Best Airports
When it comes to client happiness, some airports are in a league of their own. Occasionally, it’s better-than-average free wifi internet, special amenities like sleep pods, or on-site performing and visual arts. Perhaps the fine dining options or the convenience of navigating the airport are the reasons. These 25 U.S. airports, despite their differences in 15,000, are distinguished by offering better enjoyable travel experiences, regardless of their expertise.
1.Miami International Airport
Situated on 3,230 acres, the Miami International Airport (MIA) is located close to Downtown Miami. It’s the second busiest international passenger airport, offering more flights to the Caribbean and Latin America than any other airport in the United States.
Miami International has more than 100 air carriers and is the number one airport for international freight. They are rapidly working towards becoming more than a hemispheric hub.
Becoming the global airport of choice with an expanded route network that provides direct access to every region in the world is their ultimate goal.
Already known for giving travelers world-class service, MIA offers a wealth of restaurants, shops, amenities, and services including their very own luxury Airport Hotel. Best Things to Do in Miami
2100 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami, FL, Phone: 305-879-7000
2.Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), which is located in the center of the breathtaking Gallatin Valley, offers nonstop flights to fifteen American cities and connects to airports worldwide. This rustically styled airport has a natural wood and stone design that is enhanced by wood-burning fireplaces and artwork that shows Southwestern Montana’s beautiful surroundings. Serving two of the entrances to Yellowstone National Park and a number of locations in Belgrade, Bozeman, and Livingston, BZN is the busiest airport in Montana. The airport’s vistas of snow-capped mountains are complemented with a number of facilities, including an espresso bar, a restaurant and lounge, gift shops, a conference room, data ports, and wireless internet access. Top Activities in Bozeman
850 Gallatin Field Road, Belgrade, MT, Phone: 406-388-8321
3.Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport
Technically not a part of any city, the Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport (MSP) is nestled among several different cities including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several suburban neighborhoods.
One of the easiest airports to navigate, MSP is equipped with one airfield, four runways, and two buildings that serve as terminals. Terminal 1 is known as Lindbergh and terminal two is known as Humphrey.
Visitors will need to use the light rail transit service to maneuver between the two terminals as there is no pedestrian access. A total of sixteen airlines fly in and out of MSP including Delta, Boutique Air, Alaska, and AirFrance.
Both national and international non-stop destinations are offered at MSP.
Those with long layovers may want to visit the world-famous Mall of America, a two-minute light rail ride away. Best Things to Do in Minneapolis and St Paul
4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN, Phone: 612-726-5555
4.Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a publicly owned airport situated in Hillsborough County, six miles west of Downtown Tampa, Florida. Amazingly, TPA is served by 21 airlines that provide flights to and from 85 local and international locations. There are four cities in Cuba and several other destinations in the Caribbean and Central America with direct flights. TPA is one of the top three US airports. Thirty-five restaurants serviced passengers with tickets, and ten eateries catered to all airport patrons. Passengers with tickets can also shop in 41 stores. Self-guided tours, guided tours of the Main Terminal, and airfield tours in a 20-person minibus are among the other airport services. Top Activities in Tampa
4100 George J Bean Parkway, Tampa, FL, Phone: 813-870-8700
5.Dallas Love Field Airport
Owned and operated by the city of Dallas itself, the Dallas Love Field Airport is one of the world’s best general purpose airports.
Situated less than ten miles northwest of downtown, DLF is a corporate and commercial airline with superior aeronautical equipment.
Five airlines use Dallas Love Field for national flights only including Alaska Airlines and Virgin America Airlines. These companies can use the seven full service FBOs (fixed base operators) DLF provides including maintenance, fuel, charters, and hangar rentals.
The airport features several restaurants and shops as well as upscale amenities like limousine services, meeting rooms, and car rentals. Best Things to Do in Dallas
8008 Herb Kelleher Way, Dallas, TX, Phone: 214-670-6080
6.Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DIA), the 18th busiest airport worldwide and the sixth busiest in the US, handles an astounding 58 million people annually. This airport serves five domestic and international airlines that operate nonstop flights to over 195 locations across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. In addition, DEN is the only airport in the country to have an environmental management system certified by ISO 14001 applied throughout the entire property, making it a green airport. Additionally, guests may easily explore the airport terminals and gain access to over 140 restaurants, stores, and services thanks to the Automated Guideway Transit System. Top Activities in Denver
8500 Pena Boulevard, Denver, CO, Phone: 303-342-2000
.Hartsfield – Jackson Atlanta International Airport
The busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Hartsfield) acts as a global gateway providing non-stop service to over 150 domestic and roughly 70 international destinations.
