Before you choose your next travel destination, consider some of the best U.S airports for passenger experience. To make sure you have a great travel day, search for cheap flights from some of the highest rated airports and take advantage of their top facilities.
The list below is based on the AirHelp Score Global Airport Ranking scores published in May 2019 and the Skytrax World Airport Awards announced in March 2019, which includes feedback from 13 million travelers worldwide. It’s also informed by recent articles by USA Today and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
10. Detroit Wayne County Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is an important hub for domestic and international flights. the airport has two terminals and four main runways. Concourse A in McNamara Terminal is nearly a mile long making it the second-longest concourse in the world. Top destinations from the airport include Atlanta, Orlando, Amsterdam, Paris and Las Vegas.
9. Phoenix International Airport
Arizona’s largest airport has a distinctive and modern style with its own art collection, exhibition program, and aviation history collection. Walk the innovative Sky Harbor Fitness Trail before you fly for interesting views and some exercise. Phoenix Sky Harbor has been recognized as “America’s Friendliest Airport” in the past.
8. Salt Lake City International Airport
Passengers flying in and out of Salt Lake City International Airport will be pleased to know that it ranks in the top 10% globally for on-time departures and arrivals. The airport operates three interconnected terminals which are easily accessible. There’s a selection of regional restaurants and local craft beer brewery bars.
7. Baltimore—Washington International Airport
Considered a comfortable and reliable alternative to Washington D.C.’s other airports, travelers were quick to heap praise on BWI’s easy access and straight-forward layout. Restaurant options include airport outposts for local eateries Phillips and Obrycki’s.
6. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
A gateway to Florida resorts and a busy commuter airport in its own right, Tampa has benefited from an extensive $1 billion upgrade program that has brought it firmly into the 21st Century. Plus, travelers can conveniently travel to the airport as it is close to downtown and will benefit from state-of-the-air people-moving systems when they arrive.
5. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
This is one of the best airports in the U.S. right now because its a well-organized and efficient travel hub allowing ease of movement for travelers. You’ll find Airport Ambassadors available to answer your questions at the baggage claim area. Passengers can access restaurants, bars, deli and shops at the terminal buildings.
4. San Diego International Airport
Whether you have a layover, you are flying from Las Vegas or you are planning a trip to this entertainment hub in Nevada, you’ll find great facilities at this mid-sized airport. Expect good food and drink options open 24 hours a day, fitness facilities, free WiFi, lounges and useful signage at the airport.
3. Indianapolis International Airport
Indianapolis has been proclaimed the best airport in America by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the last five years in a row. What makes it so popular? It could be the way they efficiently ensure 4.7 million passengers pass through the airport each year. Or the specially designed security checkpoints that allow passengers to quickly pass through TSA. Additionally, there are comfortable facilities, attractive design and impressive food options throughout.
2. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
One of two major airports serving the greater Houston metropolitan airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport is rated the second best U.S airport in 2019. There are five separate terminals but it is possible to transfer quickly within the airport. There are many shops and restaurants dotted through the airport. Each terminal has charging areas and offers free WiFi.
1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Close to Downtown Atlanta and easily accessible, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is considered the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, with more than 104 million passengers annually. Despite the volume of flights, Atlanta rates highly for customer service and on-time performance making it the best U.S airport on this list. The airport has an international and domestic terminal which features open seating areas, conference facilities, and many food and drink options nearby–including local delicacies!
J.D. Power’s North American Airport Satisfaction Study
In one of the largest studies of American airports, 34,695 responses were collected from travelers asking them to rate six different factors shown below:
- Terminal facilities
- Airport accessibility
- Security check
- Baggage claim
- Check-in / baggage check
- Food, beverages, and retail
The data helped them compare experiences and rank the best U.S airports. Based on a 1,000 point system, a score was given to each airport. Of all U.S. airports studied, Sacramento International Airport placed first overall, with a high score of 810.
Highest Rated Airports in North America based on passenger satisfaction:
- Orlando International Airport (778) — Ranks highest in satisfaction among mega airports
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (767) — Ranks second among mega airports
- McCarran International Airport (765) — Ranks third among mega airports
- John Wayne Airport (796) — Ranks highest among large airports
- Tampa International Airport (795) — Ranks second among large airports
- Dallas Love Field (790) — Ranks third in the large airport category
- Sacramento International Airport (810) — Ranks highest among medium-sized airports
- Indianapolis International Airport (807) — Ranks second among medium-sized airports
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (806) — Ranks third among medium-sized airports
Detailed Results
| Airport Name | Airport Ranking Score (Out of 1,000) | JD Power Circle Ranking – Classification |
| Sacramento International Airport | 810 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Medium) |
| Indianapolis International Airport | 807 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Medium) |
| Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport | 806 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Medium) |
| Jacksonville International Airport | 797 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Medium) |
| John Wayne Airport | 796 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Large) |
| Palm Beach International Airport | 796 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Medium) |
| Tampa International Airport | 795 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Large) |
| Southwest Florida International Airport | 795 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Medium) |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 792 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Medium) |
| Dallas Love Field | 790 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Large) |
| Raleigh Durham International Airport | 789 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Medium) |
| Nashville International Airport | 788 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Large) |
| Portland International Airport | 783 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Large) |
| Buffalo Niagara International Airport | 782 | “About Average” – 3 of 5 (Medium) |
| Orlando International Airport | 778 | “Among the Best” – 5 of 5 (Mega) |
| Austin-Bergstrom International Airport | 774 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Large) |
| Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport | 767 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Mega) |
| Denver International Airport | 763 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Mega) |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | 758 | “Better than Most” – 4 of 5 (Mega) |
| Cleveland Hopkins International Airport | 754 | “The rest” – 2 of 5 (Medium) |
| Miami International Airport | 749 | “About Average” – 3 of 5 (Mega) |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | 747 | “About Average” – 3 of 5 (Mega) |
| Philadelphia International Airport | 715 | “The rest” – 2 of 5 (Large) |
| Los Angeles International Airport | 712 | “The rest” – 2 of 5 (Mega) |
| Newark Liberty International | 686 | “The rest” – 2 of 5 (Mega) |
| LaGuardia Airport | 654 | “The rest” – 2 of 5 (Large) |
Best U.S Airports in America: Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
One of the most important ways to judge airports in the US is to consider the opinions of passengers. Each year, Condé Nast Traveler asks their readers to vote for the best airports in America based on their personal experiences.
Airports tend to score well for facilities like excellent food and beverage choices, shopping options, fast and free Wi-Fi, business traveler areas, ease of connection, and helpful staff. If you are making a connection to another flight or spending time at the airport before your flight, these are aspects that can make a positive impact on your journey.
According to the latest Readers’ Choice Awards, the best airports in America for travelers are:
10. Baltimore—Washington International Airport (BWI)
9. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
8. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
7. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
6. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
5. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP).
3. Bradley International Airport (BDL)
2. Portland (Oregon) International Airport (PDX)
1. Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
This article was updated in May 2019
