10 Best Airports in the U.S.

Conde Nast Traveler recently rated all airports in the US and published a list of the top 10 airports for business travelers.  They surveyed more than 25,000 business travelers and compiled the results.  Unsurprisingly, the country’s biggest airports are nowhere to be found on the list.  It seems that LAX, JFK, SFO, and O’Hare (ORD) are as much about inducing headaches and confusion as they are about providing a place for planes to pick-up passengers.

So who’s numero uno?

1. Portland International (PDX) scored top marks among the more than 25,000 business travelers surveyed.  PDX is not a hub airport, but does provide flights to many domestic destinations and international destinations like Japan, Mexico and Canada.  It averages about 500 flights per day.  It is well laid out, with conveniently located amenities.  Crowded?  At times, yes, but it is a small enough airport that things never get as chaotic as they do at one of the bigger airports.

2. Tampa is known for its architecture and a design that puts an emphasis on easy navigation and convenience without sacrificing style.

3. Reagan Washington National. This Washington D.C. airport mainly serves the East Coast and Midwest.  It is smaller, less chaotic and more convenient that D.C.’s international airport, Dulles.

4. Milwaukee. Mitchell International Airport services several low-cost carriers, like AirTran, Frontier and Midwest Airlines.  Air Canada and American Airlines also provide service.

5. Orlando International.  Surprisingly, considering the American Airlines hub at Miami Int’l, Orlando is the busiest airport in Florida (measured by number of passengers).  Chaotic?  A bit.  But it’s well designed, with onsite hotels and plenty of amenities.  Orlando is trying to expand its service to destinations in South America and the Caribbean, in hopes of drawing even more fliers.

And the rest of the top 10:

6. Minneapolis/St. Paul.  The highest-ranking hub (Northwest Airlines) on the list.

7. Long Beach

8. Salt Lake City

9. Pittsburg

10. San Diego