15 US airports getting major renovations—and tips for navigating them

The tourism industry is still rebounding from the sharp declines it experienced due to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly during the periods of lockdowns and heavy travel restrictions that plagued 2020. And that is especially true for air travel, both for business and pleasure.

The U.S. Travel Association is forecasting a surge in air travel that will not only surpass pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, but may become the biggest demand the U.S. has ever experienced. At the same time, airports throughout the country are undergoing major transformations and, in some cases, being entirely rebuilt. The goal for many is to offer new travel experiences for the modern age—U.S. terminals are over 40 years old on average, according to the Airports Council International-North America.

The transformations are thanks in part to the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which most recently allocated $1 billion to 99 airports nationwide for terminal expansions, improved security screening areas, better passenger experiences (including baggage handling), and more. In some cases, funding is also coming from the airlines themselves.

To take a deeper look at some of the transformations happening across the country, TravelPerk compiled a list of 15 U.S. airports whose renovations are well underway, about to begin, or have recently been completed, using data from the Federal Aviation Administration, news organizations, and local airport authorities.

While these projects are ongoing, passengers may experience varying levels of upheaval on their way to wheels-up, so logistics may get worse before they get better. No matter the destination, travelers should expect construction, congestion, limited parking, detours, and closures in the coming years. That means arriving early is now more important than ever.

Fortunately, most airports offer updates and alerts on their websites, through email signups, and, in some cases, on a mobile app. Read on to see if your local airport is getting a facelift and what you can expect on your way to the friendly skies.

Eric Glenn // Shutterstock

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

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