When looking to travel, the airport you choose to fly into plays a huge role. To help you with your travel, here are the best (and worst) airports to travel to in the United States.
Traveling can be quite exciting. You know, seeing new destinations, visiting family, doing some soul searching, scoring the new business deal, etc. But traveling includes more than just arriving at the destination.
It involves getting there, too.
There are airports, both big and small, all over the world. Depending on where you are traveling between two points will determine what airports you will visit.
Some are wonderful and make a welcoming addition to your travels. Others, however, make you loathe the actual act of traveling to your destination.
We’ve taken a look at some of the most ranked airports in the United States. Here are the best and worst airports for traveling.
The 5 Best Airports in the U.S.
Let’s first take a look at all those top-ranking airports to travel to.
1. Hartsfield -Jackson Atlanta International Airport
This massive airport in Atlanta, Georgia has been ranked – more than once – as the busiest airport in the world. To keep up with this name and handle the daily volume that it does – and without creating chaos – they must be doing something right.
Thanks to its location Atlanta’s airport is often used as a connection hub. This means layovers for many, many individuals at any given time.
And, if you want happy travelers, you need to provide amenities that they’d want. And that is just what they do.
With a 1,000 square foot dog park, a virtual forest, and the ability to rent a private room to rest are just a few of the offerings so many here enjoy.
2. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle’s airport is the largest in the northwest – and it’s been ranked as one of the fastest growing airports in the U.S. While you are here, you can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of their art collection.
Of course, there are also quite a few good shopping and dining options here, as well.
Perhaps one of the best things that stands out at Seattle’s airport is its free wi-fi. And, you would think that since it is free that it may not be very functional.
Quite the opposite, actually.
The wi-fi at SEA has been voted the fastest download speed of all airports in the U.S.
3. McCarran International Airport
Heading to Las Vegas, the McCarran International Airport is 3rd on the list of the best airports.
This airport has a high rate of flights departing at their scheduled time and very, very few flights canceled.
Here you will find a play area for kids to stretch out and burn energy. And walking paths called Fly Fit that is designed through the airport.
And, to get you where you want to be – likely on the Vegas strip – you will find no shortage in transportation.
4. O’Hare International Airport
While this Chicago airport is not too well known for its on-time departures, it does make up for that in ways to relax and deal with the frazzled travel nerves.
Here you will find a Yoga room, an 8,000 square foot gym with pool and sauna. Plus it is kid friendly with interactive areas – including Legos – designed just for them.
Did we mention the many bars, dining options, and shopping?
5. San Francisco International Airport
It’s true – San Francisco does need to work on its large number of flight delays. But. Where they lack in certain areas, they sure make up in others.
For instance, you won’t want to miss their new Arts Center that includes a rotation of short films.
And, well, they have a therapy pig. Call it a mascot, call it everybody’s pet, but Lilou can always be found in costume and performing before flights.
She calms the flight anxiety that so many face.
The 5 Worst Airports in the U.S.
And, because not every airport can be so wonderful, we’ve got to acknowledge the bad with the good.
1. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Apparently travelers these days are not too enthused about Cleveland’s digs.
They are often referred to as a tight squeeze and in need of attention – and repairs.
From broken luggage carousels to outdated surroundings, if you find yourself stuck for long in Cleveland’s airport, you better hope you brought yourself a good book.
2. Salt Lake City International Airport
Believe it or not, Salt Lake City has not really seen any significant upgrades to its airport since the 1980s. Until now.
The airport is currently being renovated and is set to be completed in 2020.
In the meantime, those flying in and out of this airport will be dealing with the outdated, rundown airport.
And, imagine how much air traffic has increased over the last 30 – 40 years – but the airport has never grown!
3. Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport
Minneapolis has worked hard to keep up with the growth. They have added many expansions to the airport.
To make it successful, they offer many ways to connect them, including:
- Trams
- Escalators
- Underground crossings
Unfortunately, their signs and airport directions are incredibly confusing, creating more chaos than they should.
4. Kahului Airport (Maui)
This tiny Hawaii airport has been described as a nightmare.
Built in the 1970s, it has not seen many upgrades – and this includes air conditioning.
That’s right, you will not find any AC here. Did we mention all the complaints of long lines, too?
5. Kansas City International Airport
The airport in Kansas City Missouri is way behind in its traffic to growth ratio.
In fact, the airport is so tiny that finding parking or a place to sit in the concourse is not guaranteed at all.
Small bathrooms, insufficient security checkpoint space, and so forth make traveling through this airport a misery.
Conclusion
That’s it – our list of the best and worst airports in the U.S.
How many of these airports have you been to? Would you agree? Disagree?
Why not just ditch the idea of traveling with the use of commercial airports altogether? There is a better alternative to commercial air travel.
Choose to fly private and open your world up to some of the best air travel experiences imaginable.
When you choose to charter a private jet, you will have much more flexibility – from flight times, to fuel stops, to private airport choices.
What better way to start your travel than with a private jet.