Situated in the heart of Atlanta, Hartfield was the first airport to serve over one-hundred million people in one year. It has over twenty-five airlines including Alaska Airlines, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic. Flights travel to the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
In many ways Hartfield is a destination in itself featuring over three-hundred restaurants, lounges, bars, shops, and venues as well as an arts program that showcases rotating exhibits and musical performances throughout the year. Best Things to Do in Atlanta
6000 North Terminal Parkway, Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA, Phone: 800-897-1910
.Indianapolis International Airport
The Indianapolis International Airport (IATA), home to more than fifty non-stop flight destinations, is an award-winning and record-breaking airline that can be reached in less than 10 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. There are more than a dozen airlines featured here, including Vacation Express and Allegiant Air, which provide flights to both domestic and foreign locations. IATA is a cutting-edge, technologically advanced airport featuring a number of unique design elements, such as an automated walkway with futuristic motion-activated lighting. IATA is committed to the comfort of its patrons. Along with a plethora of options for dining and shopping, they also offer useful services like free Wi-Fi and currency exchange. There are also amenities for health and wellbeing, such as AHA walking trails, a meditation area, and a barbershop. Top Activities in Indianapolis
7800 Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Drive, Indianapolis, IN, Phone: 317-487-9594
9.Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is a fast-paced, innovative airport that both celebrates the city’s heritage and modernization through its design and décor. Grand dinosaur fossil displays, Kentucky-Derby inspired artwork, a small space museum, a quaint chapel, and a welcome center boasting comfortable massage chairs are just a few of CVG’s highlights. There are more than forty dining option and airport shops from McDonald’s and Outback Steakhouse to Duty Free Americas and Creative Kidstuff. They offer more non-stop destinations than all other surrounding airports with eleven airlines represented both nationally and internationally. CVG is divided in to three terminal levels for easy navigation. Level one is the meeting point, level two is for baggage claim, and level three is ticketing and check-in.
3087 Terminal Drive, Hebron, KY, Phone: 859-767-3151
10.Jacksonville International Airport
The Jacksonville downtown area is at a short distance from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). A significant hub for American cities, many of which serve as entrances to other countries, JAX welcomes almost to six million visitors annually. This airport handles about 200 arrivals and departures every day on behalf of eight major airlines, which include United, Allegiant Air, Air Canada, and a few smaller ones. During the intervals between flights, travelers can make use of the more than twenty stores and eateries located within the airport. A few of the possibilities are Vino Volo, an international wine bar offering wines by the glass, bottle, or flight; other options include Best Buy Express, PGA Tour Shop, and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Jacksonville’s Top Activities
11.John Wayne Airport
Designed to mirror an airplane fuselage, the John Wayne Airport features a glass-enclosed central lobby highlighted by sleek stainless steel and gorgeous natural stone. Large picture windows overlooking the runway and soaring vaulted ceilings simply add to the warmth and beauty of this airport. There are three separate terminals at the airport, all of them offer their own ticket counters, gates, security screening checkpoints, and baggage claim areas making it easy and efficient for visitors to navigate. During downtime, travelers can peruse the shops, relax in the departure lounges, or refuel at the food court areas. They can even immerse themselves in the arts with the rotating art exhibits running along both concourses. Best Things to Do in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA, Phone: 949-252-5200
12.Nashville International Airport
Nashville International Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to the mid-Tennessee region, originally established in 1937 as Berry Field.
The joint public-military airport, which was renamed in 1988, is home to four runways and is serviced by 20 airlines, running nearly 600 arriving and departing flights daily to and from locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
Airport guests can enjoy more than 26 dining opportunities during layovers or while waiting on flights, including national chains such as Starbucks and Wendy’s and regional favorites such as Tennessee Brew Works and the Noshville Delicatessen.
