Best Airports in America
Business travelers have come to expect certain amenities at any airport they travel through nowadays.
Among the many amenities that are now common at most major commercial airports are free WiFi, power outlets, business centers, work stations and food courts with a wide variety of delicious options to choose from. What sets certain airports apart to the modern traveler are other conveniences, especially ones that help make navigation easier and layovers more bearable. These airports are known not only for the sheer volume of passengers they handle, but for those other unexpected perks as well.
Atlanta
There's a saying among frequent-flying business travelers: "You can't get to heaven without connecting at Hartsfield." Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is often cited as the world's busiest airport. The reason that so many air travelers come through Atlanta is that it's home to one of the world's largest airlines—Delta—and a hub for many others. It's also within a two-hour flight time of 80 percent of the country. The layout and transportation options within the airport make it an easy place to navigate (despite the crowds), and a large offering of bars, restaurants and shops in the main terminal and on the concourses help make layover time easier.
Cincinnati
The smallest airport to make this list is a favorite among many business travelers. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) sees only 6 million annual passengers compared to Hartsfield's 94 million. Travelers rave about the short lines and easy navigation, as well as the modern look. Contemporary artwork adorns the walls of the terminal, which has sleek industrial design elements. For those longer layovers, you'll find four well-marked fitness paths inside the airport, complete with water bottle refilling stations. This airport also boasts quick connecting times, claiming that "20 to 30 minutes is more than enough time to connect between flights."
Denver
Denver's airport impresses people with its unique and interesting architecture. The main terminal looks like something straight out of a science fiction film, canopied by a phalanx of giant, jutting white canvas fixtures that provide sublime natural light inside during daylight hours. Skytrax, a prominent airport ranking site, consistently ranks the Denver International Airport (DEN) high on its list of the world's best regional airports, with customer reviews praising the efficiency and cleanliness of the facility. To avoid confusion, it is worth noting that DIA is shorthand for the airport's name, which shouldn't be mistaken for its official aviation call letters of DEN.
San Francisco
The hub and spoke design at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) allows for quick and easy movement between terminals. Anyone doing business around the Pacific Rim will likely touch down at SFO at some point. Unlike so many airports with the word "international" in their names, this is truly an international airport, serving multiple overseas destinations through several airlines on a daily basis. It's also one of the two major airports serving Silicon Valley (the other being the San Jose airport). Two major perks for the business traveler in a hurry at SFO are the valet parking service, which also provides a complimentary copy of The Wall Street Journal, and the private shower rooms available.
Seattle
Seattle's vibrant music scene is world-renowned, and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) doesn't let travelers forget it. Sea-Tac, as the airport is more commonly called, features live music performances from local acts seven days a week, as well as video displays and exhibits about famous acts from the region. Called "Experience the City of Music," the program has been honored as the "Best Arrivals Experience" by the Future Travel Experience Awards. Like the Cincinnati and Denver airports, Sea-Tac also receives consistently high marks from Skytrax for being one of the best regional airports in the world, with the efficient baggage system being one of the many standout points.
Dallas
Dallas/Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) is huge and busy. But thanks to the quick and automated Skylink high-speed train, getting between DFW's terminals to make connecting flights is easy. If you do business in Latin American, this airport—which Skytrax ranks in the Top 10 of the best airports in North America—serves as a major gateway to the region.
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