The very phrase seems ridiculous, doesn't it? But I just went to Hampton, Va., for the day, and I flew in and out of Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. And I loved it! I spend too much time in big, annoying airports (JFK, LAX, ATL, ETC) and they're a drag. But smaller ones can be such a joy. In a moment, I'll explain why I liked Newport News (airport code: PHF) so much, and which other ones have tickled me. But if you have any favorites, please say so in the comments! I'm not sure I'd go someplace simply because the airport was small and easy, but it sure wouldn't hurt.
First, PHF was a treat because I didn't have to walk a mile to my gate, or wait in any lines. I was feeling it so much I even bought a "Virginia is for lovers" T-shirt at the airport store--the first time in ages that I bought something at an airport besides M&Ms, water, or coffee (or an Auntie Anne's pretzel dog, for which I have a profound weakness). After passing through security, I liked the airport even more. First, there's an odd nook inside a brick column (which also holds the elevator); I thought it was a makeshift chapel, because there was a bench inside, but then I saw that the bench faced a photo mural of a tropical sunset! There was nothing in the nook but the bench and the mural! My very favorite moment, however, was when I asked the young woman in the coffee kiosk if the cookies were any good. "Mmm hmmm," she said. "Just out of the freezer." And I think she meant it!
As for other airports I've loved: Long Beach, Calif.; Lihue, Kauai (but it was years ago and may have changed); Rapid City, S.D. One thing Long Beach and Rapid City have in common is that the car rental agencies (Hertz, anyway) are right on the premises. No shuttles. It's a shame that can't happen more often.
More by Erik Torkells: Why I Love New York
and
Federal Law on Airplane Movies?!
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.








My favorite is Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan because it is beautifully designed in arts and Crafts Style - lovely cherry woodwork, interesting stained glass windows, copper fixtures, use of stone, even an outdoor garden accessible from the waiting area.
Posted By Oregonian on September 27, 2007, 11:07 AM
GSP-- Greenville, Spartanburg, SC. Nothing fancy by any stretch of the imagination, but quick, conveinent and parking and car rentals are feet away from the doors. Definitely a good option to Charlotte when prices allow.
Posted By travellingteacher on September 27, 2007, 1:09 PM
MY FAVORITE IS SARASOTA-BRADENTON. THE WATER WALLS,PLANTS AND AQUARIUMS ADD MUCH CLASS AND MAKE IT SO UNLIKE AN AIRPORT. NO ENDLESS SHUTTLES HERE-JUST SUN AND PALMS.
Posted By CHANCE on September 27, 2007, 2:59 PM
Munich Germany. Clean, modern, open, easy connections to rail of course - well marked, and friendly staff.
james
Posted By james on September 28, 2007, 5:25 PM
Duluth Superior International Airport. It has four gates. Yes, four total gates and it is an international airport. Even at 5am the TSA staff was happy to be scanning us in and never made anyone feel like a criminal for not knowing any of the carryon rules, they would simply radio down to the gate agents and let them know what bag to get ready for the contraband item.
Posted By Hannah on September 28, 2007, 9:58 PM
PHF--that's my home airport! It's right across the street from my employer (Trader Joe's).
3 other things you may not know about NNWIA/PHF:
1) The three letters stand for Patrick Henry Field, which used to be a big base for soldiers heading to Europe during WWII.
2) Since PHF is too small for any airline's club, they opened a Gateway Club for any departing club member with a big screen TV, drinks & snacks, internet access and workstations.
3) Long term parking? Try $5 a day, and it's so close you really don't need to use the shuttle.
Plus Airtran has nonstops to LGA, ATL, BOS, ORL and FLL. Not bad for an airport most people haven't heard of!
Posted By Dan on October 2, 2007, 9:17 PM
Austin Bergstrom Airport, definitely! There's live music on a stage in the terminal almost every day, the restaurants are all local favorites, even one of the bookstores is run by a local independent. It's the perfect airport for a city who likes to remind people to "Keep Austin Weird."
