Scenic vistas, therapeutic alpacas, and exceptional restroom facilities enhance the top-rated airport experiences.
The Washington Post recently conducted a comprehensive survey to determine the top airports in the United States, evaluating factors such as passenger opinions, gate capacity, parking, Yelp reviews, and ease of getting through the airport. The survey analysed over 450 public airports and narrowed the list down to the top 50.
In the ranking, Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon took the No. 1 spot for its exceptional architecture and overall experience. Long Beach Airport (LGB) in California followed closely at No. 2, while Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Virginia secured the third position. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in Minnesota rounded off the top four.
Seattle Paine Field (PAE) also made it to the top 10, though the exact rank was not specified. The remaining airports in the top 10 were not explicitly listed in the available sources.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is renowned for its live trees, sky-lit ceilings, and natural landscapes played on video walls. Among its defining features are a giant pink mailbox, occasional therapy llamas, and '80s-inspired carpeting. The airport offers live music, a speakeasy, and a "microcinema."
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) also stood out in the survey, coming in at No. 6. The bathrooms at PVD were praised for being "impeccable and beautifully designed." The airport offers a free library, local food, and live music, and is known for its easy parking and navigation.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is commended for its ease of navigation, with amenities such as a quiet space, massage chairs, and short films by local filmmakers. The airport also pays homage to Minneapolis-native Prince and offers Spam-themed merchandise.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is another airport that stood out in the survey, coming in at No. 9. Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) is described as feeling more like a "posh hotel" by readers, with features such as bellhops for luggage, luxurious decor, and amenities like a wine bar and a Beecher's Handmade Cheese outpost.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is one of the airports that stood out in the survey, landing at No. 10. The airport is known for its underground LED tunnel that shuttles travelers through concourses, and another attraction is a 39-foot-wide fountain in the McNamara Terminal, which shoots water in a pattern inspired by a flight map.
Florida airports were also noted, though none cracked the top 10. Tampa International Airport was ranked 11th overall. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is another airport that stood out in the survey, coming in at No. 7. It is known for its southwestern architecture, which gives "local pueblo" vibes with murals by Native American artists.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) in Los Angeles, California, is an Art Deco building that is easy to navigate and offers an "oasis"-like atmosphere with a courtyard, al fresco dining, and summer concerts. It is also known for its historic terminal and relaxed atmosphere.
The Washington Post survey identified one airport in the Pacific Northwest as the best in the country. The Port of Portland operates Portland International Airport (PDX) and is thanked by the nearly 10,000 people who work there for their care and dedication.
The survey was based on responses from over 2,300 people and analysed more than 450,000 Yelp reviews. Participants noted the airport's spacious design, natural light, and mountain views.
Deirdre Bardolf, a lifestyle writer for our website Digital, contributed to this article.
[1] Source: The Washington Post (2025) [2] Source: The Washington Post (2025) Survey Results [3] Source: The Washington Post (2025) Top 10 Best Airports in the United States [4] Source: The Washington Post (2025) Portland International Airport Tops List of Best Airports in U.S.
- Some travelers might consider Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon a perfect example of a lifestyle destination airport, with its live trees, '80s-inspired carpeting, and unique features like a speakeasy and a "microcinema."
- For those seeking a unique travel experience, Long Beach Airport (LGB) in California is worth a visit, offering an Art Deco architecture, a relaxing courtyard, and summer concerts, creating an oasis-like atmosphere.
