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.
| Rank | Airport | Food & Beverage Choice Rating | Food & Beverage Prices Rating | Selection of Shops Rating | Restaurants per 100 People per Hour | Stores per 100 People per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 4.5 | 4 | 4.1 | 1.97 | 1.82 |
| 2 | Washington Dulles International Airport | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.73 | 1.98 |
| 3 | Logan International Airport | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 1.80 | 1.97 |
| 4 | Detroit Metropolitan Airport | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.06 | 0.96 |
| 5 | Seattle–Tacoma International Airport | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 0.92 | 0.74 |
| 6 | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 1.94 | 1.03 |
| 7 | Tampa International Airport | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 1.75 | 1.34 |
| 8 | Denver International Airport | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.33 | 1.13 |
| 9 | John F. Kennedy International Airport | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 2.23 | 1.49 |
| 10 | Salt Lake City International Airport | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 1.19 | 1.23 |
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.