13 U.S. Airports Americans Can’t Stop Raving About

Not All Airports Are Created Equal

Flying can be miserable, but not everywhere. Some airports have figured out what travelers actually want: easy navigation, quick security, good food, and a sense of place.

Multiple 2025 surveys from J.D. Power, AirHelp, and the Washington Post asked thousands of flyers to name their favorites.

The results show that bigger isn’t always better. Many beloved airports are mid-sized hubs that prioritize the passenger experience over sheer volume.

From a $5 billion rebuild in Utah to a speakeasy in Oregon, these 13 airports prove that getting to your gate doesn’t have to ruin your trip.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International

Minneapolis-Saint Paul has topped J.D. Power’s mega airport satisfaction rankings for two consecutive years, scoring 660 out of 1,000 points in 2025.

The airport employs 21,000 workers known for their “Minnesota Nice” attitude, plus 96 therapy dogs and a cat named Stitches. A $242 million modernization project updated Terminal 1’s concourses with a unified design.

Local restaurants like Black Sheep pizza and Stone Arch craft beer give travelers a taste of the Twin Cities. The light rail connects both terminals to downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America, running 24 hours a day.

Salt Lake City International

Salt Lake City earned the top spot in AirHelp’s 2025 US rankings after completing a $5.1 billion rebuild.

The new terminal features a 1,175-foot River Tunnel with wave-like panels and blue ambient lighting connecting two concourses. A strict pricing policy bars vendors from charging more than their off-airport locations.

Glass walls frame views of the Wasatch Mountains, and stone finishes were inspired by Utah’s national parks. Delta’s second-largest Sky Club opened in October 2025 at 34,000 square feet.

The airport had its busiest year ever in 2024 with 28.3 million passengers.

Portland International

Portland reopened its $2.15 billion main terminal in August 2024, and Condé Nast Traveler named it one of the world’s most beautiful airports in 2025.

The mass timber roof was crafted from sustainably harvested Douglas Fir sourced within 600 miles of Portland. More than 5,000 living plants and 72 trees now call the terminal home.

Every shop and restaurant is an Oregon-based business, from Freeland Spirits to Paper Epiphanies stationery.

The airport opened the country’s first speakeasy in 2025, a 49-seat bar called Aurora with art deco decor and airfield views. Tax-free shopping and a light rail connection to downtown keep travelers coming back.

Indianapolis International

Indianapolis has been named Best Airport in North America 13 of the past 14 years by Airports Council International. The steel-and-glass terminal fills with natural light through panoramic windows and towering ceilings.

Travelers praise the simple layout with two large security checkpoints and marked walking paths stretching over a mile.

The Civic Plaza features a teal aluminum mobile called “JetStream” by artist Rob Fisher floating overhead. Harry & Izzy’s steakhouse serves the same famous shrimp cocktail as its downtown sibling St. Elmo.

In 2025, the airport displayed a 33-foot T. rex fossil cast to celebrate the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis turning 100.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Detroit ranks second among mega airports in J.D. Power’s 2025 study, scoring 649 points. The mile-long McNamara Terminal features a simple, straight layout that makes finding gates easy.

Between concourses, travelers walk through a “disco tunnel” with a light and sound display. The terminal is two to three times wider than most airports, giving passengers plenty of room to sit and relax.

New local additions in 2025 include Born in Detroit Kitchen & Bar, Great Lakes Coffee, and Cask & Craft featuring Detroit distilleries. Delta operates about 70% of flights and calls Detroit its primary gateway to Asia.

John Wayne Airport Orange County

John Wayne Airport topped J.D. Power’s large airport category for two consecutive years, scoring 730 points in 2025. Located in Orange County, it serves as a manageable alternative to the chaos of LAX, just 35 miles away.

The single terminal building splits into three areas with clear navigation and short walks to gates. Therapy dogs roam the Thomas F. Riley Terminal to help nervous flyers.

