It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of enjoying a delicious meal at the airport felt like a pipe dream. But many of America’s busiest travel hubs have made big culinary strides in recent years, and now some airports are arguably must-visit destinations for foodies. Don’t just take our word for it, though — the experts at Food & Wine magazine recently unveiled their rankings of U.S. airports with the best food and drink options. Find out which airports topped the list.

10. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – Washington

The dining options at Sea-Tac Airport are vast, varied, and delicious, according to the tastemakers who voted on the Food & Wine report for 2025. Take, for instance, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, whose original location has been a staple of Seattle’s Pike Place Market since 2003. At the airport location, you can enjoy gooey mac and cheese, grilled sandwiches, or even a charcuterie board of their most popular cheeses before hopping on your flight.

More tasty treats can be found at Skillet, an all-day brunch spot that first opened inside a converted Airstream trailer on the streets of Seattle in 2007. And of course, Starbucks originated in Seattle, so it’s no surprise that there are six locations at Sea-Tac — including the unique Starbucks Evenings in the Central Terminal, which offers 27 local beer and wine options in addition to familiar coffee favorites.

9. Miami International Airport – Florida

When you think of the Miami food scene, you might picture a delectable Cuban sandwich. Luckily, that’s an option for anyone looking for a bite while passing through Miami International Airport. In the North Terminal, you’ll find Cafe Versailles, which has been serving the city’s Little Havana neighborhood since 1971. Grab a freshly hot-pressed Cuban sandwich or a steaming cup of Cuban coffee to get you through a long flight.

But it’s not only Cuban cuisine that makes the Miami airport’s food scene so special. Jackson Soul Food, located in the Central Terminal, is another beloved local spot that has been awarded “Best Soul Food” by the Miami New Times. Miami’s airport also provides flyers with a convenient grab-and-go service called MIA2Go — it allows you to preorder fresh food for pickup, which can be helpful if you’re in a rush to make your flight.

8. Denver International Airport – Colorado

Whether you’re a football fan or someone who’s just craving a hearty meal, there are two restaurants at Denver International Airport named for legendary Broncos quarterback John Elway. Indulge in a succulent ribeye or shrimp cocktail at Elway’s Steakhouse, which is located in Concourse B, or head to the more casual Elway’s Taproom and Grill in Concourse A, where you can grab a burger and craft beer before your flight.

Looking to enjoy a cocktail or two in a unique setting? Head to Williams & Graham, a speakeasy-style bar that has been a favorite of Denverites for years. There’s now an airport location, hidden behind a facade designed to look like a bookstore, for the 82 million-plus passengers who pass through DIA each year. 

7. San Francisco International Airport – California

From classic banh mi sandwiches to warm bowls of soothing chicken pho, flyers are in for a culinary adventure no matter which dish they choose at Bun Mee, a local San Francisco chain that has two locations at SFO. The busy Northern California airport is also home to an outpost of the popular Napa Farms Market, best known for its succulent rotisserie chicken, which uses a recipe from celebrity chef and TV host Tyler Florence. 

If you have a bit more time to kill before your flight, consider Mustards Bar and Grill. The restaurant’s brick-and-mortar location has been satisfying locals in the Napa Valley since 1983; now, its American classics with an Asian influence are keeping passengers at the airport well fed, too. Be sure to order a glass of local Napa wine to complement the meal.

6. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport – Texas

Texas is a barbecue lover’s mecca, and no dining experience at DFW would be complete without a plate of fall-off-the-bone ribs and juicy brisket. Thankfully, Cousins Bar-B-Q, a family-owned eatery with a location in Terminal B, has travelers covered.

Another popular eatery at Dallas Fort Worth Airport is the Love Shack from Tim Love, an award-winning chef specializing in “urban western cuisine” — think burgers topped with quail eggs and poblano peppers. For sports fans, there are two Dallas Cowboys-themed eateries in the airport: the Dallas Cowboys Club, which serves up delicious Tex-Mex, and Drew Pearson Sports 88, a traditional pub named for Super Bowl champion and Dallas sports legend Drew Pearson.

5. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport – Texas

Can’t get enough Texas barbecue? Head south to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to try Salt Lick BBQ, an Austin-area staple that opened in 1967. In 2013, the Daily Meal named the Austin-Bergstrom location the second-best airport restaurant in the world. Whether you grab a plate of brisket, ribs, sausage, or something else, it’s hard to argue this isn’t a step above your typical airport fare.

Those with a sweet tooth might stop by Amy’s Ice Creams — a Texas staple whose most popular flavor is the beloved Mexican vanilla. The Peached Tortilla is another favorite spot, where you can enjoy items including brisket and egg breakfast tacos and Korean steak bowls.

4. LaGuardia Airport – New York

Since 2016, LaGuardia has undergone a massive revitalization that transformed it from what then-Vice President Joe Biden likened to a “third-world country” into a state-of-the-art hub. In addition to many infrastructure improvements, LaGuardia upgraded its food scene in a major way, and now offers some of the best airport grub in the U.S. This includes New York City staples such as Shake Shack, Zaro’s Family Bakery, and the Brooklyn Diner. 

Whether you grab a slice of gooey artichoke pizza at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, a hot-pressed panini curated by chef Marc Forgione at Mulberry Street, or brunch at Bubby’s, you really can’t go wrong when dining at the new LaGuardia (well, maybe except for the prices).

3. John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York

JFK edges out LaGuardia as the most desirable airport for foodies in the NYC area, according to the report from Food & Wine. Like at LaGuardia, there’s an emphasis on local NYC eateries, including H&H Bagel, a city institution serving up classic bagels in Terminal 5. (To order like a true New Yorker, grab a bagel smothered in cream cheese, lox, capers, tomato, and red onion.)

For those with access, some of the tastiest grub and booze can be found at the world-class lounges throughout JFK. This includes the Chase Sapphire Lounge, known for its tasty cheeseburgers and handcrafted cocktails. JFK is also home to the TWA Hotel, which occupies a landmark former terminal building designed in 1962 by world-famous architect Eero Saarinen. Arrive at the airport early to grab a table at the Sunken Lounge — a 1960s-themed bar serving up vintage, airport-themed cocktails such as the Mile-High Margarita — before catching your flight.

2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport – Illinois

Chicago’s O’Hare Airport claims the runner-up spot on the list of U.S. airports with the best food and drink, thanks, in part, to its association with the prestigious James Beard Foundation. One of the most exciting annual culinary events at the airport is the JBF@ORD Chef Series, a monthlong, James Beard-sponsored event that allows travelers to enjoy a taste of award-winning chefs, bakers, and restaurateurs each year.

As for the airport’s permanent food installations, Tortas Frontera is one of the most popular spots for travelers. With locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5, the eatery is renowned for its handmade guacamole and inventive Mexican sandwiches. Many other Chicago-area staples have opened locations at O’Hare as well, including the West Loop-based Bar Siena, serving up Italian pasta dishes and pizza that’ll leave you feeling way more satisfied than what you might be served on the plane.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Georgia

America’s best airport for foodies also happens to also be the world’s  busiest airport: Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, which welcomes over 100 million annual passengers. As it’s a Southern city, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that some of Hartsfield’s best eateries are serving up Southern cuisine. One of the most popular locations is the soul food restaurant Paschal’s, which has been serving Atlanta since 1947 and was even patronized by Martin Luther King Jr.

Other popular eateries include the Southern-style diner Bantam & Biddy, famous for fried chicken and shrimp and grits platters. For a more upscale experience, consider grabbing dinner at the airport’s first fine-dining establishment, One Flew South, which opened in 2009. Located in Concourse E, this two-time James Beard Award-nominated restaurant serves up refined dishes including salmon with rosemary potatoes, steak topped with sage butter, and the “surprise me” — a dish personally selected by the chef that features sushi, a cocktail, and an entree.

New year, new hotels — and 2026 has a ton of them on tap. From small-town boutique properties perfect for a cozy romantic weekend to splashy big city hotels, these new (or newly reopened and reimagined) lodgings will have you polishing up your Instagram skills and planning for a late checkout. Here are seven new hotels we’re looking forward to in 2026.

