Fast Food Before Takeoff: Which U.S. Airports Offer the Best Options?
With less than 7,000 daily passengers per fast food chain, Cincinnati has been revealed as the best U.S. airport to grab a quick bite in 2024
Photo: Courtesy of Denver International Airport
Millions of passengers grab a quick bite before their flights every day. They may yearn for a familiar taste of home or fill up on comfort food in anticipation of the often not-so-appealing in-flight meals.
For this reason, almost every airport in the U.S. offers some fast food dining options in their terminal buildings and waiting areas, catering to hungry passengers waiting for their flights or on lengthy layovers.
However, the difference in options can be vast. Some major airports offer a seemingly endless array of burger joints and fried chicken shacks, while travelers at small airports may be left with just two or three restaurants to choose from.
Photo: Courtesy of Denver International Airport
Luckily, the team at Upgraded Points has analyzed dining options across the 60 busiest airports in the U.S. to reveal which airports are the best for fast food in 2024.
The team ranked the airports based on their access to fast food, which was determined by calculating the ratio of fast food options to daily passenger traffic.
With more restaurants per passenger, customers can expect shorter lines and more time to enjoy their meals. The study included only the 20 most popular fast-food chains in terms of store locations.
Dallas and Cincinnati on Top
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has the highest number of popular fast food chains at 19. However, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) was found to be the best airport for fast food access, with just under 7,000 passengers per restaurant daily.
Photo: Courtesy of Upgraded Points
This is around 73% lower than average, with options including well-known brands such as Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Wendy’s.
Following closely behind is Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), with a rate of just under 7,500 passengers per fast food chain. IAH is significantly larger than CVG, offering an impressive 15 popular fast food options, including no less than 5 Panda Expresses.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is in third place, followed by Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Top 10: passengers per fast food chain
| Rank | Airport | Daily Pax / Restaurant | % Diff from Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) | 6,916 | -72.94% |
| 2 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | 7,484 | -70.72% |
| 3 | Ontario International Airport (ONT) | 7,847 | -69.30% |
| 4 | Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) | 7,940 | -68.94% |
| 5 | Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | 9,692 | -62.09% |
| 6 | Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) | 10,413 | -59.26% |
| 7 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | 10,579 | -58.62% |
| 8 | Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) | 11,115 | -56.52% |
| 9 | Indianapolis International Airport (IND) | 11,908 | -53.42% |
| 10 | Eppley Airfield (OMA) | 12,347 | -51.70% |
However, measuring the ratio of daily passengers to restaurants is not the only way to gauge access to fast food. Upgraded Points conducted a study to estimate the number of popular fast-food chains per mile in each airport.
Photo: Courtesy of Denver International Airport
According to the study, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has the highest concentration of fast food options within a smaller area— particularly beneficial for passengers carrying heavy luggage or staying close to their gate.
Top 10: fast food chains per mile
| Rank | Airport | Popular Fast Food Chains | Fast Food Chains / Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego International Airport (SAN) | 3 | 3.09 |
| 2 | John Wayne Airport (SNA) | 2 | 2.74 |
| 3 | Miami International Airport (MIA) | 11 | 2.26 |
| 4 | Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) | 15 | 2.15 |
| 5 | Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) | 7 | 1.72 |
| 6 | Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) | 5 | 1.49 |
| 7 | Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) | 6 | 1.39 |
| 8 | Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) | 6 | 1.26 |
| 9 | Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) | 3 | 1.2 |
| 10 | Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | 6 | 1.18 |
Lastly, according to Upgraded Points, McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A are the two most popular fast food chains in the 60 busiest airports in the United States.
Photo: Courtesy of Denver International Airport
The study counted the total number of locations for each chain across these airports and the number of airports with a location in each chain. McDonald’s has locations in 16 of the 60 busiest airports, while Chick-fil-A has locations in 25 of the 60 busiest airports.
Overall, 35 McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A locations are across the 60 busiest airports.
Top 10: airport fast food chains nationwide
| Rank | Fast Food Chain | Total Locations | Airports with a Location | % of Airports with a Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chick-fil-A | 35 | 25 | 41.67% |
| 2 | Burger King | 24 | 18 | 30% |
| 3 | Wendy’s | 20 | 17 | 28.33% |
| 4 | McDonald’s | 35 | 16 | 26.67% |
| 5 | Subway | 24 | 16 | 26.67% |
| 6 | Panda Express | 22 | 15 | 25% |
| 7 | Pizza Hut | 10 | 5 | 8.33% |
| 8 | Popeyes | 7 | 5 | 8.33% |
| 9 | Whataburger | 6 | 5 | 8.33% |
| 10 | Panera Bread | 6 | 4 | 6.67% |
“Quick-service restaurants are more than just a convenience – they’re an essential piece of the travel experience for many,” said Alex Miller, founder & CEO of Upgraded Points.
“From the dominance of Chick-fil-A in a staggering number of airports to the widespread availability of global giants like McDonald’s and Subway, these chains ensure that travelers are never too far from a taste of home.”