22 major retailers are also located at the airport, including favorite chains Hudson Booksellers and Sunglass Hut. The airport’s Arts at the Airport initiative highlights public art pieces throughout the airport, including rotating and permanent exhibits. Best Things to Do in Nashville
1 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, Phone: 615-275-1675
13.Los Angeles International Airport
The distance between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the city’s downtown is less than twenty miles to the southwest.With about 84 million passengers served annually, it ranks as the second busiest airport globally and the fourth busiest in terms of passengers.United, Delta, and American are the three U.S. legacy carriers that designate this nine-terminal airport as their hub.In addition to Alaska carriers, Air New Zealand, Volaris, and more than a dozen other carriers, LAX serves as the international gateway to the Pacific Rim.In addition to facilities and services like nursing stations, an animal relief station, and an arts program, the airport boasts about 200 eateries and retail stores.Top Activities in Los Angeles
1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA, Phone: 855-463-5252
14.Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
15.Bradley International Airport
Bradley International Airport is located in Windsor Locks just under fifteen miles north of Hartford, Connecticut. American, JetBlue, Delta, United, and Southwest airlines service both business and leisure travelers flying to major U.S. locations, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, and Scotland. This contemporary and sleek airport acts as a gateway to New England and offers visitors a duty free shopping area for tax-free purchases. It also provides people with a wealth of advisories and services such as TSA PreCheck, global entry enrollment, private nursing rooms, and numerous accessibility features like translators and commuter carrier lifts. Bradley is also equipped with several clubs, lounges, shops, and restaurants such as Brooks Brothers and Black Bear Saloon.
Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks, CT, Phone: 860-292-2000
16.Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Considered the economic engine of the Carolinas, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport strives to provide the highest quality products and services at the lowest possible prices. And they never come up short. In fact, in 2010 they were the winners of Best Airport receiving the Eagle Award, the most prestigious award in the aviation industry. The world’s sixth busiest airport, CLT offers provides numerous non-stop flights to over 160 destinations all over the globe with over 700 arrivals and departures each day. Three foreign and seven domestic airlines fly out of CLT and over one hundred shops, lounges, restaurants, and bars serve the airport including Chick-fil-A, Cinnabon, Pinkberry, and Hissho Sushi. Best Things to Do in Charlotte
5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC, Phone: 704-359-4013
17.O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is situated 14 miles northwest of Chicago’s business loop. The airport sits on over 7,600 acres and is operated by the city. It has 217 direct flights to national and international destinations on five continents. This airport is scheduled for an approved $8.7 billion, eight year makeover with a 2019 start date. In the meantime, parents will love the Kids on the Fly exhibit where children can play in an interactive educational play area. Other airport amenities include an on-site hotel, Mother’s Room, Yoga Room, Aeroponic Garden (a must-see), access to Hilton Health Club, and a world-renowned public art space. With over 130 eateries and marketplaces, there’s no shortage of places to dine. Best Things to Do in Chicago
10,000 West O’Hare Avenue, Chicago, IL, Phone: 800-832-6352
18.Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) sits in a Pittsburgh suburb with easy access to the city via Business Loop I-376. The airport is home to several commercial airlines, including discount airlines WOW Air and Spirit Airlines. It’s also home to military flights. Travelers can expect services like free Wi-Fi, Club Lounge, Military Lounge, Mother’s Nursing Lounge, and a Sensory Room for anxious travelers, as well as a Pet Relief area. There is a Kidsport Play and Learning Area where active kids can unwind. Other airport amenities include Hyatt Regency Hotel connected to the airport, a Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit, a Mr. Rogers Exhibit, two massage services, and of course, great shopping and dining. Best Things to Do in Chicago
1000 Airport Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, Phone: 412-472-3525
19.Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport (PDX), a civil/military airport, is Oregon’s largest airport. Sixteen airlines service passengers at PDX with nonstop flights to over 90 destinations worldwide. The airport has nearly 60 shops and restaurants for travelers, including top names like Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen, Beaches Restaurant, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and Deschutes Brewery. The Port of Portland curates nine art exhibits throughout the airport terminal that feature regional artists. Live music performances are offered throughout the airport by local volunteer musicians. Guests can expect contemporary, jazz, and classical sounds. In this city obsessed with biking, the airport provides travelers with an array of bicycle services including secured parking. Best Things to Do in Portland
