A new study has revealed the best airports in the US for traveler experience, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport coming fifth.

The study by QR Code Generator analyzed various reviews, facilities, and Google search volumes of the 31 busiest airports in the US to create an index. The factors considered for each airport were its Google review rating, the percentage of 5-star reviews on Google, its FlightRadar24 review score, the number of places to eat, shop, and pass the time, according to Tripadvisor, and the average monthly search volume relating to ‘lost luggage’ queries per 100,000 passengers, identified using Google Keyword Planner.

Each factor was then given an index score, and each airport received an overall index score for all factors. These findings revealed the ranking of the best US airports for flyer experience.

Top 10 US Airports for Traveler Experience

Based on flyer experience, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the best airport in the US. The study scored the Florida airport an overall index score of 71/100 for its enjoyability for travelers.

According to the findings, the airport has the highest Google review ratings, both overall (4.6 out of 5) and for the highest percentage of 5-star reviews of any US airport (74.11% of all reviews). Additionally, reviews on FlightRadar24 agree, with the airport ranking top on the website, achieving a review score of 88/100.

Second is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), with an impressive overall index score of 63.9/100 in the passenger enjoyability index.  

While the Arizona airport scores highly on the index across all factors, its best-scoring factor is the lack of ‘lost luggage’ related searches, for which it scored an impressive 97.4/100. This is based on an average monthly search volume of only 4.46 searches per 100,000 passengers, which is 94% lower than the average across all the other airports.

The third-best airport in the US for traveler experience is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). According to the findings, the Minnesota airport achieved an overall index score of 62.4/100.

The study found that a large majority of people who traveled through MSP had an excellent experience, with 63.5% of all Google reviews for the airport achieving a 5-star rating. Along with its overall Google rating of 4.3 out of 5, this equated to an index score of 68.5/100, second in the US behind only TPA for this factor. 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ranks fourth on the list, with a commendable index score of 60.7/100 overall.

Of the factors considered, the California airport scored highly across the board. Notably, SFO was found to have achieved an especially impressive FlightRadar24 score of 84/100 on the website.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) rounds out the top five best airports in the US for flyer experience.  

The study found that the Georgia airport achieved an overall index score of 57.6/100 for flyer experience, with more than half (57.24%) of its Google reviews achieving a 5-star rating.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) follows in sixth. The study found that the Florida airport achieved an overall index score of 57.3/100. Its standout factor is the amenities on offer to travelers, for which it ranks fourth among the airports analyzed.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) ranks seventh in the US, but it takes the top spot in Texas compared to two other Texas airports analyzed in the study. According to the findings, AUS achieved an index score of 57/100 for providing an enjoyable flying experience for travelers.  

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) ranks eighth, with an overall index score of 56.1/100, while Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) ranks ninth, with a score of 55.1/100 in the index study.

Finally, completing the top 10 best US airports for travelers is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), achieving an overall index score of 53.6/100, according to the findings.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, commented on the findings:  

“Navigating and spending time in airports can often cause stress for many people traveling, especially in peak summer months. However, this study provides useful insight into those airports that have the potential to offer not just a stress-free experience but an enjoyable one as well, helping to turn the tiring waiting periods into an opportunity to unwind and begin your vacation before you touch down at your destination.

"What stands out is that a top-rated experience does not necessarily require the most amenities. Tampa has fewer dining and shopping options than JFK or Miami, yet its review scores are in a different league entirely. That suggests the basics, such as clear navigation, efficient processes, and a welcoming atmosphere, matter far more than having 50 restaurants to choose from.

“These findings give Americans with the travel bug this summer more guidance on where to fly from, especially if having a relaxing, stress-free, and enjoyable flight is important to you this busy travel season. Texas and Florida dominate the ranking, as both states have two airports in the list. Flyers from states like Texas and Florida, but also places like San Francisco, Atlanta, Baltimore, and Detroit, can rejoice knowing their airport will take care of them this summer.”