In America, there are more than 5,000 public airports, ranging from tiny airfields which run just two flights per day, to gargantuan airports which are among the busiest in the world. Based on the quality of their facilities, how highly they are rated by customers, accessibility, and overall experience, we’ve rounded up the best airports in America.

Read on to discover our favorite one in every state...

Thanks to a multimillion revamp completed in 2014, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is slick and easy to navigate. During the four-year project, the airport, located around four miles from downtown Birmingham, was stripped out and expanded to twice its former size.

Other improvements include a single, centralized security point, inline baggage system, and the addition of extra gates, all of which make for a more efficient flying experience to more than 20 destinations across the country.

With just one terminal and six gates, Fairbanks International Airport is pretty small, which means it’s extremely easy to navigate.

The transport hub, situated three miles from its namesake city, has been praised by Yelp reviewers for its cleanliness, efficiency, and friendly staff, while flyers also love its trademark Alaskan décor – which includes stuffed polar bears.

Conveniently located just three miles from downtown Phoenix, this traveler favorite was ranked as the fifth-best Mega Airport in North America by J.D. Power’s annual satisfaction study. One of the largest and busiest airports in the country, it typically handles more than 1,000 flights and 143,000 passengers every day.

Thanks to a modernization project completed in 2020, Terminal 3 has been equipped with extra ticket counters, baggage processing facilities, and an improved security system, making things even more streamlined.

Offering non-stop flights to 18 destinations across the US, with connections to over 300 locations worldwide, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is the largest commercial airport in Arkansas. Opened as a US Army base back in 1917, it began running commercial flights in the 1930s and expanded significantly between the two world wars.

Today, the transport hub, located five miles from Little Rock, has gained positive reviews thanks to its ease of navigation and short wait times.

With its floor-to-ceiling windows and an array of artwork decorating the walls – courtesy of its very own art project – San Diego International Airport is more beautiful than most.

It’s clearly a hit with travelers too, who comment on its excellent choice of shopping and dining outlets, high levels of cleanliness, and friendly staff. It’s very close to downtown San Diego, making it ideal for reaching the city or accessing other transport connections.

One of the world’s busiest airports (serving more than 82.3 million passengers in 2024), Denver International Airport is nothing short of gargantuan. Encompassing a whopping 53 square miles of land northwest of Denver, it’s so big that some conspiracy theorists believe it’s actually the headquarters of the world’s secret rulers.

Bizarre trivia aside, the hub scores highly on customer satisfaction thanks to its convenience and large range of facilities, including more than 170 shops, restaurants, and other services.

The second-largest airport in New England, Bradley International Airport has been voted by readers of Condé Nast Traveler as one of America’s best airports for eight consecutive years.

Located in Windsor Locks, 12 miles north of Hartford, it has three runways across two terminals, is served by 11 different airlines, and offers non-stop flights to more than 40 destinations across the US, as well as Mexico, Ireland, and Jamaica.

For several years, Delaware didn’t have a single commercial airport, since Frontier halted flights to Wilmington Airport (also known as New Castle Airport) in 2015. Thankfully for those wishing to avoid the hassle of busier transport hubs, the airline restarted flights in February 2021.

As you’d expect, it’s pretty small – one recent traveler exclaimed “this airport is one of the smallest I’ve ever been in” – but it’s also extremely easy to navigate.

Expect light and airy interiors, 35-foot-tall synthetic palm trees, and Art Deco-style touches in this modern airport, located six miles from downtown Orlando. A former military hub, it's continued to grow since 1981, when the first commercial terminals opened, and in 2024 was ranked as the ninth busiest airport in the country.

Today, it runs direct flights to 116 US destinations and 55 international locations.

With more than 108 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2024, this is officially the busiest airport in the world. Despite the crowds, many are pleasantly surprised by how easy Hartfield-Jackson is to navigate, thanks to speedy processing times and clear, multilingual signage.

Although, with more than 300 restaurants, shops, and services spread across seven concourses, you might want to allow a little extra time to explore anyway.

Located three miles northwest of Honolulu, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is home to the world’s first offshore runway, which was completed in 1977. The airport is rated highly by Skytrax for its food and beverage options, which include a Hawaiian cocktail bar, a pizzeria, and a Chinese restaurant, plus it has 5-star rated free WiFi.

Recent Yelp reviewers also note how well-connected it is to public transport links and rental car options.

