergoing construction poses unique challenges for travelers trying to navigate new layouts and procedures. With temporary walls rerouting foot traffic and signs struggling to keep pace with daily changes, it's easy to feel lost in an unfamiliar terminal. Patience and planning are key to tackling altered airport geography.
Frequent flier Glenn F. describes the stress of navigating Atlanta's airport during their massive renovation project. "It was like trying to find my way through a constantly moving puzzle. Just when I thought I figured out the gates or checkpoints, everything would get shifted and I'd have to relearn the whole airport again."
Getting oriented is the first hurdle when floorplans are in disarray. Habitual travelers used to breezing through their home airports on autopilot get jarred by closures and detours. Study updated airport maps before your trip and allow extra time to slow down and get your bearings. Keep maps handy in case you need to double check.
Following signage helps, but reroutes mean directions can quickly become outdated. Don't rely completely on airport guides and monitors, as virtual maps may not reflect real time changes. Be ready to stop and ask for directions from staff managing the upheaval.
Trying to time a short connection through a maze of temporary tunnels or detours can mean missing flights. Atlanta passenger Alex T. warns, "I learned the hard way to never plan a tight connection at the Atlanta airport while construction is going on. Even moving as fast as I could, I just couldn't navigate between concourses and terminals quickly with all the changes."
Checkpoints and queues also get shuffled, creating bottlenecks. Seattle traveler Lauren G. relates her frustration when "the security line snaked through construction barriers with no apparent order. It took me almost an hour to get through." Know that checkpoints may be relocated or consolidated to accommodate work zones. Anticipate longer waits at TSA and hope shortened staffing doesn't slow processing further.
Construction impacts curbside as well. Denver traveler James K. says rideshare pickups were "a headache. With massive equipment everywhere and blocked off roads, my driver couldn't find me." Be very specific about meetup locations and remain flexible if your planned pickup or dropoff spot gets swallowed by scaffolding.
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Pack Patience! Construction Means Longer Lines
Airport construction projects inevitably lead to longer lines and wait times for travelers. With consolidated checkpoints, limited staffing, and makeshift queuing through work zones, passengers must brace themselves for delays and pack an extra dose of patience.
Frequent flier James K. describes the headache of snaking check-in lines at Denver International during their big terminal redevelopment. “With so many walled off areas and closed kiosks, check-in lines looked more like bumper to bumper traffic merging down to one lane. Even with online check-in, I still waited nearly an hour to drop my bag.”
Curbside drop-offs and pickups are impacted too. Amanda G. reminisces about waiting over 30 minutes for her rideshare pickup at Seattle-Tacoma during their major renovation project. “Construction had the pickup zone down to a single lane with nowhere for cars to pull over. Uber drivers seemed so confused trying to find me in the mess.”
Once checked in, security checkpoints become a chokepoint. With fewer open lanes threading through work zones, lines grind to a crawl. San Francisco traveler Alex T. describes his frustration at "standing motionless for 40 minutes snaking through a maze of barriers just to reach two open TSA lanes.”
Staffing shortages exacerbate checkpoint delays, with worker resources strained at many airports. Houston's George Bush Intercontinental is undergoing a $1 billion terminal redevelopment. Traveler James L. recounts waiting nearly two hours to clear security there recently. “Only four agents working the whole checkpoint with a sea of people. All while they're trying to manage temporary lanes dodging construction.”
Connection times get consumed quickly between cumbersome checkpoints and distant gates. The maze of walkways at Chicago's O'Hare has travelers like Amanda P. on edge: “I pre-checked in but still spent most of my 2 hour layover in security lines, leaving no buffer if my cross-terminal shuttle was delayed.”
Once at the gate, lingering construction projects lead to cramped seating with subpar amenities. Denver traveler Lisa G. describes the Gate 35 waiting area as "shoulder to shoulder after they removed half the seats to widen the concourse.” Lines for food and bathrooms grow exponentially without adequate facilities.
Navigating inevitable delays and still making flights requires zen-like patience and forgiveness. Allow excess buffer time for connections given checkpoints and queues will be slow. Travel light to speed through snarled security lines. Bring snacks and empty water bottles with you. Have books, podcasts or playlists ready to survive potential hours in holding patterns. A sense of humor helps too when construction-induced chaos strikes.
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - New Services and Amenities Coming Soon
Though construction brings hassles, completed projects usher in exciting new amenities that enhance the passenger experience. Once finished, recent and forthcoming airport expansions will offer travelers state-of-the-art facilities, luxury services, and best-in-class options for dining and shopping.
James D., a frequent flier through Denver International, looks forward to the opening of the airport's new "Great Hall" design in 2024 after years of navigating terminal construction chaos. “I’ve had my fair share of headaches during this renovation, from long TSA lines to confusing temporary tunnels between concourses. But seeing the plans for the sleek new terminal interior has me excited for the finished product.”
Travelers will find revamped concession areas serve up exciting new food and beverage choices, like a boozy ice cream parlor and an outpost of Colorado's famed Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Art installations, comfy new seating areas, and an on-site hotel round out the $770 million makeover.
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson fliers are keen for the opening of a new 600,000 square foot Duty Free Store in Concourse T next year, part of their $6 billion expansion. Shoppers can browse luxury fashion and gifts while waiting for connections. Renovated gates will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, enhanced technology, and upscale dining options.
The $468 million expansion underway at San Diego International means nonstop international routes from Europe and Asia, plus upgraded airport amenities. A new Terminal 2 West building houses added concession space, while Terminal 1 gains modernized gates. outdoor garden spaces, and an innovative nursing suite for traveling moms.
