Major airports around the world are air traffic hubs that make connections easy and draw on large population centers to support them. The downside is that they are often bottlenecked with delays at the security lines and on the tarmac. Such chronic congestion has led to a resurgence of secondary and satellite airports in the communities and smaller cities surrounding established hubs.
Naturally, these smaller airports appeal to travelers who prefer not to fight traffic and crowds on their way to a major airport, but they have also captured the interest of air carriers seeking new routes into overcrowded markets. The benefit is twofold: When carriers establish service out of an alternative market, the surrounding communities reap economic rewards. In addition, travelers find shorter lines for check-in and security, fewer delays at take-off, more convenient and less expensive parking and easier trips to and from the airport.
European Options
London is one example of a city where outlying — and sometimes close-in — airports have come into play alongside the big boys. Even as Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) turn into mini-cities, the young all-business-class airlines plying the transatlantic route have made Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) more common destinations. Eos is based at Stansted and Silverjet has its own Luton terminal. (American, which initiated service between New York JFK and Stansted last fall, will add a second daily flight in April.) London City Airport (LCY), just 10 miles from the city’s West End, has air service to and from many British cities and international service to and from most Western European countries.
Orly Airport (ORY), once Paris’ shining star (and, before Charles de Gaulle International (CDG) opened in 1974, the only game in town) saw most of its international traffic gradually shift to Charles de Gaulle. Orly slowly regained its footing in the international game by attracting newer and smaller carriers that couldn’t get desirable gates and time slots at CDG. Then, as with London, a new all-business-class airline, L’Avion, brought transatlantic service to the airport again. (Delta will also begin flying transatlantic between New York’s JFK and Orly as of June.) Aeroports de Paris has lately been investing heavily in both airports, spending $35 million to renovate the international passenger section of Orly’s South Terminal.
Smart travelers to Germany have begun to appreciate Düsseldorf International (DUS). With Frankfurt now the third-busiest airport in Europe (just behind Heathrow and CDG), and Munich rapidly catching up in terms of congestion, those who plan on traveling throughout Germany are finding Düsseldorf to be a more pleasant international gateway where they can whiz through the immigration and security lines. Lufthansa, which uses Düsseldorf as its secondary hub, will increase its long-haul flights out of Düsseldorf including routes to Toronto (YYZ) beginning in May. Other carriers that fly to Düsseldorf from the United States include Air Berlin/LTU, Delta and Northwest. The airport also has been modernized to handle the new superjumbo A380s — fast growth for an airport that only added “International” to its name in 1998.
American Alternatives
After last year’s rampant delays at major U.S. gateways, the skies above alternative American airports have been looking a lot friendlier to travelers and airlines alike.
In Southern California, Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA), 41 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), has long been an open secret among those who live in the vicinity, though its relatively short runways limit traffic. Still, 10 different U.S. carriers serve SNA, providing an alternative to busy LAX with flights to and from most major cities as far east as Chicago. Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport (BUR) is an even closer- in alternative if you’re heading for Los Angeles — it’s just 10 miles from downtown and is served by eight U.S. airlines, including JetBlue flights to and from New York. Ontario International Airport (ONT), 35 miles east of Los Angeles, is another convenient alternative for those living in, or traveling to, the Inland Empire communities of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
In Northern California, the alternative to San Francisco International (SFO) is nearby Oakland International (OAK), which in recent years has been one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. It’s still international primarily by virtue of flights to Mexico, but late last year TACA introduced three flights a week to El Salvador, and the extensive service between Oakland and airports throughout the United States offers a lot of good connecting options.
In the heartland, Midway International Airport (MDW), the alternative to Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD), has stood the test of time, providing options for Midwest travelers since it received its International designation in 1949. Akin to Orly, Midway was the primary airport for Chicago, and the world’s busiest airport overall, until the late 1950s, and was American Airlines’ original base of operations. These days, a new inline baggage screening system means passengers no longer have to carry their checked baggage from check-in to security. While Midway’s only international destination is Mexico, the nine airlines operating from MDW provide connecting service to major gateways in more than 30 states, plus the District of Columbia.
Northeast Access
New York is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International (EWR) across the Hudson River in New Jersey. Each is notorious in its own way for delays and discomforts, but travelers can find far more pleasant options north of the city.
Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, N.Y., while constrained in its flight volume by its residential surroundings, continues to attract airline as well as corporate traffic; nine airlines fly from Westchester to 18 destinations in the United States and Canada, with nonstop service to 10 major cities. For those living in, or doing business in, Westchester County and western Connecticut, the manageable modern terminal and easy parking are a major draw.
Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, N.Y., after a decade of privatization, last year came under the aegis of The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which operates the major airports in those states. Commercial service is once again on the rise, and the number of flights in 2007 was expected to be triple that of 2006. Getting its own highway exit last year also greatly improved its popularity with local travelers. At press time, five U.S. airlines were serving Stewart, with nonstop flights to Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia and three Florida cities.
New Englanders are seeing the alternatives to Boston Logan (BOS) continue to improve. Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in southern New Hampshire is served by seven major airlines and has nonstop service to 16 U.S. cities as far west as Phoenix and Las Vegas. International service includes nonstops to Toronto and direct flights to other Canadian cities plus London, Lisbon, Mexico, the Bahamas and Costa Rica.
The other New England option, TF Green International (PVD) in Providence, R.I., is served by seven major U.S. carriers, several commuter airlines, Air Canada and Portuguese airline SATA. Together, they offer scheduled nonstop service to 19 U.S. gateway cities, plus Toronto and the Azores. Green has recently completed a major expansion of its shopping and dining facilities and added such amenities as massages and WiFi.
Airports to Watch
In England, Manchester International Airport (MAN), http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk is a ,growing option, with service from nine U.S. gateways and connections to most of Europe and the Middle East.
Barcelona International
(BCN), http://www.castelldefels.com/aeroport/ also ,called El Prat, is the second airport in Spain behind Madrid (MAD). Unti l recently, it served primarily domestic and European destinations, but it now has service to and from the United States on Continental, Delta and US Airways, and American Airlines will start service to Barcelona in May.
The nearest alternative to hectic Miami International (MIA) is Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL), http://www.broward.org/airport/ One o.f the fastest-growing airports in the United States, it is the main hub of Spirit Airlines and is beginning to see its direct international service expand beyond Canada and the Caribbean into Latin America.
Travelers to Japan who want to bypass Tokyo’s Narita International (NRT) may be well served by Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX). Nicknamed “Kanku,” the airport has become an Asian hub, with almost 500 weekly flights, but it also has ample service to North America, Europe and the Middle East. United Airlines flies from Osaka to San Francisco, and JAL flies to Honolulu (HNL).
Read This Next
Park Hyatt Washington
2008
Dec 10, 2012All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
March 2024
Mar 27, 2024Udaipur Unveiled: A Walking Tour in Rajasthan’s Most Romantic City Reveals Its Many Layers
Anyone who makes their way to Rajasthan in northern India has likely heard of Udaipur’s allure. The city revered for its lakes and marble palaces is considered by many who know not only the Indian subcontinent but the planet as a whole to be the most spectacularly romantic city on Earth.
Daily
Mar 27, 2024Go Island Hopping in Spain with Meliá Hotels International
It’s time to start planning summer travel. Consider a chic island getaway off the coast of Spain. Spain’s Meliá Hotels International offers a collection of hotels throughout the islands that highlight the Spanish lifestyle.
Daily
Mar 27, 2024“Deal or No Deal” Interactive Game Show Comes to Holland America Line
Holland America Line expands its entertainment offerings by launching the game show brand Deal or No Deal on nine ships. TimePlay, an entertainment software company, powers the show format, with a highly adaptable design and strong brand identity, on more than 85 ships worldwide.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Celebrate the 3 Z Hotels San Francisco with Limited-Time Offer
Z Hotels SF, a collection of boutique properties in downtown San Francisco, launched a limited-time offer. Whether you opt to stay at Hotel Zelos, Hotel Zetta or Hotel Zeppelin, book The Best Things Comes in Threes offer and receive:
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
eFlyer Lead
Mar 27, 2024Aeromexico Named Most Punctual Airline in the World
Cirium, a global aviation analytics company, recently released the most on-time airlines in the world for early 2024. The study found Aeromexico as the most improved airline in February, with a 90.66 percent on-time performance, a 12.5-point increase in on-time performance over January 2024.
ShareThis