Best Small Airports

For those who love to travel but hate dealing with the congested terminals and long lines common at large airports, we've created a list of some of the best small airports. Our top picks feature dozens of nonstop flights to major cities across the country and, regardless of size, shine in the service department. While some are just smaller versions of their large counterparts, a few may surprise you with their modern, private airport vibes or mountain lodge design.

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

1. Huntsville International Airport | Huntsville, AL

Roughly halfway between Nashville and Birmingham, Huntsville International Airport provides a seamless experience compared to its big-city competitors. In addition to the smooth-running check-in and security lines you'd expect at a smaller airport, HSV has perks like an on-site hotel, which makes overnight delays a little easier. Fun fact: It's the first commercial airport to receive spaceport status for commercial space vehicles.

2. Lehigh Valley International Airport | Allentown, PA

Lehigh Valley International Airport has three major airline partners plus a budget partner with 15 nonstop destinations. If you're traveling with kids, you'll enjoy features like the children's play area, which lets littles get their wiggles out, and the sensory room, which provides a soothing reprieve when travel gets overwhelming. When it's time to board, friendly staff make your departure all the more pleasant.

3. Seattle Paine Field | Everett, WA

Located only 10 minutes from I-5 north of the city, Seattle Paine Field has been designed to simulate a private flying experience, making it easy to get from your car to your gate in a matter of minutes. But, for those not in a hurry, a plush lounge with leather seating, fireplaces and a wall of windows with Olympic Mountains views offers a place to pause.

4. Blue Grass Airport | Lexington, KY

Offering nonstop flights to Gulf Coast beaches, New York City and Miami, Blue Grass Airport simplifies your summer vacation plans. Moms love the comfortable nursing room, and animal owners appreciate the provided pet relief area. Of course, no visit to Bourbon Country is complete without a souvenir bottle, so stop by Cork & Barrel on the second level for your take-home treat.

5. Santa Barbara Airport | Santa Barbara, CA

With its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and beach backdrop, Santa Barbara Airport makes traveling to Southern California a bit more enjoyable (no more LAX gridlock!). Airlines like Delta, Alaska and Southwest offer 23 daily nonstop flights to 12 destinations from SBA. The short lines, accessible layout and friendly personnel will have you booking all your SoCal flights here.

6. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport | Manchester, NH

Looking for an alternative to flying through Boston Logan? Choose Manchester-Boston Regional Airport for your next trip. Helpful TSA personnel, inexpensive on-site parking, short lines and almost no traffic are just a few reasons travelers prefer using MHT. Before you fly out, grab a beer at the on-site Sam Adams Café & Pub for one last taste of Beantown.

7. Piedmont Triad International Airport | Greensboro, NC

Serving the Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem area, Piedmont Triad International Airport is centrally positioned in the state, making it convenient for locals and travelers alike. Flying in or out of PTI, you'll encounter the Southern hospitality of its staff, something the airport is known for, as well as a clean and easy-to-figure-out facility. Four restaurants and two Starbucks mean you won't go hungry even if you have a delay.

8. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport | Baton Rouge, LA

Travelers coming to or leaving South Louisiana can avoid long security lines and crowds by booking their flights through Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. You can still get to where you need to be, since Delta, United and American all have daily flights out of BTR, connecting to hubs across the Southeast for worldwide travel. Flight running late? Peruse local artists' work in the Concourse B gallery.

9. Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport | Charlottesville, VA

Ditch the stress of Dulles by arranging your next flight to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). On approach, you'll see the rolling hills that sit up against the Blue Ridge Mountains and maybe even catch a glimpse of Jefferson's Monticello. When it's time to leave, a pay-per-use lounge gives you a quiet spot to answer a few emails after breezing through check-in and security.

10. Tweed-New Haven Airport | New Haven, CT

If you need to travel to New York City but want to avoid the crowds at airports like JFK or LGA, Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) is your answer. It's situated just four miles from New Haven's Union Station, where you'll find commuter rail service into NYC. Locals flying out of Tweed appreciate that parking is so close—just a one-minute walk—and can be reserved in advance.

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 FAQsor email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

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.

Shannon DalPozzal began her travel writing adventures exploring her home state of Louisiana, expanding her journeys around the US. Soon she spread her wings and traveled to exotic destinations such as Malaysia, Bali, Thailand and Qatar. Shannon has appeared on Good Morning America, Lifetime Television Network, BBC Radio and various news outlets worldwide, sharing cruise and travel information with viewers and readers. She recently relocated to Coastal Maine with her husband, renovating a 1950's cottage into a rustic elegant hideaway, hosting guests from around the globe. Her next book is set for release in the fall of 2023. Learn more at shannondalpozzal.com.

Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering the hotel, cruise and airline industry from every corner of the globe. His work has appeared in numerous consumer and industry publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, CNBC, NerdWallet.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers, Fodors, Business Traveler, Airways and AAA magazines. Ramsey regularly flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to all 7 continents, 50 U.S. states and 174 United Nations countries. Learn more at ramseyq.com.

Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. She is a native Michigander who travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 45 states and 41 countries around the world. From getting chased by bomb-sniffing dogs in the middle of the night in Bogotá to being boarding on her plane from Buenos Aires to Paraguay due to the wrong visa, Amy always has an exciting adventure to tell her readers and community of travel enthusiasts. Learn more at followthepiper.com.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.