Top 11 Enchanting Airports Across America
In the world of air travel, some airports stand out for their punctuality, modern facilities, quality amenities, and unique traveler experiences. Here, we take a look at the top U.S. airports to spend time in, as well as several other airports that offer something special to passengers.
Top U.S. Airports
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah, consistently ranks high for on-time arrival and departure rates, minimal cancellations, and a significant terminal overhaul that improved passenger experience significantly. SLC ranked 8th worldwide for on-time operations and customer service by AirHelp in 2025.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California, is the second-best U.S. airport in the AirHelp 2025 ranking. Despite its size and busyness, LAX offers extensive amenities catering especially to business travelers, making layovers more enjoyable.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota, combines a friendly atmosphere with quality amenities and handles over 37 million passengers annually, making it a pleasant airport for wait times and layovers.
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Georgia, although very busy, was ranked 4th most punctual in the U.S. thus making delays less likely, which is a crucial factor in enjoyable airport experiences.
- Portland International Airport (PDX), Oregon, comes in 5th most punctual U.S. airports and is well-known for a traveler-friendly design and local amenities.
- Nashville International Airport (BNA), Tennessee, offers good amenities combined with a charming vibe associated with its city.
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Illinois, is 7th in punctuality rankings and well-regarded for convenient operations and fewer delays than its big neighbor O'Hare.
- Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Texas, is highly punctual (8th most on-time), compact and easy to navigate with growing amenities.
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Texas, is 9th most on-time airport, with a range of traveler-friendly dining and services.
- Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii, is 10th most punctual, also appealing for its Hawaiian charm and unique local shops and cultural elements.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), North Carolina, is known for extensive volunteer support, continual terminal improvements, and services that enhance passenger satisfaction and ease of navigation.
Unique Airports Worth Mentioning
- Ketchikan International Airport (KCH), Alaska, is served by Alaska Airlines and requires a ferry ride to reach the city. In 2023, it had a total of 148,645 enplanements and boasts an on-time arrival rate of 81.9%.
- Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), Massachusetts, is served by American, Cape Air, Delta, and JetBlue, and has a Cape Cod-style terminal. In 2023, it had a total of 83,621 enplanements with an on-time arrival rate of 78%.
- Branson Airport (BKG), Missouri, is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and features a wild west vibe, complete with a real babbling creek and facades of a saloon and sawmill. In 2023, it had a total of 2,607 enplanements with an on-time arrival rate of 61.7%.
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), Wyoming, is located within Grand Teton National Park at the base of the Teton mountain range and offers a unique feature: The Teton County Library Bookshelf. In 2023, it had a total of 494,863 enplanements with an on-time arrival rate of 77.9%.
- Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), Georgia, was originally a naval base station and was renamed in 2003. It is served by Delta Air Lines and had a total of 33,832 enplanements in 2023 with an on-time arrival rate of 77.4%.
- Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Michigan, is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's works and served by Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United. In 2023, it had a total of 347,763 enplanements with an on-time arrival rate of 77.8%.
These airports, while not necessarily the most punctual, offer unique experiences that make them worth a mention for travelers seeking something different in their airport visits.
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- When comparing these top U.S. airports, one might find that Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) provides the best combination of on-time arrivals, minimal cancellations, and an improved passenger experience, making it a great choice for those prioritizing lifestyle and comfort during their travel.
- As a traveler, you might also find interest in exploring unique airports such as Ketchikan International Airport (KCH) in Alaska, offering a unique ferry ride experience, or Branson Airport (BKG) in Missouri, with its wild west vibe, as a chance to diversify your travel experiences beyond just the destination.
