Not all airports are soul-crushing. In fact, some are downright pleasant — clean, efficient, packed with good food, and blessed with rare on-time reliability.
Here’s most recent 2025 rankings from J.D. Power, AirHelp, Travel + Leisure, and other passenger data sources to find the airports getting it right.
Whether you’re booking a layover or trying to dodge chaos, these are the best bets in the sky.
Salt Lake City International (SLC)
Top of the list. Ranked #1 by AirHelp in 2025 for overall experience and #1 for on-time flights. Clean terminals, smart design, and zero chaos make SLC the new national standard.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP)
Scored highest in passenger satisfaction among mega airports in J.D. Power’s latest survey. Travelers love the local food, efficient layout, and rare sense of calm. Also one of the most punctual in the country.
Tampa International (TPA)
TPA has long been a traveler favorite — and this year, it’s back near the top. Consistently ranked among the best midsize airports, it’s easy to navigate, quick to clear, and full of surprisingly good food.
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Orange County’s SNA ranked #1 for large airports in J.D. Power’s 2024–2025 survey. Short lines, smooth security, and a polished feel make it a hidden gem in Southern California.
Los Angeles International (LAX)
Yes, LAX. It landed in the top five in AirHelp’s 2025 ranking thanks to major upgrades and a shockingly high on-time score. Tom Bradley terminal especially stands out for international connections.
Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
SEA earns praise for its Pacific Northwest flavor, music, and meditation spaces. It also handles delays and layovers better than most, with plenty to eat and space to breathe.
San Francisco International (SFO)
Still one of the best for international travelers. Sleek design, strong food options, and excellent lounges keep it near the top, even when Bay Area weather complicates things.
Denver International (DEN)
Perfect for long layovers. DEN’s art, outdoor spaces, and terminal upgrades make it one of the best big airports to kill time in. J.D. Power scores it 4.7 out of 5 for passenger experience.
Rhode Island T.F. Green (PVD)
This tiny airport keeps punching above its weight. Named Travel + Leisure’s best domestic airport, thanks to short wait times, low stress, and genuinely friendly staff.
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
DAL and DFW both earned awards this year, but Love Field stands out for ease of access and Southwest’s dominance. It’s fast, efficient, and shockingly pleasant for a Texas hub.
