Layovers often induce stress, with short ones risking missed flights and dashes through airports, while long ones can seem interminable. The quality of amenities and services at an airport significantly influences whether a layover is a positive or negative experience. MarketWatch Guides team examined data across nearly 20 metrics, ranging from cleanliness to food and beverage ratings, to identify the major U.S. airports that excel in layover experiences, catering to both frequent fliers and families.

To identify the best airports for layovers, researchers prioritized key statistics such as food selection, shopping options, price ratings, and the availability of lounges and seats. The top ten airports boasted an impressive average food and beverage choice rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars and an average shop selection rating of 3.9.

Best Airports for Layovers

George Bush Intercontinental Airport clinched the highest overall score. This Houston hub also received high ratings for food and beverage prices, staff service, and the maximum rating for the ease of WiFi login.

Only three airports secured positions in both the top 10 overall and the top 10 for both frequent fliers and families: George Bush, Washington Dulles International, and Seattle-Tacoma International.

RankAirportFood & Beverage Choice RatingFood & Beverage Prices RatingSelection of Shops RatingRestaurants per 100 People per HourStores per 100 People per Hour
1George Bush Intercontinental Airport4.544.11.971.82
2Washington Dulles International Airport4441.731.98
3Logan International Airport43.541.801.97
4Detroit Metropolitan Airport4441.060.96
5Seattle–Tacoma International Airport43.540.920.74
6Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport33.541.941.03
7Tampa International Airport43.53.51.751.34
8Denver International Airport4441.331.13
9John F. Kennedy International Airport3.5342.231.49
10Salt Lake City International Airport443.51.191.23
Source: Market Watch

Best Airports for Layovers: Frequent Fliers

In the assessment of airports best suited for frequent fliers, MarketWatch considered the presence of American Express Centurion Lounges, the overall distribution of lounges, and other unique amenities for frequent travelers. Food and beverage offerings were also pivotal in this category.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport stood out at the summit, with a commendable food and beverage choice score. While Washington Dulles led in lounge distribution, the absence of a Centurion Lounge positioned the airport third overall for frequent fliers.

Overall, the top ten airports for frequent flyers boasted an average of 0.0027 lounges per passenger per hour, coupled with an average food and beverage choice rating of 3.9 stars and a shop selection rating of 3.8 stars.

Best Airports for Layovers: Families

When evaluating the best airports for families, MarketWatch emphasized the presence of family restrooms and nursing rooms, along with the number of kid play areas each airport offers. Additionally, the researchers prioritized price ratings for food and beverage and seat availability, acknowledging that families typically require more space than individual travelers.

In this context, Detroit claimed the top spot for families, surpassing all other airports with five available playrooms. Logan International Airport secured second place, leading in family restrooms. Salt Lake City and San Francisco shared the top position for nursing rooms per passenger per hour at 0.004 each.

Five of the top ten airports also featured shuttles or trains from terminal to terminal. Travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport can efficiently navigate airports during layovers, ultimately saving transit time between flights.

Methodology

To ascertain the best airports for layovers, MarketWatch conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the New York & New Jersey Port Authority, individual airport websites, and Skytrax. The evaluation covered 29 airports classified as “major” by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.