Small yet perfectly formed, Boise Airport runs services to 26 non-stop destinations across the US. The single-terminal airport, located three miles south of downtown Boise, has become a well-loved local hub thanks to its short waiting times, ease of navigation, and friendly staff.

Food, drink, and retail options are undergoing an expansion in 2025, and will combine national brands like Starbucks and Pizza Hut with local favorites such as Flying M Coffee, Waffle Me Up, and Blue Sky Bagels.

While O’Hare is Chicago’s larger and better-known airport, Midway is preferred by many travelers thanks to its shorter lines and less-frequent delays at security.

Located a 20-minute drive from downtown, the transport hub has recently undergone its largest expansion in 20 years, introducing a larger and more streamlined security checkpoint area – which aims to double passenger output – as well as energy-efficient updates to the parking facilities and an expanded concessions area.

Clean, spacious, and modern, Indianapolis International Airport has become a perennial fixture on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of Best Airports in America, and continues to rank highly in 2025. The airport, located seven miles southwest of its namesake city, provides service to 54 non-stop US and international destinations, including Ireland, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

To make life even easier before you fly, its website lists up-to-date information about security wait times and parking lot capacity, as well as flight information.

Running direct flights to more than 30 non-stop destinations including Austin, Fort Lauderdale, and Salt Lake City, Des Moines International Airport receives almost three million passengers a year.

The small airport, situated five miles from Iowa’s capital, is generally well-liked thanks to its friendly customer service and short wait times.

The pint-sized Garden City Regional Airport started life as a US Air Force base, before being handed to public ownership in 1948. Since then the airport, located around nine miles southeast of Garden City, has become a popular hub, offering daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth.

It’s the ideal airport for those traveling into Garden City and nearby towns.

Offering flights to 15 non-stop destinations across the US, Blue Grass Airport, located five miles from downtown Lexington, is a historic regional hub. After being used by the military during World War II, it became a commercial airport in 1946 and today it serves 1.4 million passengers annually.

Just moments away from the terminal, the popular Aviation Museum of Kentucky showcases a variety of historic and modern aircraft.

Voted 10th best large airport in J.D. Power’s 2025 Airport Satisfaction Index, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has been much improved due to a recent makeover. Completed in 2019, the $1.3bn renovation saw a shiny new terminal added, with 35 new gates.

The airport, located 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans, is also home to a wide range of local food offerings including Emeril’s, Fleurty Girl, and MoPho.

Travelers can’t get enough of Bangor International Airport, which has been praised for its great customer service, short lines, and ease of navigation. Situated around three miles from Bangor, the airport flies directly to eight major American cities including Orlando, New York, and Philadelphia.

What’s more, it’s set to get even slicker in the near future. In 2024, a two-year renovation and improvement program was announced, including the refurbishment of the runway and other infrastructure.

Also known as BWI, this airport, located nine miles from Baltimore and 32 miles from Washington, offers up to 90 direct regional and international routes. It ranked 12th on J.D. Power’s 2025 Airport Satisfaction Index, receiving special praise for its fast and efficient service as well as good transport links.

Plus, it has a good selection of food outlets, offering everything from Latin American cuisine to sushi and classic diner fare.

Situated just three miles from the city it serves, Boston Logan International Airport is an ideal choice for those wishing to fly into Massachusetts. The large airport, which has four terminals and covers a total area of 1,700 acres, is well-equipped with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services.

Recent travelers have also praised how easy it is to navigate, and a major modernization program is currently upgrading terminals, roadways, and other facilities even further.

Michigan’s busiest airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (or Detroit Metro) serves more than 140 non-stop destinations and welcomes more than 36 million passengers annually.

Located in Romulus, roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Detroit, the transport hub has modern, well-planned terminals and a wide range of dining and shopping options.

Ranking in first place out of Mega Airports on J.D. Power’s 2025 Airport Satisfaction Index, this bumper airport is clearly a hit with flyers. It’s within easy reach of the Twin Cities and flies to 166 destinations in 24 different countries, with 129 domestic flights.

Recent travelers speak highly of its customer service, ease of navigation, and wide choice of shops and restaurants.

Those looking to fly to or from the Gulf Coast should look no further than Gulfport-Biloxi, located around four miles from the town of Gulfport. It may be compact, but what it lacks in frills it more than makes up for in efficiency, ease of access, and short wait times. 

Three new restaurants opened in 2023, including The Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, which offers local dishes such as po-boys and red beans and rice.

