Top US Airports: A Traveler's Guide to the Best of American Aviation

This year's 38th annual Readers' Choice Awards saw an overwhelming response, with 757,109 votes cast by travelers who shared their invaluable insights on the finest in global travel. From luxurious Italian hotels to thrilling safaris in Botswana, and the convenience of semi-private aviation, readers' preferences shaped a comprehensive overview of the current travel landscape. This curated selection of top-performing airports in the United States, as determined by these votes, serves as an essential resource for planning any upcoming adventure, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable start or end to your journey.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) secured a spot among the top airports, celebrated for its unique reflection of the city's vibrant culinary scene. Travelers can savor iconic New Orleans flavors from establishments like Café du Monde, Angelo Brocado, and Emeril's, providing a taste of the city even before departure or upon arrival. For the fourth consecutive year in 2025, MSY was recognized as a premier North American airport, lauded for its significantly reduced wait times and exceptional navigability, making it a favorite among frequent fliers.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) received high praise from travelers, with one reader enthusiastically describing it as a 'Stunning airport. No notes.' This facility, which commenced its phased opening in late 2020, stands as the first entirely new US hub airport constructed in the 21st century. It distinguishes itself not only through its contemporary design and captivating art installations but also for its practical advantages. These include convenient public transit directly to the terminal, a commendable record of punctual flights, and refreshingly affordable prices for food, beverages, and merchandise—a rarity in airport settings, thanks to a policy that prevents vendors from exceeding street-level pricing.

Rhode Island's T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) earned accolades from passengers for its accessibility and user-friendly design. Affectionately termed a 'great little airport,' it is notably easy to reach and navigate, with over two-thirds of New England's population residing within a 75-minute drive of the Providence hub. Traditionally a preferred alternative for budget carriers seeking a less costly option than Boston Logan, PVD has experienced consistent growth and is strategically poised to capitalize on the resurgence in domestic air travel. Next year, it is set to become a key hub for the new Breeze Airways, with projections indicating 44 weekly departures by 2027.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) captivated travelers with its state-of-the-art facilities, earning high marks for its diverse dining and shopping experiences, immaculate environment, and overall operational efficiency. However, it's the airport's forward-thinking amenities that truly set it apart. The ExpressTram, a vibrant cherry-red automated train, transports passengers along the expansive Edward H. McNamara terminal—notably the world's second-longest airport concourse. At the heart of this terminal, a 39-foot-wide fountain, inspired by the intricate patterns of a flight map, captivates with its sporadic arcs and darts of water, embodying a blend of art and functionality.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) continues to impress readers with its extensive array of food, dining, and entertainment options, which are so diverse that they might make you momentarily forget your travel purpose. The airport boasts over 50 stores, featuring renowned clothing and shoe brands, alongside a distinctive Prince pop-up shop. Here, fans can find books, vinyl records, apparel, and tickets for tours of Paisley Park, the iconic estate and studio of the 'High Priest of Pop.' In terms of dining, highlights include Smack Shack, which evolved from a food truck in 2010 to a restaurant offering lobster rolls (including a vegetarian option with oyster mushrooms) and fried shrimp po’boys. Additionally, the Blue Door Pub is a must-visit for those eager to sample the Twin Cities' signature cheese-stuffed Juicy Lucy.

In a truly remarkable transformation, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has shed its former reputation as one of the world's most disliked airports to become a reader favorite, thanks to an extensive $8 billion renovation. Terminal C, a bright and spacious concourse serving Delta Air Lines, debuted in June 2022, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and local culinary gems like Bubby's of Tribeca. Equally impressive, the sprawling 1.3 million-square-foot Terminal B offers both aesthetic appeal and high efficiency, with triple the space for security checks and TSA lanes equipped with automated bin systems and advanced imaging technology. Three years into its revamp, the new LGA steadfastly maintains its status as an airport of the future.

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) consistently ranks among the top performers in our surveys, and its sustained popularity is no mystery. Despite accommodating nearly 10 million passengers annually—a significant increase for a mid-sized facility—IND has successfully preserved the qualities that have made it a perennial favorite. Travelers frequently commend its outstanding design, notably being the first U.S. airport to achieve LEED certification for an entire terminal campus. The airport also offers convenient shopping and dining options, including beloved local establishments such as Sun King Brewery and Tinker Coffee Co., enhancing the overall traveler experience.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has a rich history of pioneering innovation in American aviation. Half a century ago, it introduced a groundbreaking landside-airside layout, a concept now widely adopted for separating public access areas from secure passenger zones. In 2018, a monumental $1 billion upgrade further propelled TPA into the 21st century, featuring a state-of-the-art SkyConnect people-mover system that incorporates high-tech trains from Japan. Already boasting close proximity to downtown, the airport offers unparalleled accessibility. The impressive 21-foot-tall flamingo sculpture adorning the premises only adds to its unique charm.

Portland (Oregon) International Airport (PDX) enjoys widespread acclaim from travelers for its exceptional accessibility, extending beyond mere road access. With dedicated bike paths and a MAX light rail line, PDX stands out as one of the most interconnected airports in the United States. Its diverse culinary and retail offerings provide travelers with an authentic taste of Portland, featuring local specialties like coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters, regional whiskeys at the House Spirits Tasting Room, and artisanal goods from Tender Loving Empire. Embracing the city's creative spirit, the airport also hosts a 17-seat movie theater that screens short films continuously, free of charge. Combined with excellent local shops and complimentary Wi-Fi, PDX truly distinguishes itself as a highly traveler-friendly airport.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) distinguishes itself not by its size, but by its intimate and welcoming atmosphere, largely attributed to its town square-inspired layout. Travelers often feel transported to a historic Southern street, complete with charming benches and a prominent clock. Here, passengers can browse for cigars or golf accessories and dine at establishments like the PGA Tour Grill. It comes as little surprise that this Georgian airport was once named the "happiest" in the country, even in a survey conducted by a dating site, highlighting its unique appeal and positive traveler experience.