A 9-foot bronze statue of actor John Wayne, who lived in nearby Newport Beach, greets arrivals.

The airport serves about 11 million passengers annually, with most resorts and beaches within 15 minutes.

Tampa International

Tampa ranks second among large airports in J.D. Power’s 2025 study with a score of 709. Travelers consistently praise the spotless restrooms, captivating public art, and standout local concessions throughout the terminals.

The airport’s social media team has earned a cult following for its witty posts. An efficient shuttle system moves passengers between the main terminal and airside concourses.

Tampa serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches. The airport continues expanding with plans to accommodate growing demand from both leisure and business travelers.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Phoenix Sky Harbor bills itself as “America’s Friendliest Airport” and served a record 52.3 million passengers in 2024.

The Wall Street Journal ranked it the best among the 20 largest US airports in both 2019 and 2023. Local favorites like Barrio Cafe and La Grande Orange bring Arizona flavors to the terminals.

The Phoenix Airport Museum is one of the oldest airport art programs in the country.

A new Culture Corner launched in 2025, showcasing Arizona’s diverse communities through monthly performances and activities.

Waymo autonomous vehicles now pick up passengers at terminal curbs, and the PHX Sky Train connects terminals to light rail.

Dallas Love Field

Dallas Love Field ranks third among large airports in J.D. Power’s 2025 study with 705 points. The airport serves as Southwest Airlines’ headquarters and primary hub, giving it a distinctly Texan, laid-back feel.

Streamlined check-ins and smooth operations keep passengers moving quickly through the compact facility. The terminal underwent major renovations that modernized the space while keeping its manageable size.

Love Field offers an alternative to the massive Dallas/Fort Worth International for travelers who prefer simplicity. Most flights head to domestic destinations, with Southwest operating the majority of departures.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International

Rhode Island’s T.F. Green earned a spot in the Washington Post’s top 50 airports for its attention to small details.

Travelers rave about the bathrooms, which feature fresh carnations, mums, or other flowers by the sinks as part of a $10 million upgrade. Occasional live music greets arriving passengers through a volunteer program.

The airport offers easy parking and simple navigation, a sharp contrast to Boston Logan about 60 miles north. Local food options include Saugy Franks hot dogs and the new Narragansett Kitchen & Bar.

Breeze Airways has built a growing base at the Providence airport.

Long Beach Airport

Long Beach earns praise for feeling more like a relaxed beach town than a busy travel hub. Travelers adore the outdoor courtyard with palm trees, ocean views, and a long fire pit for chilly evenings.

With just 11 gates and three airlines, the airport is simple to navigate and quick to get through. Passengers walk out onto the tarmac to board their flights, adding to the old-school charm.

The 1941 Historic Terminal reopened in 2024 after major renovations, featuring a restored WPA mosaic with more than 1.5 million tiles.

Long Beach calls itself “America’s coolest airport” and hosts free summer concerts for visitors.

Seattle Paine Field

Paine Field in Everett offers a boutique alternative to Seattle-Tacoma International about 30 miles south.

The terminal features fireplaces, leather seating, and scenic views of Mount Rainier and Boeing jets on the runway. An old-school departure board adds vintage charm to the modern facility.

The airport handles a fraction of Sea-Tac’s traffic, meaning shorter security lines and less crowded gates. Alaska Airlines operates most flights to West Coast destinations.

Travelers describe it as feeling more like a luxury lounge than a public airport.

Albuquerque International Sunport

Albuquerque’s airport doubles as a love letter to Southwestern culture.

Adobe-style architecture, Native American murals, and wooden vigas on the ceilings reflect New Mexico’s heritage. Travelers can grab piñon coffee and browse displays featuring more than 900 aircraft models.

The terminal design incorporates warm desert colors and regional artwork throughout. Even the benches feel distinctly local.

The Sunport serves as the primary gateway to Santa Fe, Taos, and other Northern New Mexico destinations about an hour away.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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