Named after Albert Bond Lambert, a keen pilot who helped to fund and build the airport back in the 1920s, St. Louis Lambert International Airport is one of America’s most historic airports. Since then, it’s become a busy and popular transport hub, offering flights to 71 destinations in six countries as well as 62 domestic flights. 

Travelers appreciate its easy-to-navigate layout and friendly staff, although some warn that wait times can be long here.

Offering direct flights to 17 major cities across the US, Glacier Park International Airport, located eight miles from Kalispell, describes itself as the “gateway to northwestern Montana.” 

The first stage of a major expansion project was completed in 2025, which included a new baggage claim area, ticketing desk, and waiting area – all designed to improve the overall airport experience.

Despite being on the smaller side, Eppley Airfield runs around 70 departures per day to 34 non-stop destinations across the US.

The airfield, situated four miles from downtown Omaha, receives good reviews for its quick processing times and friendly staff, although some mention that dining options and other facilities are a little thin on the ground.

Those visiting Sin City won’t want to miss this unique airport, which is one of just two in the country to have slot machines in its terminals. On top of this, it has a great selection of food and drink outlets, serving everything from fast food to cocktails, burritos, and bagels. 

The enormous airport, located five miles south of downtown Las Vegas, was ranked fifth-best in the Mega Airports category by J.D. Power’s 2025 Airport Satisfaction Index. 

An ideal choice for those wishing to fly to New Hampshire and avoid busy Boston Logan Airport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is situated three miles from Manchester’s downtown.

The small airfield is popular with flyers, with one recent reviewer describing it as “far nicer and calmer than Boston Logan Airport,” while another said it had the “friendliest airport staff ever.”

It may be tiny, but that’s part of the charm of Trenton-Mercer Airport. In fact this airfield, situated four miles northwest of Trenton, is so small that baggage claim is just a trailer. 

Passengers walk across the tarmac to get on and off the planes and there’s just one food outlet and no shopping areas. Yet people love it, and with numbers increasing, there are controversial plans to expand the airport so it could support a 51% increase in passengers by 2035.

The largest commercial airport in New Mexico, welcoming over five million flyers annually, Albuquerque International Sunport is an excellent choice for those traveling to the Land of Enchantment. 

Besides providing non-stop services to more than 32 destinations in the US, it is also the country’s most culturally unique airport boasting stunning New Mexican architecture, as well as an extensive art collection. With a range of restaurants serving local flavors and shops selling artisanal goods, you’ll want to check in early.

JFK is the nation’s busiest airport for international transport. In March 2025 alone, it flew passengers to 79 countries on more than 37,000 flights. And it’s set to get even busier and better thanks to a $19 billion transformation, which will see two giant new terminals built across five existing terminals. 

There’ll also be streamlined roadways, new retail and dining options, and stunning New York artwork – all designed to give flyers a truly world-class travel experience.

This North Carolina transport hub serves 84 destinations in 12 countries, and offers 68 domestic flights. Thanks to a straightforward and functional layout, a good level of cleanliness, and smooth check-in processes, it’s a solid bet for anyone wishing to travel to the Old North State.

Located around three miles northwest of downtown Fargo, North Dakota’s Fargo Hector International Airport has a decidedly small-town feel about it with just five gates. However, its terminal expansion project means it is about to get a major upgrade. The project will include a 73,000 square foot addition for four modern boarding gates and a 113,000 square foot renovation of the existing five gates. 

Expanded restrooms and waiting areas are also planned. The airport currently offers flights to 11 cities across the US, including Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Minneapolis/Saint Paul, although flights to certain cities such as Phoenix-Sky Harbor are seasonal. 

Just a 15-minute drive from Columbus, the compact and convenient John Glenn Columbus International Airport is a safe bet for those flying in and out of Ohio. It flies to 49 destinations, mostly in the US but also Montreal in Canada and Cancún in Mexico. 

Travelers are won over by its cleanliness, efficiency, and straightforward layout, although some stress that food outlets have restricted opening hours.

Will Rogers World Airport currently offers non-stop service to more than 25 US cities. 

It was named after legendary Oklahoma-born cowboy and entertainer Will Rogers, a keen aviation fan who tragically died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935. A clean, comfortable, and user-friendly regional hub, its interiors are given a splash of color thanks to a local arts project.

The largest airport in the Beaver State, Portland International Airport generally scores highly on national customer satisfaction surveys, coming in at number six on J.D. Power’s 2025 Airport Satisfaction Index – although this is lower than in previous years.

