Yesterday we highlighted a list of the 10 Worst Airports in North America as voted on by readers of sleepinginairports.net.  Today we will look at the 10 Best Airports in North America as voted by readers of the website.

PDX: We’re Number 3!

I would guess that Portland International (PDX) and Tampa International (TPA) would top the list – as they always seem to be “fan favorites.” But let’s see:

1. Vancouver International Airport, Canada (YVR) “Highlights at Vancouver International Airport include the giant aquarium in the international departures lounge, dozens of art and museum exhibits, plenty of local First Nation’s inspiration, self-guided tours and a peasant variety of shops and restaurants. Logistically-speaking, other perks include the unlimited free Wi-Fi, the good signage, the rest zones, the luggage storage and the showers.”
2. Tampa International Airport, USA (TPA) “Though the airport itself is quite large, the hub-and-spoke design makes your journey from the curb to gate beyond fast and efficient. Other bonuses here include the constant cleanliness, the natural light, the excellent food options, the great views, the permanent art exhibits and the fast free Wi-Fi.”
3. Portland International Airport, USA (PDX)“Given the terminal’s location in one of the nation’s hippest cities, it’s unsurprising that voters were thrilled by great public transit, fantastic food, free filtered water bottle filling stations, a great bookstore and ever-entertaining people watching.”
4. Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport, USA (MSP) “Amenities and activities including a 1.4-mile walking path, massage chairs, showers, lactation rooms, rest zones and Wi-Fi keep travellers content until the storm lifts – and kids are particularly entertained with arcades, complimentary iPads and play zones.”
5. San Francisco International Airport, USA (SFO) “SFO dropped a few points this year, seemingly because voters felt this clean and friendly airport lacks the shopping, dining and entertainment options in older areas of the airport’s 4 terminals.”
6. Indianapolis International Airport, USA (IND) “Simple, modern, comfortable, clean, organized and surprisingly charming. Though Indianapolis International lacks some of the bells and whistles of other North American airports, it most certainly has its basics covered well. With unlimited free Wi-Fi and plenty of large comfortable couches, it’s easy enough to find a quiet-ish corner to relax in.”
7. Orlando International Airport, USA (MCO) “Orlando International Airport is back on this best airports list for a second year running thanks to a variety of landside restaurants, pleasant staff and a light, airy design. Sleepers rejoice at the sight of long cushioned benches located conveniently close to outlets, while those with long daytime layovers might spend time at the nearby bowling alley or on an art tour of Terminals A and B.”
8. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, USA (DTW) “Detroit Metropolitan is a great airport for those who like their exercise. To move from the Concourse A water feature, designed by those of Bellagio fame, to the modern McNamara terminal, you’ll walk a substantial distance through a psychedelic light tunnel. The other concourses, easily navigated by a concourse train, are all light and airy – though A boasts the most in terms of activities and amenities.
9. Denver International Airport, USA (DEN) “Features like the free Wi-Fi, the wide range of eateries, the friendly staff, clean bathrooms and the art features keep passengers happy.”
10. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, USA (PHX) “Though the airport itself may be a little dated, loads of local restaurants and a straightforward layout act as redeeming qualities in Phoenix.”

Bottom Line:

For a second day in a row, I have visited 9 of the 10 airports that made the list.  The exception for me is Vancouver, although I am quite sure that it is quite lovely there.  I think that the worst of the best airports on the list for me is San Francisco … just no leaving my heart there, but for no particular reason. I must give it extra credit for having a Centurion Lounge tho. I also think Orlando can be a bit of a hot mess as well – hot, dirty and crowded.  What do you think?  Are there any airports in North America that you just love that happen to be missing from the list?  Or are these simply the best airports in North America?