Dallas/Fort Worth International takes top spot for longest airport walk
They say everything is biggest in Texas and that includes the longest walk through one of the state’s largest airports.
A recent study of airport maps and data points by KURU Footwear found the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport took the top spot for longest walking distance.
On average, travelers walk 2.16 miles from check in to their gate at DFW.
The airport with the quickest walk was Blue Grass Airport in Kentucky with a distance of just 0.11 miles from check in to gate.
KURU also conducted a survey of 1,000 Americans and their travel habits and experiences.
The survey showed that just over half (55 percent) of air travelers spent an hour or more walking around the airport.
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About 63 percent of travelers got to the airport one or two hours before their flight. One in 10 people, however, got to the airport 50 minutes or less before their departure.
The long walks in airports do not seem to be a problem for a majority of travelers with 63 percent saying that a longer walk in smaller airports would not prevent them from flying out of that site.
About 30 percent of Americans surveyed said they never travel by air, 27 percent said they fly a few times a year and 23 percent said they travel by air once a year.
For the study, KURU looked at data from the top 10 largest and smallest airports in the country.
KURU offers some tips for making that long haul through DFW or other airports more comfortable:
Plan bathroom breaks. The closest restroom may also be the busiest one in a terminal, meaning long waiting lines. Thankfully, most airports have multiple restrooms so it might be worth the extra walk to get to a restroom with shorter lines.
Schedule ahead for assistance. If you or a travel companion will need a wheelchair or escort service through an airport, it is best to make arrangements ahead of time. Scheduling ahead can prevent delays or equipment shortages on the travel day.
Save time at security. Being prepared for the security check can save time and hassle. Keep electronic devices accessible and place them in their own bin. Use three-ounce bottles for liquids and store in a clear bag. Wear socks because you will likely have to remove your shoes. Keep your ID and boarding pass handy.
Follow the provided signage. Most airports have clear and frequent signs about terminal locations, baggage claim area and other flight information. Stay alert and focused as you travel between terminals.
Keep essentials at hand. Carry a purse or backpack with frequently needed items and essentials. Must-haves might include your phone, wallet, passport, medications, water, snacks, small blanket and reading material. To save room, keep this small bag with you at your seat on the plane and store the rest in the overhead compartment.
Wear comfortable shoes. About 41 percent of air travelers said they wear sneakers or other casual shoes at the airport. Walking through the airport can easily clock in a mile or two so comfortable, supportive shoes are a must.
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See the full KURU study at https://www.kurufootwear.com/blog/longest-and-shortest-airport-walks.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Dallas/Fort Worth International has longest airport walk at 2.16 miles