Serving over 80 non-stop destinations, it’s a great option for traveling to US and international cities. It’s also strikingly beautiful: interiors are light and airy thanks to large windows, while a selection of rotating art exhibitions at the terminal showcases local artists.

Philadelphia International celebrated its 85th birthday in 2025 and it’s still going strong. Situated seven miles from downtown Philly, it offers over 400 daily departures to more than 130 destinations worldwide, while passenger numbers exceed 31 million in 2024. 

Many flyers snub the nearby Boston Logan in favor of this dinky airport, situated in Warwick, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Providence. It serves 42 non-stop destinations, largely across the eastern US, with passengers enjoying its low-key atmosphere. 

Reviewers say that despite being small, there are plenty of shops where travelers can find snacks and a good variety of food options in the central part of the terminal.

Named the best small airport in the country by readers of USA Today, Myrtle Beach has become a traveler favorite thanks to its low-cost flights, ease of travel, and customer service.

Located three miles southwest of its namesake city, it offers direct flights to more than 50 cities and served a record 3.8 million customers in 2024. 

The largest airport in the Mount Rushmore State, Sioux Falls served over 700,000 passengers in 2024. The regional airfield has become popular thanks to its minimal waiting times, friendly and helpful staff, and hassle-free car rental options, although some flyers note that dining options are a little thin on the ground. 

Located eight miles east of downtown Nashville, Nashville International ranked in seventh place on J.D. Power’s 2025 Airport Satisfaction Index. The first stage of a $3 billion expansion project designed to enhance the traveling experience saw five new gates, eight new shopping and dining options, a moving walkway, and three original pieces of artwork unveiled in July 2025.

There’s also a rotunda with panoramic views, where travelers can access an outdoor terrace, offering views of the airfield and even downtown Nashville. This being Music City, there’s great live music on offer too.

The city's main airport until Dallas/Fort Worth came along in 1974, Dallas Love Field is the home of Southwest Airlines. It was ranked third in the large airports category of J.D. Power’s 2025 Airport Satisfaction Index, with travelers praising the number of eating options, as well as its friendly and welcoming staff. 

What’s more, at just seven miles from downtown Dallas, its location is extremely convenient too.

Thanks to a $5.1 billion rebuild which has been unveiled in stages and is due for completion in 2026, Salt Lake City International Airport has been transformed into a stylish and futuristic transport hub. In 2024, the immersive 1,000-foot-long River Tunnel art installation was unveiled, which as well as being stunning, also drastically reduces the distance travelers need to walk between concourses A and B. 

There’s also a new greeting room, impressive art displays, and a mini plaza with retail, food, and drink concessions.

Offering flights to 18 American cities, Burlington International Airport is a small yet easy-to-navigate hub that is ideally located for reaching popular ski resorts. Reviews suggest that what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in convenience and efficiency. 

Don't let the name fool you – Washington Dulles, as it's typically called, isn't all that close to Washington DC. Around 27 miles from downtown, it offers direct flights to more than 159 destinations in 49 countries and 96 domestic flights.

Since opening in 2019 Paine Field has quickly become one of America’s favorite small airports. The Washington Post named it the fifth best airport in the country in 2025, putting it ahead of much larger airports.

This compact, two-gate terminal flies to just eight cities including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and Phoenix. Inside, it’s stylishly kitted out with lounge-style seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, while there’s electrical power and high-speed WiFi at every seat.

This pocket-sized airport currently offers direct flights to seven cities across the US including Charlotte, Chicago, and Atlanta. Located just minutes away from downtown Charleston, it’s a convenient option for anyone visiting the area.

Travelers speak highly of its minimal lines, short wait times, and attentive staff, although as you’d expect with any small airport, facilities are basic – there’s just one food outlet and it’s located before security.

Conveniently located just minutes from Wisconsin’s capital, Dane County Regional Airport flies to 17 non-stop destinations across the US and is favored by frequent flyers and business travelers.

There's a range of dining and shopping options and even pet therapy for anxious passengers.

The only commercial airport within a national park in the country, Jackson Hole Airport enjoys a picturesque location at the foot of the Teton mountains and is a great option for those traveling to Wyoming.

The small airfield offers direct flights to 14 destinations across the country, including Denver, Atlanta, and Seattle. While facilities are fairly basic, with just two shops and one restaurant, the terminal is decorated with a whole host of artworks which nod to the Equality State’s history and traditions.

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