Real ID in effect: What airport, DMV looks like in Milwaukee
As REAL ID went into effect May 7, passengers made their way through security at Milwaukee’s airport while lines at the DMV continued.
Millions of passengers are expected to depart out of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport for their summer trips this year. The airport is estimating a similar passenger count compared to last year, which saw more than 1.7 million travelers between June and August, according to airport data.
For those who are flying this summer, traveling during less busy times can lead to a less stressful traveling experience, according to a new report from HappyOrNot– the maker smiley face customer feedback terminals.
Holiday periods such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are usually busiest at Milwaukee’s airport. July is typically the busiest travel month of the summer, said airport spokesperson Summer Hegranes in an email. Milwaukee saw a 5% increase in travelers in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 6,316,245 passengers.
For Wisconsin travelers debating when to book their flights, one report from HappyOrNot compiled data from over 9 million travelers at airports across more than 50 countries at the start of 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the report:
What is the best time of day to fly in Milwaukee?
Travelers ranked early morning flights and mid-week departures higher for overall travel satisfaction, USA TODAY reported.
Early morning flights, especially at 4 a.m., and between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., scored the highest for traveler satisfaction, while passengers said midnight was the worst time to fly, according to the report.
“These quieter hours often mean cleaner terminals, fresh staff, and shorter lines,” HappyOrNotCEO Miika Mäkitalo said in a statement to USA TODAY.
“This could be due to a combination of fatigue, fewer staff on duty, and limited amenities available at that hour – with shops, lounges, and restaurants often closed,” he said.
Travelers flying on Tuesday are usually the most satisfied passengers, while Sunday is the least satisfying day of the week to fly, according to the report.
When should you book your flight from Milwaukee?
Airlines offer special deals for destinations from Milwaukee, and you can find the latest airfare deals here. The best deals are usually posted on Tuesday, but sales can be posted at any time, according to the airport.
For a full list of cities you can visit nonstop from the Milwaukee airport, visit www.mitchellairport.com.
Average prices for U.S. flights are usually cheapest around 38 days before departure, with the historical low price range between 21 to 52 days before takeoff, according to Google Flights.
