Summary of Content
We’ll admit it — most U.S. airports are more utilitarian than fun. That’s why when GoTravelDaily readers rated their favorite domestic airports, they primarily focused on convenience, like short security lines, abundant parking, and easy-to-navigate terminals.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Airports were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Access
- Check-in/security
- Restaurants/bars
- Shopping
- Design
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Most airports on the list are regional ones that serve as less-crowded alternatives to major airports that are often too small to handle their passenger flow. Two near Boston made the top 10 this year: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire, at No. 1 and T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, at No. 6. “The quick and easy airport to get your leisure travel off to a stress-free start,” said one voter of the latter.
That’s not to say major international airports aren’t on the list. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport, both Delta hubs for international flights, made the top 10 this year, coming in at No. 4 and No. 9, respectively. Salt Lake City is only going to improve, too, with the completion of a new phase of renovations this year. Tampa International Airport is also in the mix at No. 3 — last year it received attention when WBA Hall of Fame airline Virgin Atlantic debuted a route to London from the airport.
Read on to find out why readers love New Hampshire’s primary airport and discover this year’s full ranking of best domestic airports.
The Winner
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Manchester, New Hampshire
Just about 50 miles outside of Boston, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is a delightfully convenient experience for travelers. “Quickly became my absolute favorite airport; it’s nice and clean and so fast and easy to get in and out of,” one voter said. The airline serves about 1.7 million passengers a year and has flights on American, Avelo, Southwest, Spirit, and United. Voters also praise the staff at the airport. “All the employees I encounter at MHT are knowledgeable and truly enjoy their job,” one GoTravelDaily reader commented. “Security is a breeze, and the TSA agents are extremely professional.”
The Full List
1. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Manchester, New Hampshire
Reader Score: 85.31
2. Indianapolis International Airport: Indianapolis, Indiana
Reader Score: 81.10
3. Tampa International Airport: Tampa, Florida
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 80.08
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Reader Score: 79.93
5. Portland International Airport: Portland, Oregon
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 79.44
6. T.F. Green Airport: Warwick, Rhode Island
Reader Score: 78.80
7. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport: Savannah, Georgia
Reader Score: 78.47
8. Palm Beach International Airport: West Palm Beach, Florida
Reader Score: 76.15
9. Salt Lake City International Airport: Salt Lake City, Utah
Reader Score: 76.14
10. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport: Jackson, Mississippi
Reader Score: 75.88