Craving a fast bite before takeoff? Do familiar fries and burgers bring you comfort during long layovers? You’re not alone! Airports around the world cater to this universal need, but some offer a smorgasbord of fast food options, while others leave you hungry for more. Curious which airports boast bountiful burger joints and which fall flat in the flavor department? Upgraded Points announced its newest study with a comprehensive ranking of major airports based on airport fast food options, providing valuable insights into where travelers can find a swift meal before takeoff or between flights.

“Quick-service restaurants are a travel essential, offering a sense of familiarity no matter where you go,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. “Whether it’s a McDonald’s Big Mac or a Chick-fil-A sandwich, these foods are easy to grab in a pinch.”

Top U.S. Airports for Fast Food Efficiency: Shortest Lines Revealed

Leading the pack is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), boasting an impressive ratio of 6,900 daily passengers for every fast food chain. This is a staggering 73% below the airport average. What does this mean for you? Essentially, shorter lines and more time to enjoy your meal. The Cincinnati airport features popular choices like Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Wendy’s, ensuring you have variety at your fingertips.

Not far behind is Houston’s very own George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). With a daily passenger per fast food chain ratio of 7,400 (71% below the average), this airport is a fast food enthusiast’s paradise. It houses 15 fast food restaurants, including a remarkable 5 Panda Expresses and 3 Wendy’s. So, whether you crave some quick Asian cuisine or a classic burger, IAH has you covered.

Next, Ontario International Airport (ONT) stands at 7,800 daily passengers per fast food chain. This figure is 69% below the average, making it another top contender for fast food availability. Whether you’re a fan of Subway’s sandwiches or Chick-fil-A’s chicken delights, ONT ensures you won’t have to wander far for your favorite fast food.

Another airport serving Ohio residents, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), also makes the list with 7,900 daily passengers per fast food chain, which is 69% below the average. With 2 Subways and a Chick-fil-A, your cravings for a quick and tasty meal can be easily satisfied here.

Coming in at the fifth spot is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), with a ratio of 9,700 daily passengers per fast food chain, 62% below the average. With 6 fast food restaurants, including 2 Subways, 2 Chick-fil-As, and a Pizza Hut, your options are diverse and convenient.

If you’re a heavy packer who’s worried about lugging baggage from your gate to the nearest fast food joint, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most convenient, with the most fast food chains per mile (3.09). If you’re a picky eater looking for the most options, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has 19, the most fast-food locations of any airport in the study.

For those curious about how other airports stack up, don’t miss our comprehensive data table below. Find your local airport and see how it compares in terms of fast food access, number of fast food locations, and density of locations. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this information might make your next airport experience a little more enjoyable (and delicious!).

The Fast Food Chains You’ll Find Most Often in U.S. Airports

Whether you need a quick breakfast before an early flight or a snack during a layover, these familiar fast-food outlets provide comfort and convenience to millions of travelers. Let’s look at the most prevalent fast-food chains gracing the terminals of U.S. airports.

Given that McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A are in the top 5 highest-grossing fast-food restaurants, it should come as no surprise that both top the list of fast-food locations at America’s major airports. Both chains have 35 locations across the 60 busiest airports in the U.S.

Subway and Burger King also make fairly large impressions when it comes to airline travel. Both restaurants have 24 locations in the airports we studied. Wendy’s also makes an appearance high on the list with an even 20 locations.

Perhaps the most surprising fast-food find at the airport is how often we see Panda Express. The Chinese cuisine-inspired quick-service restaurant has 22 locations in major U.S. airports, giving it the fifth spot on our list. Panda Express only has about 2,400 locations nationwide, significantly less than the other popular airport fast-food chains that fared similarly in our study. So while you may have trouble finding a location near you, you certainly won’t when needing a quick bite during your next flight.

Most Popular Airport Fast Food Chains: America’s Favorites

• McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A: Among the top 5, chicken and burgers help lead the pack with 35 locations each across the 60 busiest U.S. airports.
• Subway and Burger King: With 24 locations each, these American sandwich makers provide travelers with ample choices.
• Most Widespread: Chick-fil-A was present in the largest percentage of airports (42%), followed by Burger King (30%) and Wendy’s (28%). McDonald’s and Subway were close behind at 27%, and Panda Express was present in 1 in 4 airports.

Study Methodology

Upgraded Points analyzed the fast food landscape across the 60 busiest airports in the U.S., as defined by total passenger volume. The research involved a detailed review of the availability of the top 20 fast-food chains, recognized for their widespread popularity and number of locations, directly collected from the individual airport websites. To provide context for the findings, the data was integrated with annual passenger traffic statistics.

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