Of all the modes of transportation in the Harry Potter universe, portkeys often seem to be the best option. They're as fast as apparition without the age restrictions or danger of splinching or missing the target area. They seem to be even easier to use than floo powder - no misspoken destinations, accidental early exits, or ashes in the mouth. There's no indication that their range is limited; it certainly seems to be longer than most wizards could or would apparate. They are quick and easy to set up (at least for Dumbledore, then again it is Dumbledore). There is no chance of being seen by a Muggle en route, unlike brooms or the Weasleys' car. They're secure, Dumbledore used one to send the Weasleys and Harry to the Order HQ when Arthur was attacked, and another to send Harry back to his office after the Ministry fiasco, and the Order used them to regroup after getting Harry in year 7. Those also show portkeys can be used in areas to and from which one can't apparate. They have to be set up for a certain time (except the Triwizard cup), but that can be a few seconds into the future like Dumbledore did.

So, are there any disadvantages that prevent more widespread use of portkeys? Any answers that include Ministry regulation should include why such use is regulated.

Of all the modes of transportation in the Harry Potter universe, Portkeys often seem to be the best option.

• They're as fast as Apparition without the age restrictions or danger of splinching or missing the target area.
• They seem to be even easier to use than floo powder - no misspoken destinations, accidental early exits, or ashes in the mouth.
• There's no indication that their range is limited; it certainly seems to be longer than most wizards could or would Apparate.
• They are quick and easy to set up (at least for Dumbledore, then again it is Dumbledore).
• There is no chance of being seen by a Muggle en route, unlike brooms or the Weasleys' car.
• They're secure, Dumbledore used one to send the Weasleys and Harry to the Order HQ when Arthur was attacked, and another to send Harry back to his office after the Ministry fiasco, and the Order used them to regroup after getting Harry in year 7.
• Those also show Portkeys can be used in areas to and from which one can't Apparate.
• They have to be set up for a certain time (except the Triwizard cup), but that can be a few seconds into the future like Dumbledore did.

So, are there any disadvantages that prevent more widespread use of Portkeys? Any answers that include Ministry regulation should include why such use is regulated.