10 Best US Airports for On-Time Flights and Gleaming New Terminals

by Jessica Puckett
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Tue June 9, 2026

Airports are the first stop on many vacations, but often the experience leaves much to be desired.

From dingy facilities and less-than-comfortable terminals to outdated technology and delayed flights, a bad airport can potentially ruin the first day of a trip.

To help travelers start and end their trips on a high note, the experts at AirHelp have identified the top airports in the United States and around the world.

AirHelp analyzed data across airports’ on-time performance, service, facilities, shopping and dining experience, and comfort to tabulate a weighted score and ranking. The team analyzed data from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

In the U.S., airports in the West dominated the top 10 rankings, while several East Coast airports also made a showing on the list.

The top-ranked airport in the U.S. is Portland International Airport (PDX), according to AirHelp.

The Oregon hub is beloved by travelers for its beautiful new terminal that debuted in 2024 with indoor trees, a striking wooden ceiling with undulating Pacific Northwest timber slats, and outposts of local restaurants like Blue Star Donuts and the Loyal Legion beer hall featuring dozens of Oregon’s microbreweries.

Another refreshed airport, Salt Lake City International (SLC), scored the No. 2 spot in the U.S., according to AirHelp’s report. The Utah facility’s new terminal first debuted in fall 2020, with new gates and concessions continuing to open through the end of 2026.

The revamped SLC airport is also home to swanky lounges, including the second-largest Delta Sky Club complete with a cylindrical fireplace, “dirty soda” bar, and seating for 600 guests, and an exclusive 18,000-square-foot American Express Centurion Lounge, both of which opened in fall 2025.

Here’s a look at the top 10 U.S. airports, according to AirHelp’s report:

Top U.S. Airports – AirHelp Score Report 2026

Portland International Airport – Portland, Oregon (globally ranked #18)
Salt Lake City International Airport – Salt Lake City, Utah (globally ranked #28)
Harry Reid International Airport – Las Vegas, Nevada (globally ranked #49)
San Antonio International Airport – San Antonio, Texas (globally ranked #51)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport – Charlotte, North Carolina (globally ranked #58)
Los Angeles International Airport – Los Angeles, California (globally ranked #60)
Nashville International Airport – Nashville, Tennessee (globally ranked #61)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport – Honolulu, Hawaii (globally ranked #67)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – Phoenix, Arizona (globally ranked #73)
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – Baltimore, Maryland (globally ranked #75)

AirHelp also ranked airports around the world in order to identify the top 10 international facilities. Airports in Central and South America made a strong showing, with six of the top 10 airports located in those regions, including the No. 1 airport.

Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PCY) scored the top spot on the global list. The airport is a hub for Copa Airlines, which has been ranked the most punctual airline in Latin America by Cirium for 11 consecutive years. In 2022, PCY debuted a new Terminal 2 building, complete with a sweeping 20,000-square-foot Copa Club lounge.

Additionally, five airports in Brazil made the global top 10 list as the nation focuses on large-scale efforts to modernize its airports.

Here’s a look the best 10 airports around the globe in 2026, according to AirHelp: