Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. News

There’s a new list of best airports, and this is the only U.S. airport on it

The best - and only - U.S. airport to make the world's top 20 list is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

By

Everyone has their whole set of rules and preferences when flying. Some of us just want to get on that plane and get the heck to our destination. Others prefer to fly through airports that offer other things to do before they board their flight. If you are one of those who love to fly out of the top airports because you make a whole experience of it, book your next flight through one of these top airports in the world.

People going into shops inside of an airport.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The top 3 best airports in the world

The rankings were recently released by aviation rankings organization Skytrax. Rankings are always a little subjective, as everyone has different qualities they want an airport to have, but these top airports were crowned at the World Airport Awards.

Recommended Videos

Singapore Changi Airport

The Singapore Changi Airport has been named the best airport for the 12th time, so it’s safe to say they know what the public wants. Not only do they stay one of the top airports in the world, but they also took home top honors for World’s Best Airport Leisure Amenities and World’s Best Airport Dining.

Hamad International Airport

The Hamad International Airport might feel a little wounded coming in second this year, as they won top honors the last two years. But they did take home other number-one spots for Best Airport in the Middle East, Cleanest Airport in the Middle East, and World’s Best Airport Shopping.

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)

The Tokyo International Airport rounds out the top three, but it also won World’s Best Domestic Airport, Best Airport PRM & Accessible Facilities, and maybe the most important (to the public) award, World’s Cleanest Airport.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

North American winners

North America only has two airports in the top 20, but that’s better than zero.

Vancouver International Airport

The only airport in Canada that made the list is Vancouver International Airport. They landed at number 20, but they did win Cleanest Airport in North America, so we’d say that is one giant point in their favor.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The best U.S. airport — and the only U.S. airport that grabbed a spot — is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, flying in at number 18. It earns the title of the best airport in the United States for making the list solo, and it also won the award for Best Airport in North America, which is a huge honor.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

From worst to best

The biggest rags-to-riches story to come out of the awards is about LaGuardia Terminal B. LaGuardia Airport is usually on the list of the worst airports in the United States, but they have had enough.

A complete face-lift didn’t go unnoticed, and it was awarded World’s Best New Airport Terminal for the year. The other amazing honor for Terminal B is that it became the first North American terminal Skytrax has ever given a 5-star rating.

While you’ll have to book an international flight to check out the majority of the best airports in the world, you could make it something to look forward to. The next time you travel and get to the airport three hours too early so you don’t miss that flight, we hope those airports live up to every expectation.

Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle Beardsley
Former Contributor
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
This New Montana Hotel Captures the Poetry of the Open Road
Helena's newest boutique hotel revives the spirit of the classic roadside motel.
Corner, Home Decor, Bed

In case you need another excuse for a Montana getaway this summer, a quirky new boutique hotel has opened in Helena, the Treasure State's capital. The Bell Hotel occupies the site of the former Bell Motel, a classic 1950s roadside lodge thoughtfully reimagined by CWG Architecture. Each of its 14 rooms features locally made chocolates, coffee, and artwork. While in town, ask the front desk about the Bell's Picnic in the Park package. The hotel supplies a basket of local treats and a blanket; Montana provides the sublime scenery and glorious weather. You're on your own for companionship.

Hannah honey was a peachy kind of girl/Her eyes were hazel and her nose was slightly curved/We spent a lonely night at the Memory Motel - The Rolling Stones

Read more
Want to feel like a lad watching England vs. Norway in New York City? The London is where it’s at
The quarterfinals are here. The London's where you should be.
Flag, Plant, City

The last quarterfinal games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are here. England-Norway kicks things off in Miami before Argentina-Switzerland caps the day's action in Kansas City. One of the best things to come out of the World Cup has been the atmosphere these fans have provided at each city they've visited. We saw the amazing vibes out of Mexico City last week when England fans visited. Before the game, England fans partied and went toe-to-toe with Mexicans at bars everywhere. I know because I was there at The Dog House Pub.

After England beat Mexico in a classic Round of 16 game, fans flooded the streets and partied. We celebrated with England fans until the wee hours of the morning. If you have a serious case of FOMO, you need not worry. You can still catch good vibes and feel like a lad watching England-Norway at The London, A Luxury Collection Hotel, in New York City.

Read more
There’s more to do in Napa Valley than just wine tasting
Silverado Resort is the ideal place to experience it all
Silverado Resort in Napa Valley

Tell someone you're going to Napa Valley, and it conjures images of rolling vineyards and wine tastings. Both are good things to be sure, but there's more to do in Napa than sample fermented grapes. And that's good news for travelers who don't drink, want to explore a different side of Napa, or simply prefer other pursuits.

Napa Valley's wine country reputation, while well-earned, can overshadow what is a legitimately diverse playground. There are championship golf courses, world-class spas, hiking trails, a walkable downtown, and some of the best dining in the country. And it's all easily accessible, whether these activities are the focus of your trip or something to squeeze in between tasting rooms.

Read more