Posted By Jenny on October 4, 2007, 11:16 AM
LUTON Airport is the best! It bypasses LHR (Heathrow) and LGW (Gatwick) and by far is the best. YOu have to go through Ireland, but it sure beats the chaos of those other airports. LUTON LUTON I LOVE YOU. I think there was a song about Luton Airport by Dorothy somebody back in the 50's or 60's.
Posted By Martha Graham on October 4, 2007, 11:18 AM
PBI - Palm Beach International - I don't know why they call it international since I am sure it is only domestic flights.
We fly in and out when we visit our condo in Palm Beach Gardens.
I love this airport. Bright and airy. A very relaxed atmosphere. Short walks to all the gates. Excellent shopping for an airport. Best souvenir t-shirts for my friends who visit. The luggage seems to arrive at the pickup quickly. Great takeout. There is even a putting green. Palm Beach IS the golf capital of the world, y'know.
Posted By Linda Kane Brinckerhoff on October 4, 2007, 11:18 AM
Detroit:
Clean, modern, efficient, attractive
Worst?
ATL-Hartsfield
Posted By T on October 4, 2007, 11:20 AM
Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport is one of the top airports in the world.
Everything is clearly marked, lot's of room to move around. Check-in is nicely structured, arrivals is easy to navigate, immigration and customs are a breeze.
More shops than one can imagine both inside and outside of security.
Excellent airline VIP lounges , with plenty of good food, wine and spirits.
Helpful and friendly staff.
Posted By Traveller on October 4, 2007, 11:22 AM
Worldwide the best is Singapore.
San Diego is the best in the states. Right in the middle of town, and from touchdown to the gate takes one minute.
Posted By Don Minor on October 4, 2007, 11:22 AM
I think my favorites are Peoria, IL (PIA), Cedar Rapids / Eastern Iowa, and Buffalo / Niagara Falls. Small, easy, and convenient.
I really love most of the alternative airports, they just seem to get it. If it wasn't becoming so busy, Chicago Midway would be on the list. Also, Fargo, ND could make it, if only they would build bathrooms and a place to get something to drink on the other side of security.
Finally, even though it is getting busier and isn't the best to look at, I love my home airport - Baltimore-Washington (BWI).
My biggest complaints about airports, especially the big boys, is that they all look alike. If it wasn't for the signs, you would never know what city you are in.
Posted By Jason on October 4, 2007, 11:29 AM
We like the hamilton airport in ontario,canada.Even though we live in Buffalo,ny. this is convenient- no crowds,1 gate, and no delays!
Posted By anita kohn on October 4, 2007, 11:36 AM
CRW - Charleston, WV. Still reminiscent of the 50s airport it once was, top of the moutain (or more like: they cut the top of the mountain off to make the airprt). And you can get the keys for your rental car while you wait to see your bag pop 'round. Then walk right out the door and into your car - not but a few hundred feet away. Oh, yes, and the southern West Virginia charm.
Posted By Ed Ferrell on October 4, 2007, 11:39 AM
Albuquerque - the best
great computer access with southwestern bar stools or regular circular desk areas
restrooms modern & clean
Posted By Martha on October 4, 2007, 11:46 AM
PBI (West Palm Beach)is a great airport. I am also fond of CAK (Canton Akron) and CMH (Columbus). All of these are easy to get around and kid-friendly.
Posted By Travel Queen on October 4, 2007, 11:54 AM
I like the Denver airport because it has a Tom Mengelson store in it. I love his work. Pittsburg also has some good shops (I believe it was a mall before 9/11).
Posted By Lynn on October 4, 2007, 11:55 AM
Milwaukee, Wisconsin has a great airport--small enough to get around quickly, free parking for the 1st half hour so picking up arrivals is easy and they have different shops from the normal airport fare including a large used bookstore.
Posted By N. Bromberg on October 4, 2007, 12:04 PM
GSP - Greenville/Spartanburg, SC is a nice, small airport with 2 terminals. Security is quick to go through. There is a nice patio between the terminals with a pool and gardens. There is one road in and one road out directly off I-85 making the drive into the airport easy. It is a nice airport especially as an alternative to CLT - Charlotte/Douglas International.
Posted By Sally on October 4, 2007, 12:16 PM
My favorite US airport at which to spend a long layover is Minneapolis Saint Paul. In addition to being a pleasant airport, you can catch an inexpensive light rail train right at the airport. In one direction is a beautiful park and the other is The Mall of America.
My favorite foreign airport is Singapore. It has indoor gardens, a free movie theater with comfortable seats, a barber shop, a hotel, scores if not hundreds of shops and 300 free internet kiosks.
Posted By Ron Heller, Oklahoma City, USA on October 4, 2007, 12:24 PM
I have worked in 9 airports so far and my favorite by far is Savannah GA. Bright and airy with the interior courtyard reminding you of downtown Savannah. In the square you can get a good haircut, get a seafood meal, check out the golf shop and even attend an occasional book signing (you never know when Paula Deen is traveling through.
Least favorite DTWs old terminal and ATL.
Posted By CML on October 4, 2007, 12:26 PM
Rotarua Airport in Rotarua NZ has no security (or it didn't when I was there a few years ago). I'm sure others would find that a little frightening but I found it nice to know there are still places in the world where you aren't reminded of all the bad things people do to each other.
Orlando's airport is big, but it has so many stores you would never get bored.
Posted By Chris on October 4, 2007, 12:30 PM
Singapore!!! The transit hotel was awesome!!
Posted By Cheryl on October 4, 2007, 12:30 PM
Albuquerque. It not only has computer access, it has wonderful tri-cultural art displays throughout. You could easy miss a plane just wandering and looking.
Posted By Phoebe Becktell on October 4, 2007, 12:37 PM
Portland International Airport is my favorite. You know that you are in the Pacific Northwest as you walk around. Large floor to ceileing windows look out towards the Willamette River and woodsy scenery. Shops like the Made in Oregon store which has everything from Pendleton Wools to the best Oregon wines. There is a food court with a French Patisserie. Inside the gates is a restaurant called Gustav's that has great German food, try the Sausage platter with 3 to 4 different tasty varieties. Also a playroom for kids where they can crawl and play on a huge airplane.
Also parking is very easy with a steady flow of shuttles to conviently transfer you to your parking lot or hotel.
Posted By Nancy on October 4, 2007, 12:45 PM
Birmingham, AL. The way Atlanta was 40 years ago. Calm, clean and fast. Closest access to Southwest, which is not allowed into GA or SC. I drive about 1/2 hour longer to get the low SW fares, since I am flying to El Paso, TX. Deck parking right across from the airport.
Posted By susi on October 4, 2007, 12:47 PM
Knoxville, TN (TYS) incorporates the natural features of the Smokey Mountains into their airport in the form of a stream that flows through large rocks down the middle of the corridor from security to the gates. I've not seen anything else like it in any other U.S. airport. Austin, TX is another cool airport with lots of shops & restaurants, plus a stage that occasionally has live bands. Paris-Charles De Gaulle in France is the worst airport I've ever seen. Dirty, smelly, inefficient, and everything is overpriced, $5 for a can of Pepsi, & rude staff.
Posted By Chris on October 4, 2007, 12:54 PM
Albany, NY,is compact, clean,has quick baggage service, ready rental car access,& close to the interstate highways.
Posted By Jan-Henry on October 4, 2007, 12:56 PM
Nice, France is my favorite small airport. Then had to fly into Amsterday. What a shock to the traveler's system.
Posted By Joan Lorman on October 4, 2007, 1:17 PM
Harrisburg International-MDT. This is a tiny airport near Harrisburg, PA but it has a lot to offer. Everything is close together and easy to navigate with the cheapest parking rates around. All of the employees are super friendly. We once had lost luggage driven to our house at 3:00 AM by a United employee because we desperately needed our dress clothes for a funeral the next day. My favorite part of MDT, however, is all the rocking chairs near the baggge claim where you can relax and drink fresh coffee or lemonade while waiting for arrivals.
Posted By Tim on October 4, 2007, 1:26 PM
Hands Down . . .SINGAPORE!!No one can top all the FREE FREE stuff you get just for waiting around. If only the US airports will take note.
Posted By Bianca on October 4, 2007, 1:55 PM
I've been to my fair share of airports all over the US (can't really speak for those abroad since most of my traveling has been by ship) but there is no place like home... Pittsburgh has an awesome airport! It's large but full of food choices for any palate, has so many stores you could shop all day, and it's very clean and efficient. I've never had any major problems and no matter where I roam, it's always a treat to be able to fly in or out of Pittsburgh International airport!
Posted By Megan on October 4, 2007, 2:23 PM
My personal favorite is the airport in Manchester, NH. My husband and I live less than 10 minutes from Logan in Boston, but we regularly drive the 45 minutes - 1 hour it takes to get to Manchester. It's fabulously uncrowded, airy, and friendly. In fact, we've flown out on the day before Thanksgiving and still felt relaxed and happy. THAT'S saying something!
Posted By Amanda on October 4, 2007, 2:34 PM
My favorite is Portland, Oregon. Clean, bright, wi-fi hot spot in the center with ample seating and it is free! There is often a massage chair down by the C gates. Good food, nice shops and helpful people working them. Others must agree as it won an award for best airport of it's size in 2006.
Posted By Judy Mc on October 4, 2007, 2:55 PM
Although an hour further than our local airport, we find ABE a very pleasant experience. Located in eastern Pennsylvania, it is convenient to many Pennsylvania and New Jersey travellers, and closer in time to many Philadelphia suburbs than PHL. With redcap and valet parking services, it can be a one stop drop of car and luggage, which accompanies you to check-in. On return, you can drop off the parking ticket at the valet desk and your car will be waiting at the exit door by the time you can retrieve your luggage. Hard to envision a more comfortable experience.
Posted By Louis Auriemma on October 4, 2007, 2:58 PM
Portland, Oregon is the best domestic airport. But, I live in Portland so this is a highly biased point of view. In addition to what others have said, there is a MAX light rail line directly from the airport right into downtown. As far as international airports, the best is Schiphol, Amsterdam, Netherlands. I've spent several hours waiting for transfers, and could think of no better airport anywhere.
Posted By Gene Solomon on October 4, 2007, 3:17 PM
The most charming and accessible airport for me would be SBA in Santa Barbara, California.
Posted By Malcolm Anderson on October 4, 2007, 3:54 PM
I agree about Detroit. Wonderful signage, lots of arrival/departure boards, plentiful, clean restrooms. In contrast to Newark where it's almost impossible to find signs to figure out where you're going, there are few restrooms and the closest one to where you are just might be closed, and the arrival/departure boards are few and far between. If you have to switch from A to B or B to C, forget it. You won't be able to figure it out on your own. And the people in red who are supposed to be helping people are talking to each other. In May I had connecting flights at both of these airports and I'll avoid Newark in the future if at all possible.
Posted By Sue-Marie on October 4, 2007, 5:06 PM
Tha airport in Sukhothai, Thailand is absolutely wonderful! It's owned by Bangkok Airways so you have to fly there on one of their planes but it truly is a gem of an airport. It's very small with Thai style, open-walled terminals and lots of garden and water features.
Posted By Laurie Webster on October 4, 2007, 5:16 PM
One of the best things about living in Albuquerque is the airport. It's close to town, easy to access, small and the security area is smooth and fast. There's a pleasant waiting area between the two consourses that's usually quiet and comfortable and has a great view of the runways. The long-term parking lots are close, reasonably priced and the shuttle services to them are friendly and efficient.
