In anticipation of the August 2020 Kansas City premiere of the hotly anticipated Elvis Presley movie Elvis & Me, SlotChips has put together a comprehensive guide on where to fly to for the big celebration. To kick off the list, let’s take a look at the most popular options.
Kansas City (KCI)
Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is the largest airport in Kansas City and the 44th busiest in the country. It serves as a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines. Direct flights from KCI to Los Angeles, Dallas, and Las Vegas make it a popular place for vacationing Americans looking to get away for a second home in the Sun Belt. For decades, Kansas City was a popular retirement destination for people who worked in the oil and pharmaceutical industries, giving it a slightly different vibe than most other American airports.
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is America’s 12th busiest airport, serving a whopping 47 million passengers annually. The airport is 18 miles from the center of Dallas and 30 miles from the center of Fort Worth. Popular with business travelers and leisure destination seekers alike, DFW is one of the most convenient airports for a road trip to the Great American Midway. American Airlines, Delta, and United all have nonstop service to DFW from numerous major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Direct Delta flights from DFW also serve as layovers for some flights to and from Orlando, making it a popular stop on the route to the Sunshine State.
Las Vegas (LAS)
Las Vegas Airport (LAS) recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. The airport is a bit of an oasis in the middle of a city that never sleeps. It’s only a few hours from the center of Las Vegas, but travelers often stop by for a break from the bustle of the city. LAS is 18 miles from the center of Las Vegas and is served by numerous major airlines, including American, Delta, and United. The airport accommodates more than 26 million annual passengers and is the largest airport in the world by acreage.
Orlando (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the biggest airport in Central Florida and is the primary airport for the Walt Disney World Resort. The $6.6 billion project that also hosts the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup finished in 2019 and hosted more than 52.3 million visitors. Nearby attractions like Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa, Epcot, and Universal Orlando help the airport to draw in visitors from around the world. MCO is only 30 miles from the center of Orlando and is served by major airlines like American, Delta, and United. The airport provides direct connections to the Sunshine State and the rest of the Southeastern United States.
Phoenix (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the 6th largest airport in the country and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The airport is 30 miles from the center of Phoenix and is the point of departure for nearly 20 million annual passengers. PHX is the main airport for the Phoenix metropolitan area and is one of the few airports that still allow you to smoke upon arrival. Delta, American, and United all operate direct flights to and from PHX, making it a popular airport for vacationers and business travelers alike.
Los Angeles (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the 3rd largest airport in the country and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It handles more than 28 million passengers annually. The airport is 45 miles from the center of Los Angeles and is the point of departure for nearly 500 flights every day, making it one of the most accessible airports in the country. LAX is a hub for American Airlines and Delta, with United operating a few direct flights a day to and from the city. Travelers from outside of the United States can check in for international flights at the nearby Curbside Level 3 Customs Preclearance station.
New York (JFK)
New York City’s famous John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the 2nd largest airport in the country and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The $12 billion airport opened in 1941 and is one of the few remaining legacy airports built during the golden age of travel. In early 2021, the airport will undergo its largest facelift in over 80 years. The overhaul will give it a fresh coat of paint, new signage, and improved baggage claim.
Arguably one of the most historic airports in the country, JFK handles 26.3 million passengers annually and is one of the few airports that have seen its traffic increase since the start of the pandemic. Delta, American, and United all operate scheduled flights to and from the airport, making it an essential stop on any trip to the metropolitan area. With so many destinations and options for travel, the world’s greatest city has never been more accessible.
Portland (PDX)
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the 8th largest airport in the country and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The airport is 12 miles from the center of Portland and is a hub for Delta Air Lines. PDX handled 17.2 million passengers in 2019 and is one of the few airports that saw an increase in traffic year over year during the pandemic. Travelers can catch a flight to anywhere in the country or the world from PDX, as the airport connects directly to 15 U.S. cities and 29 foreign cities.
PDX is a great stopover for travelers heading to the greater Portland area and is especially convenient for those traveling from the east coast. The airport provides direct connections to the New England, Southeast, and Midwest United States.
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the 3rd largest airport in the country and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The airport is 12 miles from the center of the city and is a hub for American, Delta, and United Airlines. In 2020, SFO will undergo a makeover that will make it a bit more user-friendly for travelers and improve its appearance. The airport is home to the San Francisco Museum of Art and the San Francisco Opera, drawing tourists and locals alike. SFO handles 27.2 million passengers annually and is one of the few remaining legacy airports from the golden era of travel.
SFO is one of the most prominent airports in the country and is well recognized for its quirky sense of humor. In anticipation of the impending arrival of the jet-setting A-list, travelers to the city can rest assured knowing they have an airport that will make their stay more enjoyable.
Boston (BOS)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is America’s 13th busiest airport and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country. The airport is 13 miles from the center of Boston and is a hub for American, which has nonstop service to and from BOS. Also serving the airport are Delta, United, and the regional jet carrier Cape Air. In 2020, airport traffic was up 3.1% from 2019 levels. Travelers can fly to the suburbs, the beach, or the airport and enjoy a comfortable and convenient stopover.
If you’re looking to catch a flight to Boston, consider stopping by the airport – it’ll make your flight more enjoyable.
Seattle (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the largest airport in the country, handling 41.3 million passengers annually. The airport is 18 miles from the center of Seattle and is a hub for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. There are 22 gates, a full-service restaurant, and a bar at SEA, making it one of the world’s most comfortable airports. At any given time, there are usually a handful of flights available, so there’s never a shortage of options.
Chicago (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the 4th largest airport in the country and is among the most popular travel destinations in the country. The airport is 14 miles from the center of Chicago and is home to the famous Chicago Board of Trade. Direct flights operate from ORD to nearly every major city in the country, as well as to dozens of international cities around the world. American Airlines, United, and Delta all have nonstop service to ORD from numerous metropolitan areas, including New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.