Airport Codes Explained
Those three-letter codes identify airports worldwide. Understanding how codes work adds context to your airport collection and helps with travel planning.
IATA vs ICAO
IATA uses 3-letter codes (LAX, JFK, ORD). ICAO uses 4-letter codes (KLAX, KJFK, KORD). The K prefix indicates continental US airports. International prefixes vary by country.
Code Origins
Many codes derive from city names (DEN for Denver). Some reflect old airport names (ORD from Orchard Field). Others seem random but have historical explanations.
Unusual Codes
YYZ (Toronto) comes from a nearby radio beacon. MCO (Orlando) honors McCoy Air Force Base. SFO simply adds an O to San Francisco.
Using Codes
Codes identify airports in flight planning and bookings. Learn codes for airports you visit frequently. Recognizing codes enhances your aviation knowledge and collection tracking.