On the other end of the spectrum is London-Heathrow. If you can avoid it, you should
Posted By Alan Day on October 4, 2007, 6:17 PM
I've never been to those other airports but Queenstown, New Zealand is the most beautiful Airport. I could stay there all day staring at the mountains surrounding the airport. There was an Alaskan airport that was similiar but i can't remember the name of the town right now.
Posted By Y. Lo on October 4, 2007, 10:23 PM
The worst by far=Philadelphia; the best, well it has to be Ft. Lauderdale. They go the extra step for you when you miss connections; lose luggage, etc. and they are so nice and don't try to make it seem as if it is your fault.
Posted By Raymond Jarvis III on October 5, 2007, 6:06 AM
I agree with an earlier post... Albany (AKA "Smallbany") Int'l Airport in NY is my favorite US airport. There's hardly ever a line, everything is easy to locate and the parking rates are very reasonable! Second favorite is Long Island MacArthur in Islip, NY (ISP) for the ease-of-use and quick baggage service features.
As for non-US airports, I love Amsterdam-Schiphol. The international wing is gorgeous - whimsically decorated restaurants and shops, a huge internet and wi-fi area, and lots of windows. Sometimes you forget you're at an airport because it looks and feels more like a shopping mall. Lots of ways to kill time during a layover!
Posted By Terry on October 5, 2007, 9:07 AM
CAK - Akron/Canton in OH. NEVER a line and it's clean and bright. You can arrive 30 mins. prior to flight time: 5-10 to get through security, another 5 mins. to grab a snack or a book and the remaining 15 mins. in the boarding line at the gate. AWESOME! I fly from LaGuardia in NYC to Akron a couple times a year and it's always a joy.
If you rent a car, the counters are right inside the airport and the cars are right outside. From gate to drivers seat in about 10-15 mins.!!
Posted By W.Gavin on October 5, 2007, 11:30 AM
I like the Chattanooga, TN airport (CHA). It's small, finely decorated and offers several connections. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's about 1.5hr north of ATL and a lot less stressful.
Posted By Alden on October 5, 2007, 12:02 PM
Columbus, Georgia. I live in D.C. and my parents live in Auburn, Alabama, which is only about 30 minutes away from CSG. Whenever I see a good rate from Reagan to Columbus, I jump on it. Otherwise, I would have to fly into ATL, and we know what that's like.
Plus, CSG is very small, the people are friendly. The parking lot is like one for a grocery store - you are right there, and it's cheap, too.
Also, you get to see a lot of soldiers and their families because Fort Benning is right there.
Posted By Leigh on October 5, 2007, 1:38 PM
Like Providence RI. Easy to get to, easy to park, within an hour or so of all the places the big crowded airports serve, just a pleasure to travel there.
Posted By Gene on October 5, 2007, 3:12 PM
SAcramento, CA has my vote for the nicest airport...it has changed in 27 years I have been there traveling there ... but it has great gates, nice and clean restrooms, relaxing restaurants,... it's a nice place to wait for a flight that was canceled and re-booked onto another.
bob h.
Posted By bob h. on October 5, 2007, 3:38 PM
Tampa Airport, Florida is our favorite. The main terminal is the central hub with automated monorail shuttles going about every minute to the 6 different airsides. There's high top table seating all over the main terminal for anyone's use while wainting. You can eat in the main terminal, or the hubs all have some kind of restaurant. So you never have to walk far for any airline. The artworks and sculptures are pure Florida with Pelicans in flight suspended from the ceiling to dolphins woven into the carpet. There's a Marriott hotel right at the main terminal with it's own parking. They even have a stay and park free for seven days if your flying out early the next morning!. There's also a wonderful revolving restaurant on top of the hotel so you can see all the planes land and take off as you dine. As you take the escalator down to the luggage area, there is a marque posted with your flight number and the belt number where your bags will be, so there's no guessing involved. The rental cars companies all have desks at the baggage area for convenience. One of the best features is the parking. The first hour is free in short term parking!. There is also a long term parking lot attached to the main terminal that accessed by an automated monorail. Then there's an economy garage that's $9/day with a free shuttle about every 5 minutes to the main terminal. There's even a free "cell phone lot" for people who are waiting to pick up passangers. They just park in this lot and the passanger calls them when they're ready to leave, so there's no congestion in the baggage area drive through. We love going to the airport just to walk around and look at all the wonderful shops from clothing, luggage, leather, jewelry, books, travel accessories, ect. The airport is bright and airy and has a wonderful feeling of space, even though is not big. It was even voted one of the top best airports by Conde Nast magazine a few years back.
