10 Safest US Airports One Year Into COVID-19 Pandemic

Airports around the world have had to step up health and safety measures in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic over the past year. The Safe Travel Barometer looks at more than 30 initiatives across three sub-categories-COVID-19 safety protocols, traveler convenience and service excellence-for hundreds of airports around the world, including things like coronavirus testing facilities, disinfection frequency, thermal screening and more. Here's a look at the top-performing U.S. airports as of February 2021.

Rounding out the top 10, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport actually earns the second-highest Safe Travel Score of any airport in North America (4.1 out of 5). PHX offers contactless baggage drop and check-in kiosks, COVID-19 PCR testing facilities and even provides face masks for travelers who need them.

Alabama's Huntsville International Airport is one of the more surprising entries in the top 10 as of February 2021. HSV checks most of the important boxes that Safe Travel Barometer considered but stands to improve its positioning by introducing on-site COVID-19 testing services.

New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport earns a 4 out of 5 or better across all three sub-categories, including 4.3 for traveler experience. Passengers can look forward to partially open restaurants, lounges and health and spa services in addition to rapid antigen testing facilities and a handful of contactless options.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the top-performing airport in Texas, according to the Safe Travel Barometer. DFW is the first carbon-neutral airport in North America and the first to receive a 4+ level in Airports Council International's global Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

Los Angeles International Airport scores the highest of any airport on the West Coast, earning a Safe Travel Score of 4.1 out of 5, including a 4.3 for traveler convenience thanks to fast track security and partially open duty-free shops and retail outlets.

With an overall Safe Travel Score of 4.3 out of 5, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is tied for the top score in North America and second-highest score worldwide. O'Hare scores a 4.2 out of 5 for COVID-19 safety protocols but fares even better for traveler experience (4.3) and traveler convenience (4.4).

Newark Liberty International Airport edges out JFK for the top score in the New York City area, offering travelers COVID-19 rapid antigen testing, optional contact tracing, among other conveniences. Fast track security and access to prayer rooms help propel Newark's traveler experience score to 4.4 out of 5.

Boston Logan International Airport is one of the safest and most convenient airports one year into the coronavirus pandemic, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for traveler convenience. The airport offers on-site COVID-19 testing and has received ACI Airport Health Accreditation.

The world's busiest airport continues to set the bar in the time of COVID-19, earning an overall Safe Travel Score of 4.3 out of 5, including an identical 4.3 for COVID-19 safety protocols. Last year, ATL became the first airport to deploy a cutting-edge, hygiene-tracking technology from GP PRO.

Philadelphia International Airport also leads the way domestically with a Safe Travel Score of 4.3, which is tied for the best among the 169 North American airports that Safe Travel Barometer examined. PHL scored an impressive 4.4 out of 5 for COVID-19 safety protocols, boasting PCR testing facilities and disinfecting the boarding gate areas after every boarding.