The answer depends on whether you measure by land area or passenger traffic. In terms of physical size, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is significantly larger, spanning over 26 square miles (17,000 acres). It is so large that it actually has its own zip code and its own police and fire departments; it is larger than the island of Manhattan. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), by comparison, occupies only about 7.4 square miles (4,700 acres). However, when measuring by passenger volume, Atlanta (ATL) is the "bigger" and busier airport, consistently holding the title of the world's busiest airport for over two decades. In 2026, ATL handles over 100 million passengers annually, while DFW usually ranks in the top five globally. DFW's massive land footprint was designed for future expansion, allowing it to house seven runways, whereas ATL's efficiency comes from its "linear" terminal design that allows it to process more flights on a much smaller piece of land.
Whether you should take your passport off the ship in 2026 depends on the specific port and your personal "risk tolerance." Most cruise lines and travel experts recommend carrying a color photocopy or a digital picture of your passport while on shore, leaving the original in your stateroom safe. However, the U.S. State Department officially recommends carrying your original passport in case of an unexpected emergency, such as a medical evacuation or missing the ship's departure. In some 2026 ports (like those in the Mediterranean or certain Asian countries), local law may technically require you to carry official ID. If you choose to leave it behind, ensure you at least have your cruise ID card and a government photo ID (like a driver's license). The most important "pro-tip" is to know the contact info for the local U.S. embassy in case you and your documents become separated.