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Best Small Airport

By Readers' Choice On 4/25/24 at 11:52 AM EDT

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While smaller airports may lack the bells and whistles of some of their larger counterparts, they often make up for it by providing easier travel experiences with less hassle and shorter lines. Those are big wins in our book. These airports are noted for their ease of use and friendly service as well as some surprising offerings, like live music, art galleries and visits from therapy dogs.

These 10 small airports were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

Congratulations to our 2024 winners; you can now visit our 2025 Best Small Airport contest.

Huntsville International

1. Huntsville International Airport

For travelers to northern Alabama or southern Tennessee, Huntsville International Airport (HSV) offers a convenient travel hub. It's large enough to serve nearly a million and a half passengers each year with nonstop service to 14 destinations while small enough to provide a stress-free experience. Three dining options and an outdoor pet park keep everyone refreshed on the journey.

Lehigh Valley Airport

2. Lehigh Valley International Airport

The fourth busiest airport in Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) gets high marks for its friendly service, easy parking, and clean and relaxing environment. The airport helps foster that vibe with special programs like Music in the Airport, which features live entertainment from local musicians, and C.O.P.E., which brings therapy dogs into the terminal to help soothe travel stress (and the handlers can provide airport info too).

Seattle Paine Field

3. Seattle Paine Field

Commercial service resumed at Seattle Paine Field (PAE) in 2019 with a brand-new passenger terminal. The new terminal, sleek and modern, provides customer-centric experience for air passengers with a lounge-like atmosphere and locally sourced food options. Through Alaska Air, the facility operates flights to 10 destinations throughout the West, including Honolulu. Flight fanatics with a decent layover can visit the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum about a mile away.

Charles M. Schulz Airport

4. Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

Renamed in 2000 to honor long-time Sonoma County resident and Peanuts cartoonist, the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) bears some whimsical cartoon touches, such as Snoopy and Lucy statues, that help make travel a joy. Three airlines currently offer uninterrupted flights to 10 locations, but that number is expanding.

Bangor International

5. Bangor International Airport

With friendly service and competitive fees, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is positioning itself as one of the fastest growing regional airports. Five airlines operate out of the airport, offering nonstop flights mostly along the East Coast. To help keep your little ones occupied pre-flight, the airport offers printable activity sheets and kid-focused educational videos about the airport.

Missoula Montana Airport

6. Missoula Montana Airport

Sit back in a comfy armchair near the fireplace and enjoy Rocky Mountains views from the third-floor observation lounge at Missoula Montana Airport. Carrying passengers nonstop to 14 major U.S. markets aboard seven major airlines, MSO offers the scope of a larger airport without sacrificing the convenience and service of a smaller airport.

Springfield Branson Airport

7. Springfield-Branson National Airport

Boasting an easy layout and short wait times for both security and baggage claim, Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) gives travelers in Missouri a hassle-free experience. A made-to-order eatery, a coffee shop and a rotating art gallery showcasing regional artists round out the on-site offerings.

Wilmington Airport

8. Wilmington International Airport

With 17 nonstop flights, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is a perfect in for beach vacationers looking to save on time and transportation costs. The airport is convenient to popular beaches such as Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. In addition to an on-site market, travelers can grab a bite at several eateries that include bar and café options.

Blue Grass Airport

9. Blue Grass Airport

Blue Grass Airport (LEX) provides easy-to-navigate, clean facilities and friendly service to the 1.3 million passengers who pass through annually. As you arrive or depart, you can look out over the neighboring horse farms and Keeneland Race Course to see Kentucky's iconic horse stock. You can also pick up Blue Grass gear in the gift shops or framed local art or photos at Paddock Gallery.

Wichita Airport

10. Wichita Eisenhower Airport

While it's Kansas's largest airport, Wichita Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), by the numbers, is still considered small, servicing approximately 1.7 million passengers annually. Relatively low volumes make for easier parking and security lines, while its prominent status means you can expect more facilities and flights than at other small airports. It serves six major airlines with 16 nonstop destinations.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Panel of Experts

Jersey Griggs

Jersey Griggs is a Maine-based freelance writer who specializes in lifestyle topics such as travel, wellness and the outdoors. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Business Insider and Roadtrippers Magazine, among others, and she's a regular contributor to The Daily Passport. When not stationed at her computer, she's either enjoying the great outdoors or busy planning her next adventure. Learn more about her travels.

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, a lifestyle and family travel website that champions the cause of "No Child Left Inside." The site's core focus is nudging families with teens to venture outdoors more often and explore the world around them. What sets it apart is its emphasis on healthy living choices and inspiring readers to discover their own adventures. Nicky is recognized as a family travel expert and her work at LittleFamilyAdventure.com is syndicated to MSN.com. You can also find her on IG @lilfamadventure.

Susan Lanier-Graham

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Tom and Kristy Manus

Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus are freelance travel writers for print and online publications, along with their website smalltownplussize.com. Kristi is a Madison-area native while Tom happily adopted Wisconsin after their marriage in 1995. After living in many states across the country, they moved to Eau Claire. They enjoy exploring different cultures, history, roadside attractions and nature through road trips on backroads and two-lane highways. Along with international travel, they have visited 48 states, with only Hawaii and the elusive Rhode Island remaining.