One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
CAK8.6+0.6
CLE8.0
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
CAK7.8+1.0
CLE6.8
Food & retail
Best for
CAK
Northeast Ohio trips that should not be forced onto CLEOne-building Allegiant, American, Breeze, and United connectionsTravelers who will park Economy at $11/day or ride SARTA 81
Watch out for
CAK
No Sunday SARTA 81; Wikipedia leftover METRO Route 110 is leftover vs the 23 Aug 2026 METRO PDFDirectory leftover prints TSA closing both 30 minutes before and after the last flightOhio Desk Business Center is a free work room, not Priority Pass
Amenities and tips
CAK
The Observation Deck featuring Menches Bros.CAK Cafe + Cafe Express + Akron Coffee RoastersOhio Desk Business CenterFree terminal Wi-Fi
CAK · A compact one-hall with four U.S. airlines, a real $11 Economy lot, and SARTA 81 Monday–Saturday — no ticketed lounge, no Sunday bus, and no printed bottle price.
CLE · CLE is a compact, easy-to-navigate mid-size airport with excellent direct rail and decent local food, trading off limited lounge depth and average on-time performance.
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
CAK7.6+0.3
CLE7.3
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
CAK8.0
CLE8.2+0.2
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
CAK8.0+1.5
CLE6.5
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
CAK2.5
CLE7.1+4.6
CLE
Quick domestic connections via single terminalBudget travelers using Red Line railUnited flyers with Club accessLocal food seekers (Bar Symon, Great Lakes)
Bottled-water prices unpublished; official pages do not map a named filler
CLE
Peak morning/evening security banks can stretch to 30+ minutes without PreCheckLimited premium lounge options outside United/Priority PassConcourse C length for far gates on tight connectionsRideshare airport premium pricing vs. nearby pickup
Economy parking $11
Step2 PlayPort, Sensory Room, Mother's Lounge, SARA
Budget 90 minutes; checkpoint will not wait
Official leftover arrive 90 minutes before originally scheduled departure. Delayed flights leftover do not keep TSA open.
One TSA, then the two-level concourse
One civil hall. After TSA leftover a two-level 41,600 sq ft concourse. Official pages do not print a live airline-to-gate map — read FIDS.
Observation Deck plus cafes after TSA
Trust the dedicated directory dining card. Observation Deck leftover featuring Menches Bros., CAK Cafe, and Cafe Express leftover 5:00 a.m. to last departure.
CLE
Local dining (Bar Symon & Great Lakes)United ClubRTA Red Line stationFree Wi-FiBottle refill stationsFamily restrooms & pet relief
Arrive 2 hours domestic, hit early banks carefully
Aim for 2 hours before domestic departures (3 for international); early morning and late afternoon banks create the longest lines.
One terminal, walk freely airside
All gates are in one building—clear security once then walk between A, B, and C without re-screening.
Hit Bar Symon or Great Lakes for real Cleveland flavor
Skip generic chains for Michael Symon’s Bar Symon (wings, pierogies) or Great Lakes Brewing Company beers and bar food on C.