Posted By Sandee on October 5, 2007, 6:58 PM
Best in US: Spokane Wash
clean, efficient, attractive, accomodating
Lehigh Valley,Pa. easy to navigate, great parking, few travellers, good flights
Best International: Amsterdam Schipol hands down still the best in Europe
Worst in US: Philly, long lines, miserable employees, inconvenient
(avoid it at all costs)
Posted By jeffrey slemmer on October 6, 2007, 12:07 AM
I love MSY. As soon as I step off the plane the jazz music is playing and I know I am only a few minutes from New Orleans. It is small enough to find your way around and easy to get a taxi to your hotel or B&B.
Posted By ruby jenkins on October 6, 2007, 12:16 AM
Moline, IL (MLI) - yes, international for cargo. Fascinating artwork done by locals, changing frequently. A huge handsome deer from John Deere, Inc. A decent restaurant, no long lines.
Posted By Chris Walkowicz on October 8, 2007, 11:35 AM
STX - St. Croix, USVI: Just one yellow building, small, parking lot, rental cars all right there, easy to get in & out. You have to board/de-plane on the old fashioned stairs onto the concrete runway, but that's no big deal. Never really crowded. 10-15 min from beautiful beaches and some very nice resorts.
Posted By Mike on October 13, 2007, 9:39 AM
No one has mentioned Kansas City's airport. I think it has the best design for it's terminals. You never have to walk too far. Everything having to do with passengers is on the inside of the "C" shaped terminals, and everything having to do with the planes is on the outside. Plus, you never have to trudge around looking for your luggage, it's right there when you get off the plane. Yes, it's a little drive to get there, but there is usually no traffic. And, the flights are sometimes cheaper (parking too!) than St. Louis.
Posted By Samantha on October 23, 2007, 12:42 PM
My favorite airport is Asheville, NC. What a nice change from the large metro airports. I took my mother for a trip to the Biltmore a few years ago and we couldn't stop talking about the On Your Honor lending library. The airport wasn't crowded or hard to navigate, it was just "cute", and my favorite. Alexandria, LA places second, the terminal is brand new with 4, just 4 gates, security doesn't even open until a flight is about to depart, you wait in a lounge area that is more like a living room, and the car rental is 10 feet from baggage claim, great!
Posted By Jennifer L on October 25, 2007, 1:11 PM
Das war wie ein hilfreicher Artikel! Ich bin gerade erst mit meinem Blog und ich hoffe, es wird so gut wie Ihre. Grüße!
Posted By kancelaria prawnicza on March 5, 2012, 8:33 AM
Most of us will involve some sort of medical (help or treatment) at many instances throughout our lives. Some of us will demand health care additional often than other folks.
Posted By Someone on March 8, 2012, 5:30 AM
Allen Pleasure giving false alarm reduction untrue alarm reduction, alarm administration computer software ,untrue alarm tracking
Posted By Someone on March 8, 2012, 7:01 AM
Income Difficulties are common these days which is in particular with the state of the market. For consulting a credit card debt counselor some thing is currently being viewed all about the world as there are far more and far more people having difficulties both personally and professionally to the financial variables.
Posted By Somebody on March 8, 2012, 7:27 AM