New $5 Billion 'Don't Miss Your Flight Act' Targets Airport Traffic Jams Starting 2027

The newly proposed Don’t Miss Your Flight Act is all about fixing that last-mile headache: getting to the airport. This bill sets up a huge new grant program, authorizing $1 billion annually from 2027 through 2031—a total of $5 billion—to be pulled from the Highway Trust Fund and managed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The goal is to fund infrastructure projects like roads, rail, or transit lines that directly connect with public airports.

The Airport Connection Fix

This isn't about funding new terminals; it’s about improving the ground game. States, Indian Tribes, and local governments that manage airports can apply for these grants. The money is strictly for projects that are either on airport property or within a five-mile radius, and they must be designed to cut down on traffic congestion, boost capacity, or improve access to underserved areas. Think about the perpetually backed-up highway exit leading to the airport parking garage—that’s the kind of project this bill is targeting. For the commuter who spends 20 minutes stuck in airport traffic just to drop off a passenger, or the logistics worker whose delivery route hits that bottleneck daily, this could be a major time saver.

Prioritizing the Big Hubs

Here’s where the bill gets specific about who benefits most. The DOT must ensure that at least 50% of the funding goes to projects connecting to "large hub airports" (think JFK, LAX, or O'Hare) and at least 30% is reserved for "medium hub airports." This means 80% of the annual $1 billion is locked in for the nation’s busiest travel centers. While this makes sense for tackling the worst congestion, it does mean that smaller, regional airports—even those critical to local economies—will be competing for the remaining 20%. If you live near a smaller airport that desperately needs a better transit link, the odds of getting federal help under this program are lower.

Making the Local Match Easier

Federal infrastructure grants usually require the local government to chip in a percentage of the cost, known as the non-federal share. This bill gives applicants a valuable loophole: they can use credit assistance they received through the TIFIA program (a federal loan program for major transportation projects) or, crucially, they can use Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) they’ve collected. PFCs are those surcharges travelers pay on their airline tickets. By allowing local entities to use these existing revenue streams for the local match, the bill makes it significantly easier for cash-strapped cities and states to afford these massive projects, accelerating the timeline for construction that improves airport access.

The Fine Print on Implementation

While the intent is clear, the bill gives the Secretary of Transportation broad authority over the application process, requiring applicants to submit "whatever information they ask for." This level of administrative discretion can sometimes lead to slow rollouts or inconsistent requirements, which is something to watch as the program moves toward its 2027 start date. Overall, this legislation is a major, targeted investment aimed squarely at reducing one of the most frustrating parts of modern travel and logistics—the airport approach—by dedicating significant funds to fixing access points at the nation's busiest travel centers.