Fri. Aug 8th, 2025

10Best Invites Travelers to Choose the Best Airports and Airport Features Across the Country

United States – Traveling through airports can be a challenging and tiring experience, particularly during peak seasons or long-haul flights. Yet, the presence of excellent concessions and amenities, including lounges, bars, restaurants, and top-notch retailers, can significantly enhance the travel experience by offering convenience, comfort, and entertainment to passengers.

In a bid to identify the best airport options across the United States, USA TODAY 10Best has sought the expertise of a panel of experts to nominate their top picks in eight categories. These categories range from “Best Airport Bar” to “Best Small Airport.” Now, it’s your opportunity to have your say and determine the winners. You can cast your vote for your favorites once per day in each category until voting concludes on Monday, October 2 at noon ET.

Categories and Nominees:

  1. Best Airport Bar: These airport bars, nominated as the best in the U.S. by experts, serve exceptional drinks in relaxed atmospheres alongside delectable food.

  2. Best Airport for Dining: These 20 airports, nominated for having the best food concessions programs in the United States, prove that dining at the airport need not mean settling for bland or overpriced food.

  3. Best Airport for Shopping: Retail therapy can make hours spent at an airport pass quickly. These 20 U.S. airports, nominated as the best for shopping, offer travelers a diverse range of shopping options.

  4. Best Airport Grab-And-Go Food: When time is limited before takeoff, these grab-and-go spots, nominated as the best in the U.S., provide a convenient solution for hunger.

  5. Best Airport Lounge: Luxe airport lounges with comfortable seating, food, drinks, and even showers can transform your airport wait into a delightful experience. These 20 lounges, nominated by experts, are so inviting that you might welcome flight delays.

  6. Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant: For longer layovers, dining at one of these 20 airport sit-down restaurants, nominated as the best in the United States, can turn the waiting time into a culinary delight.

  7. Best Large Airport: The quality of the airport itself can significantly impact the overall travel experience. These 20 large airports, nominated as the best in the U.S., offer fantastic amenities, top-notch concessions, and a wide array of destinations.

  8. Best Small Airport: While major airports like JFK, LAX, and ATL often dominate the travel scene, the U.S. is home to many smaller, traveler-friendly airports that make travel more enjoyable. These 20 airports, nominated as the best in the U.S., serve fewer passengers but excel in terms of commercial flight offerings, accessibility, and amenities.

Remember, you have the opportunity to cast your vote once daily in each category. The ten nominees with the most votes in each category will be unveiled on Friday, October 13, as the winners. Your voice can help shape the future travel experience in the United States.