Best US airports for private fliers in 2023
When you picture the best US airport, what image comes to mind? Do you see the acres of sprawling tarmac that make Denver International the second-largest airport in the world or dream of shopping for luxury brands and sipping delicious cocktails at the mojito bar in Miami International?
Whether you favor activities or amenities, there is one thing that all travelers can agree on: reliability. In 2022, we analyzed the US Department of Transportation’s data on 360 airports and more than 6.7 million flights over 12 months to find the best US airport.
Here are our picks for the best US airports, both international and executive, in 2023.
Best US airport – International
The numbers don’t lie, and when it comes to the numbers, one airport soars above the rest: Hilo International. Situated on the eastern side of the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, Hilo International Airport is your gateway to island life.
When you charter a jet to Hilo International, ICAO code ITO, you’re transported to a world of black, white and green-sand beaches against a backdrop of sky-scraping volcanoes and lava fields.
With eight climate zones, the Big Island is home to incredibly diverse landscapes and activities. Spend your morning catching the waves at Honoli’i Beach Park, take your adventure underground at Kauamana Caves and hop in the car to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The full Hawaiian experience can be found right in the Hilo area.
But it isn’t the island that earns Hilo International Airport the title of one of the best US airports, it’s ITO’s incredible flight statistics. Featuring only two runways, Hilo International sees fewer flights than the Big Island’s primary airport, Kona International at Keahole. This reduces traffic and provides easy access to the eastern half of the island make it an airport worth visiting.
Best US airport – Regional and Executive
When you book a private jet charter, you unlock access to countless regional and executive airports unused by commercial airlines.
Topping the list for regional, executive and domestic airports is Teterboro Airport, ICAO code KTEB, in the boroughs of New Jersey. Situated just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, KTEB is one of the oldest and most popular private aviation hubs in the United States.
Executive commuters flying to Teterboro skip the gridlock and long lineups at crowded commercial airports like JFK and LaGuardia in favor of a smooth and seamless private aviation experience.
For business travelers flying to New York City or Washington, DC, a private jet charter to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey is the best way to get to your destination.
Honorable mentions:
- Best airport on the west coast: Long Beach Airport, California
- Best airport in the Rocky Mountains: Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah
- Best airport in the Midwest: Chicago Executive Airport, Illinois
- Best airport in New England: Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Best airport in the Southwest: Dallas Love Field, Texas
- Best airport in the Southeast: Orlando Executive, Florida
Best airport in the world
If you’re flying outside of the United States and looking for a unique experience, Hamad International Airport in Qatar has been crowned “Best Airport in the World” for two years in a row.
The rankings, tallied by SKYTRAX World Airport Awards, are based on submissions from travelers and passengers who voted on everything from check-ins and arrivals to shopping. While these factors are less important when you charter a private jet, they indicate the level of care and facilities available to those visiting Hamad International Airport.
And, with the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Hamad International Airport (ICAO code OTHH) saw an uptick in international visitors who loved the airport’s incredible shopping, dining and ambiance. Travelers flying through Hamad International rave about the airport’s Sleep & Fly lounge offering soundproofed and air-conditioned pods and cabins at affordable hourly rates right in the transit terminal. All passengers moving through OTHH also gain access to the spa and fitness center of the Oryx Airport Hotel. Combined with dedicated quiet rooms and dedicated kids’ play areas, it’s easy to see why travelers love Hamad International Airport.
What are the top 10 biggest airports in the US?
We’ve talked about the best airports in the US, but what about the biggest? Here are the top 10 largest airports by size in the US.
- Denver International Airport, Colorado
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas
- Orlando International Airport, Florida
- Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas
- Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah
- O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois
- San Francisco International Airport, California
- John F Kennedy Airport, New York City
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan
What is the hardest airport to land at in the US?
Towering mountain cliffs, a sea of pine trees and a runway that drops into the valley below—there’s a reason that Telluride Regional Airport in Colorado is considered by many to be the hardest airport to land at in the United States. Add in the more than 9,000 feet of elevation and unpredictable Colorado winters, and you have a beautiful, yet unforgiving, arrival in the Rocky Mountains at Telluride.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, Hamad, Telluride or anywhere in between, our private flight advisors are here to help you get the best possible deal. Request a quote today or call us at 888-593-9066 to learn more.
