Airports that offer the best fast food are named

For millions of airline passengers, the search for fast and affordable food during a layover begins as soon as they get off the plane. At Los Angeles' congested LAX airport, more than 30,000 passengers stop at fast-food chains every day.

Most major U.S. airport terminals offer passenger corridors where you can find both familiar chain restaurants and casual dining establishments, as well as takeout kiosks. Upgraded Points, an expert in the field of air transportation, recently ranked the largest airports based on their fast food and casual dining options, the New York Post reports.

Food in airport terminals often includes everything from ethnic dishes to customized sandwiches and the usual hamburger combos. The main goal of airport quick-service restaurants is to serve the maximum number of passengers as efficiently as possible.

"Quick-service restaurants are an integral part of travel because they give you a sense of familiarity wherever you're going," Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief of Upgraded Points, says. "Whether it's a Big Mac from McDonald's or a sandwich from Chick-fil-A, it's an easy meal to grab in a pinch."

Five airports with the easiest fast food options

The study of fast-food chains at airports used overall service efficiency as the main criterion, and compared the number of fast-food outlets to the number of daily passengers passing through the airport. Passengers cannot take advantage of a 30-minute layover if the average waiting time at a fast food restaurant is 20 minutes. The five largest U.S. airports received high scores for efficiency and handling a large number of passengers per facility.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

This Midwestern U.S. airport took first place with an average of 6,900 daily passengers per fast food outlet, which means less waiting time and more time to eat. CVG offers several well-known fast food outlets, including Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Wendy's.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has a daily passenger per fast food restaurant ratio of 7,400, ranking IAH second. In total, the airport has 15 fast food outlets, including five Panda Express and three Wendy's.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Canada's Ontario International Airport (ONT) was shortlisted with 7,800 passengers per chain. Popular fast food outlets in the terminal include two subway stations and Chick-fil-A.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Another airport in the Midwest, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) made the shortlist with a ratio of 7,900 daily passengers per fast food chain. The terminal also offers a range of regional and local eateries, many of which include quick-service menus. Like ONT, this airport also has two Subways and a Chick-fil-A for those passengers on the go.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) has a ratio of 9,700 daily passengers per fast food restaurant chain. Lines at this busy terminal can be a bit longer, but there are two Subways, two Chick-fil-As, and a Pizza Hut, which are all known for their fast service.

Best airports for discerning travellers and picky eaters

Time constraints are just one of the challenges for many travellers who want to grab a quick bite before their flight. The journey from the gate to the nearest food outlet can be challenging for those who pack a lot and don't want to lug all their luggage around the airport in search of a tasty snack. The Upgraded Points study ranked San Diego International Airport (SAN) as the top major terminal with the highest density of restaurant chains, with an average of 3.09 chains per mile.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas (DFW) receives top marks from passengers looking for the most quick-service and fast-food options, with 19 fast-food outlets in its sprawling terminals, leading the nation.

JD Vikukal of Health Means Wealth shares his criteria for choosing a fast food restaurant at the airport. "We don't eat fast food at home, so finding something with fresh ingredients that isn't fried is always a priority. Qdoba at most major airports is our favourite option because we all love it (including the kids); it's cheap, fast, and always delicious."

Travel Wise wrote that a robot the size of a medium-sized dog appeared at an airport in Alaska: read the article to know what is its purpose.