Immigrate to the USA and experience American life: whether you are returning to China, coming to the USA, or simply traveling within the country, you will inevitably pass through one place—the airport! With over 500 airports of various sizes and 59 international airports, the USA is truly a major aviation power. Based on annual on-time performance, on-time performance during peak holidays (including Presidents' Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and winter break), airport comfort, and security wait times, which US airport is the best? There are many rumors in the industry, so our editors have carefully compiled the best of US airports for you. Yes, it's that impressive!
The Most Well-Designed Airport—Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport covers an area of 137 square kilometers, making it the largest airport in North America by area. The highlight of Denver Airport is its roof, designed to mimic the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, looking like a series of connected white tents from a distance. The fully transparent pedestrian bridge connecting the terminal and the concourse is also quite eye-catching; walking on it, one can see the bustling taxis below, as if standing on a mountain looking down at the plains, where cars look like matchboxes, and the vast scenery of Colorado comes into view. Denver Airport is hailed as one of the most beautiful airports in the USA, and its recent installation of solar-powered aircraft has also made it one of the cleanest airports in the country.
The Most Punctual Airport—San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport is located within the city, and passengers can reach it with a very short drive from the city center. If you are interested in cycling or walking, it does not take long to reach the airport either. San Diego International Airport rarely experiences flight delays. In fact, it has consistently led all US airports in punctuality: the average wait time for passengers in the terminal is only 6.2 minutes! It is said that this wait time will be further shortened with the expansion of San Diego Airport and the addition of more boarding gates!
The Most Twisty Airport—Reagan National Airport
If you are visiting the US capital, Washington, D.C., you might want to prepare some motion sickness medicine when flying. Because Reagan National Airport is flanked by overlapping no-fly zones, the flight paths are distorted, which can make passengers feel dizzy. Most pilots fly along the Potomac River to avoid the CIA headquarters and the Pentagon, but this involves several sharp turns. However, the most nerve-wracking part is that planes must make a sharp turn during takeoff to climb rapidly and avoid the White House.
The Most Delicious Airport—Miami International Airport
You can find a strong South American flair everywhere in Miami Airport, and the taste buds from South America are no exception. You can easily find the best Caribbean restaurants at Miami Airport, and other delicacies such as Cuban coffee and organic snacks are enough to make you dizzy with choices. Best of all, there is a Cuban restaurant called Versailles in Concourse D, which opened in the 1970s and is quite famous locally. In addition, Venezuelan empanadas, Caribbean salads, and South American tapas are delicious options not to be missed.
The Best Airport for Overnight Stays—San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports on the US West Coast. As a busy airport, there are many overnight flights, so the facilities must keep up. At San Francisco Airport, you can take a comfortable shower at the USO lounges scattered throughout the airport. The coolest part is the 24-hour aquarium in the International Terminal! If you can't sleep, it's nice to go see the cute marine life at night. The airport also has a 24-hour yoga room and meditation room, which are said to be spaces for self-exercise and meditation, but they sound quite suitable for sleeping.
The Most High Airport—McCarran International Airport
The luxury of the gambling city begins the moment you step out of the cabin door, with slot machines and roulette tables visible everywhere in the airport. Whether you are leaving and want to take one last chance to gamble, or you have just arrived in the gambling city and want to try your luck, you can easily do so at the Las Vegas airport. If the 300 slot machines in the airport are not enough, you can also find better bars at the Las Vegas airport. Fine wine and gambling are simply tools to make your adrenaline soar. A friendly reminder from the editor: while gambling is fun, don't miss your flight!
The Best Shopping Airport—Hawaii Honolulu International Airport
How can you not go shopping when traveling abroad? Hawaii International Airport has the largest DFS duty-free shop in all of Hawaii, and visiting the airport duty-free shop has become an essential part of the itinerary for many tourists. The shopping center has three full floors, although only the third floor is duty-free, but that is enough. The DFS brand variety at Hawaii Airport is very complete, and luxury brands such as Dior, Burberry, and Prada have a full range of goods at favorable prices. In addition to buying duty-free goods, enjoying food is also an option not to be missed. The Laurel Restaurant on the fourth floor serves international cuisine and snacks, and a free tasting event is held here every day from 1:30 PM to 10:30 PM, where you can taste Hawaiian specialties and coffee for free.
The Best Airport for Family Travel—Chicago O'Hare International Airport
If you are traveling with your family, choosing Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the right move. Chicago International Airport has just been voted the most family-friendly airport, with numerous activities and facilities for children. For example, the interactive aviation exhibition park, where children can play while learning interesting knowledge about aviation and airplanes. In addition to the aviation park, there is a Legoland suitable for tourists of all ages, where children, adults, and even parents can play with Lego bricks for free. Long waiting times fly by during these fun activities.
Tips for Flying at US Airports:
- US airports are usually not located in the city center, and highways leading to airports in large cities are often congested, so please allow extra time to reach the airport.
- Security checks at US airports are relatively cumbersome; you need to take off your shoes and raise your hands to let the scanner see through your whole body. Sometimes additional checks such as fingerprint scanners and air baths are performed.
- Boarding is generally done in order of seat rows; do not rush forward. Wait until your seat row is called before queuing to board.
- Generally, you can bring 2 pieces of luggage on board: one carry-on suitcase and one personal bag. Follow the instructions of the flight attendants to stow them after boarding.
- Public transportation in the USA is not very developed, and taxi prices are very expensive. Most people drive themselves to the airport or ask friends and family to drop them off. Of course, the most reliable method is to book the WorldWay 0-yuan airport drop-off service to reach/depart from the airport safely, conveniently, and economically!