American Airports Rated

By Author: Steve Robinson
Total Articles: 468

While travelers smartly continue to prioritize flying via cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages, they should not make the mistake of assuming that all airport experiences will be similar.

Recently, Travel & Leisure asked its readers to rate America’s 22 major airports in seven areas: amenities, check in and security, design, flight delays, food and drink, location, and transportation.

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport was the highest rated airport based on its shopping and dining options, and the ease of check in and security. It was also highly rated for design, cleanliness, baggage handling, staff communication and airport location.

Travelers looking to avoid poor flying experiences in America would be well advised to bypass airports in Los Angeles and Philadelphia which struggle with outdated infrastructure, overcrowding, chronic delays and demoralized staff.

Fliers considering poorly rated airports should try to take the earliest available flights and should consider alternate airports or regional airports when possible. Baltimore’s Airport (BWI) is much more higher rated than Washington Dulles airport. BWI ranked the best airport for on time departures.

Charlotte Airport (CLT) was another highly regarded airport which received recognition for everything from Wi-Fi access to its convenient location.

Availability of public transportation helped offset bad locations for some airports. For example, San Francisco received positive ratings for its transit options. Other features considered important were easy to catch taxis and large and easy to read flight boards in terminals.

Major negatives cited more often at some airports were lack of play facilities for children as well as dated facilities. Travelers are increasingly looking for drop in airport spas that offer quick neck, back or foot massages.

The worst rated airports were New York La Guardia (LGA), Los Angeles (LAX), Philadelphia (PHL), and New York (JFK). The top rated airports were respectively Minneapolis (MSP), Charlotte (CLT), Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), and Orlando (MCO).
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