7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR, Phone: 503-560-4234
20.Portland International Jetport
Portland International Jetport (PWM) is located a couple miles west of Portland, Maine, in Cumberland County. The city of Portland owns and operates it. Six airlines fly in and out of PWM – American, Delta, Elite Airways, Jet Blue, Southwest, and United. There are nonstop flights to 13 domestic destinations. Most are on the East Coast with the exception of Chicago, Detroit, and Denver. The airport is five minutes from Downtown Portland. PWM caters to the business community with an easily navigable layout. It’s ease of use is also beneficial to tourists visiting the up-and-coming trendy city. Best Things to Do in Portland, ME
1001 Westbrook Street, Portland, ME, Phone: 207-774-7301
21.Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is northwest of downtown Sacramento by about 10 miles in Sacramento County, California. This airport serves as the Northern California gateway. There are two terminals on the 6,000-acre property with 32 gates accommodating passengers on 10 airlines. There is an extensive, $6 million artworks display that includes mixed media sculptures and pieces by 14 artists. There is a third-floor shopping and dining area, and the airport is serviced by a Sacramento light rail. Travelers can expect nine eateries and seven shops in Terminal A, and 13 eateries and 12 shops in Terminal B. Best Things to Do in Sacramento
6900 Airport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, Phone: 916-929-5411
22.San Francisco International Airport
Travelers to San Francisco, California, will arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to begin their stay in the City by the Bay. The airport is in San Mateo County, 13 miles south of San Francisco’s downtown. This award-winning airport has received accolades for everything from outstanding airport staff to environmental and economic leadership. Visitors can expect 73 trendy shops, and an eclectic array of 65 eateries. There are 22 things to do at SFO from visiting their Aviation Museum & Library to taking the little ones to Kid’s Spot – an interactive educational play area to watching short-form films at Video Arts. Best Things to Do in Sacramento
780 S Airport Drive, San Francisco, CA, Phone: 650-821-8211
Best Airports
23.Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is a military use and commercial airport. It’s owned by the city of Savannah. Eight airlines offer domestic direct flights to 26 U.S. cities. Travelers with overnight layovers will appreciate the 13 nearby hotels that provide great dining options and meeting spaces. Those with long layovers may want to explore nearby historic Savannah, Hilton Head Island, or Tybee Island. A Visitor Information Center is near baggage claim for lots of great information and advice, maps and directions, and numerous brochures for local attractions. This architecturally beautiful airport has been named to the 10 Best Domestic Airports list. Best Things to Do in Savannah
400 Airways Avenue, Savannah, GA, Phone: 912-964-0514
Best Airports
24.Southwest Florida International Airport
Located in South Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) primarily serves Florida’s Gulf Coast including Fort Meyers, Sanibel, Marco Island, Greater Naples, Cape Coral, Charlotte Harbor, the Everglades, and Gulf Islands. Area attractions are a quick drive from the airport. This sleek, modern, state-of-the-art facility received a grand upgrade in 2005. Fifteen airlines fly in and out of RSW with nonstop service to major gateways, and international service to Germany and Canada. There are 36 restaurants, markets, and shops throughout the main terminal and three concourses. Airport services include currency exchange, business center, and visitor information services.
11000 Terminal Access Road, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-590-4800
The company Minute Suites was founded in 2007 with the goal of developing a wellness program for travelers and commuters in airports.The Minute Suites team realized that airports have a serious issue: they are extremely stressful and noisy places.Sadly, a lot of employees must spend extended amounts of time in these settings for work-related reasons, and other regular travelers may also experience tension and exhaustion from simply hanging around in such a busy place.When the Minute Suites staff discovered this issue, they wanted to find a solution.The concept was to create little areas in airports—thus the name, Minute Suites—where travelers could find peace and quiet away from the bustle of the city, free to work, read, nap, or do anything else they wanted in their own private place.These compact, uncomplicated spaces, designed by renowned architects and designers, provide tranquil areas for complete comfort and relaxation. Some even utilize binaural beat audio technology as a sleeping aid for guests who want to use their Minute Suites space to take naps and rest while they wait for a connecting flight.Go to minutesuites.com to locate a location in your area.