The 10 Busiest International Destinations From The U.S. This Summer

With Memorial Day weekend coming up, many Americans have already made their summer travel plans. For those still on the fence, the most popular international destinations, measured by airline seats, could provide some inspiration.

The International Air Travel Association summer season is already underway. It runs from the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in October. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium for May through October shows these ten international airports have the most seats one way on nonstop flights from the U.S.

10. Tokyo Haneda Airport

Haneda, also known as Tokyo International Airport, is the busiest of the two airports that serve the Japanese capital. It is also the tenth busiest destination in seats from the U.S. this summer, with over 1,650,000 seats and 6,624 nonstop flights. July and August have the most capacity to Haneda this summer, with around 277,000 seats and 1,116 nonstop flights each.

9. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam also earns a good share of U.S. outbound air traffic this summer, with over 1,976,000 seats and 7,149 nonstop flights. The busiest month for those headed to the Dutch capital is May, with over 336,000 scheduled seats on 1,214 nonstop flights.

8. Seoul Incheon Airport

The capital of Korea is the second Asian city to make it to the top ten busiest destinations. Seoul will see plenty of visitors arriving on flights from the U.S. this summer, with over 2,238,000 seats on over 7,474 scheduled nonstop flights from May through October. August is the busiest month to fly from the U.S. to Incheon Airport, with over 398,000 seats available on 1,329 nonstop flights.

7. Vancouver Airport

While Canadians may be less inclined to visit the U.S. this year, demand for flights from the U.S. to Canada remains strong, with two cities making the top ten busiest destinations. Vancouver ranks seventh on the list with over 2,253,000 seats and 16,796 nonstop flights scheduled. August is the busiest month to fly to Vancouver, with over 416,000 seats and 3,074 scheduled nonstop flights.

6. Frankfurt Airport

Germany will see a good share of U.S. visitors this summer, with Frankfurt airport having over 2,514,000 seats and 8,459 nonstop flights. August is the busiest month to fly to Frankfurt this summer, with over 436,000 seats on 1,467 nonstop flights.

Frankfurt has fewer scheduled flights than other cities in the top ten with similar passenger numbers because many flights operate on high-capacity aircraft. Overall, the route is more fuel-efficient and sustainable, with more passengers carried on far fewer flights.

Lufthansa, which dominates the market on flights between the U.S. and Frankfurt, is the world’s largest remaining operator of the Boeing 747. The airline has 52 747s in its fleet and will operate 1,558 flights on the jumbo this summer, accounting for over 569,000 seats.

5. Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez

Airlines have accommodated over 2,678,000 passengers on 15,394 nonstop flights to the closest airport to the Mexican capital this summer. July is the busiest month for travel from the U.S. to Mexico City, with over 493,000 seats on 2,851 scheduled flights.

4. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The city of lights appeals to many, with over 2,912,000 seats scheduled on 10,264 nonstop flights from the U.S. this summer. To skip the lines at Paris’ many attractions, travelers should avoid the month of July, which has over 532,000 scheduled seats on 1,866 nonstop flights. Try October instead, with around 430,000 seats and 1,534 nonstop flights.

3. Cancun Airport

Cancun is the second city in Mexico to make it to the top ten. This popular beach destination in the Gulf of Mexico is in high demand, coming in third in airline passenger traffic from the U.S. for the remainder of the summer. From May to October, there are over 3,191,000 seats on 17,668 nonstop flights. The busiest month for travel to Cancun is July, with over 667,000 seats on 3,670 scheduled nonstop flights. Those who want to enjoy more white sands and clear waters by themselves may consider booking in September, when there are over 365,000 seats and 2,040 scheduled flights.

2. Toronto Pearson Airport

The second busiest city for airline passengers from the U.S. is also a destination in Canada. Toronto appeals to many, with over 3,717,000 seats on 33,809 nonstop flights this summer. The busiest month for air travel to Toronto is October, with over 640,000 seats on 5,839 scheduled nonstop flights. Fewer people travel to Toronto in August, with around 602,000 seats on 5,531 flights.

1. London Heathrow

London is calling everyone. This summer, the busiest city in the top ten destinations in seats from the U.S. is busy by a wide margin. There are over 5,966,000 seats on 22,357 nonstop flights from the U.S. to the British capital this summer. May, July and August will be more crowded, with over 1,008,000 seats in May and July. May has 3,767 scheduled flights, and July has 3,787. August is the busiest of the three, with over 1,009,000 seats on 3,793 nonstop flights. Try June, which has around 977,000 seats and 3,659 flights, to enjoy high tea more peacefully.

As we can see from four of the top ten destinations, many Americans will not leave the continent this summer, with Vancouver being the least busy among the busiest destinations in North America for air travel from the U.S. Those who venture out are most likely to head for Europe, which accounts for another four popular cities, with Amsterdam, being the least busy. Seoul and Tokyo have plenty to offer those who want to venture out a bit further with comparatively fewer crowds.