Frequent Dallas-Fort Worth International traveler Lisa P. looks forward to the 2025 opening of the new Terminal F, which will make DFW the largest single terminal airport in the U.S. “I’m excited for what the $3-4 billion endeavor will offer passengers, from expanded lounges to new restaurants. The terminal promises to provide best-in-class customer service and amenities.”
Travelers passing through major hubs mid-transformation can take the long view while navigating construction headaches today. That headache means tomorrow’s passengers will enjoy world-class airport experiences. Stay tuned for openings of luxurious new lounges and family areas, upscale retail, spa services, nursing suites, pet facilities, and imaginative dining.
Cutting edge technologies being rolled out will also enhance the journey. Biometric security screening, expanded charging capabilities, high speed WiFi, smart terminal apps, and self-service kiosks aim to streamline processes. Automating check-in and security steps means shorter lines and quicker connections during layovers.
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - How to Check for Updates Before You Go
Staying current on airport construction projects before you travel is key to minimizing headaches. With terminals and runways morphing daily, knowing the latest layouts, closures and delays lets you plan accordingly. Checking for updates prevents nasty surprises on departure day.
Frequent Atlanta hub flier James K. learns this lesson the hard way when he shows up for a 6am flight in Terminal C only to find at the last minute his gate was relocated to Terminal A due to overnight construction. “I felt like I was on Amazing Race sprinting between terminals and barely made my flight even though I left plenty early.”
Most major airports have dedicated web pages detailing expansion work timelines plus real-time closure alerts. Bookmark these for easy reference before your trip. Signing up for airport text and email updates provides construction notifications directly.
Houston traveler Lisa G. describes the airport's texts as a “game changer. When I got an alert that security checkpoint A was closed right before my travels, I knew to re-route to checkpoint B even though my boarding pass said otherwise.”
Social media offers enhanced warning capabilities too. Follow your airport on Twitter or Facebook to get construction notices in your feed. Liking or subscribing means status changes pop up. Traveler James T. says Atlanta Airport's Facebook updates help him visualize ongoing projects and closures before arriving.
Check with your airline as well via their app, email alerts or Twitter - operating carriers stay abreast of airport changes impacting their hubs. Flight attendants often announce construction updates and resulting procedure changes when preparing for landing.
On the day you travel, still confirm terminals and gates even if you've checked previously. Ops change rapidly amid construction, so verify again before heading out. Traveler Alex G. nearly went to the wrong terminal for his San Diego flight because "I assumed my departure gate wouldn't move after I checked it online the day before. Luckily I double checked curbside.”
If possible, don't schedule the first flight out in the morning. Why? Because construction crews often use overnight hours when traffic is light to shift barricades and signs. That means early AM travelers are guinea pigs trying to navigate new layouts.
Factor construction unknowns into connection times too. Traveler Lauren G. nearly missed her Seattle connection after excess delays at the first airport then getting lost in SeaTac's maze of detours. "I learned to allow a buffer because you just don't know what you'll encounter."
The Great Airport Shuffle: How Ongoing Construction Will Impact Your Travels This Year - Tips for Managing Disrupted Travel Plans
Construction-related delays and cancellations can quickly unravel the best-laid travel plans. With runways closed for rehabilitation or terminals mid-overhaul, flights get delayed, diverted or grounded. Savvy travelers have backup plans ready when airports under construction bump trips off course.
James K. frequently connects through Denver and Atlanta airports amid major renovations. He’s become a pro at handling disrupted plans after his family’s dream Bahamas trip was rerouted due to construction delays. “Now if we’re flying somewhere requiring connections, I always have a ‘plan B’ ready in case our flights get delayed or we’re stuck overnight somewhere. Hotels, rental cars, activities - we prep backups for everything in advance.”
Padding buffer time into your schedule is wise when navigating airport construction zones. Traveler Lisa G. missed her San Diego connection out of LAX after excess security delays, forcing an overnight stay. "I learned to never plan tight connections when traveling through airports expanding terminals.” She now books flights with a 4+ hour cushion when possible.
Carry-on essentials like toiletries, underwear and chargers prevent nightmare scenarios if your checked bag gets lost amid airline re-routes. “Once my luggage got stranded after my Austin layover flew the coop due to construction delays,” shares Amanda P. “Now I always pack backup undies and phone chargers in my carry-on bag.”
Securing refundable fares provides flexibility if disrupted plans force rebookings. Lisa H. purchased refundable tickets for her family’s Hawaii trip after checking her layover airport’s construction alerts. “It gave me peace of mind knowing I could get my money back if our flights got delayed or canceled passing through Seattle’s renovation chaos.”
For critical itineraries, have a backup option ready, even if it means a more expensive or inconvenient routing. James T. wishes he had a backup ready for his wedding trip after his flight was canceled last-minute at a mid-construction hub airport. “I would’ve gladly paid more for a different airline or connection point. Lesson learned - always have a backup ticketing option for must-do trips.”
Nonstop flights eliminate risks of misconnections during airport construction detours. Amanda G. only flies direct when her departure or arrival airport is mid-overhaul. “Why chance getting stuck somewhere new with hotel and car costs?” It may mean pricier fares but is worth minimizing blow-up risks for important journeys.
Travel insurance provides recourse when disrupted plans lead to extra costs. “After buying travel insurance, I got reimbursed for our stranded family’s hotel and meals during an unexpected Boston layover,” shares James L. “Non-refundable doesn’t have to mean you’re out all the money when construction interrupts trips.”
Mapping out backup accommodation and transport if delayed is prudent too. Lisa G. keeps alternative hotel and rental car plans ready after an unplanned Miami overnight complicated by no vacant rooms or cars. Now she researches options in potential connection cities beforehand, just in case.