Dolly Parton’s SongTeller – Nashville, Tennessee

Set to open in Nashville in June 2026, this 245-room hotel is Dolly Parton’s love letter to Music City, where at age 13 she made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry. SongTeller will offer hospitality that’s as generous, glamorous, and colorful as Ms. Parton herself. Look for décor with pink, gold, butterflies, and guitars, all imbued with the whimsy and humor that’s made her a national treasure. 

On the third floor, the 20,000-square-foot Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum will feature costumes, memorabilia, and artifacts chronicling Parton’s 60-plus-year career in showbiz. The property will also boast two on-site performance venues: Parton’s Live, which will host songwriter sessions and intimate performances, and Jolene’s, which will offer epic downtown Nashville views.

Recess Hotel & Club – Savannah, Georgia

Savannah may be known for its historic charm, but the most highly anticipated hotel in the “Hostess City of the South” is going all in on “retro futurist” vibes. Recess Hotel and Club is the newest property from Left Lane, the brand behind Savannah’s award-winning Hotel Bardo.

In fall 2026, the historic Manger Building will be converted into 136 guest rooms, 23 suites, and 62 bunk rooms. There will also be a communal “Rumpus Room” on each guest floor — a space with lounge seating, large TVs, and custom vending machines. At the spa, guests will find a “biohacking” lounge, sound temple, steam room, sauna, and cold plunge.

Hoback Club – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Nestled at the base of one of the most coveted ski mountains in the world, Hoback Club is debuting in January 2026 as Jackson Hole’s first and only ski-in, ski-out, members-only private club and residences. Fortunately, nonmembers can book one of 25 tastefully appointed luxury residences (ranging from one to seven bedrooms) for stays ranging from four nights to two weeks. Amenities will include slope-side ski valets, hydrotherapy circuits, in-residence spa treatments, and dining by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Louis Dumonet.

The Botany – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

No passports or international roaming plans required: Opening in summer 2026, the Botany is set above the picturesque sands of Botany Bay on the secluded western tip of St. Thomas. Tucked within a private gated community, this intimate resort will offer 23 thoughtfully designed accommodations, ranging from one to three bedrooms. 

Each villa will overlook the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean, and the resort will feature a tranquil spa, two pools, a coffee shop, a casual beach bar, and a fine-dining restaurant. The lush hillsides surrounding the property will also offer hiking, pristine beaches, and sweeping ocean views. 

Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch – London, England

Relax like a royal in spring 2026 at this iconic Edwardian Baroque monument, originally commissioned by King Edward VII in 1910 to honor Queen Victoria. After more than a century anchoring the grand ceremonial corridor linking Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, the illustrious landmark will transform into a luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel while still retaining its majestic character, from the dramatic archway passage to the ornate stone exterior. 

The 100 elegantly appointed rooms and suites will boast views of London’s most ceremonial thoroughfare, where guests can witness all the royal pageantry unfolding below, while enjoying cuisine from globally celebrated chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud.

The Cooper – Charleston, South Carolina

In spring 2026, Charleston’s historic waterfront will welcome the Cooper, billed as the city’s first luxury harbor hotel. The 191-room property will feature a private marina offering excursions aboard two Hinckley yachts. Guests can also enjoy an infinity pool and an expansive lawn that flows directly into Joe Riley Waterfront Park, offering seamless access to the water. The hotel pairs outdoor adventures with a 7,000-square-foot spa and elegantly appointed rooms oozing with Low Country charm. 

The Monarch – San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio was founded in 1718, but the Lone Star State’s most-visited city never rests on its historic laurels. Looking over lush Hemisphere Park in the heart of downtown, just steps from the River Walk and the Alamo, the 17-story Monarch will be an exciting addition to San Antonio’s hospitality scene in spring 2026.

The hotel will offer 200 guest rooms with 28 suites, three chef-driven restaurants, a lavish lobby bar, a luxurious spa, and sweeping skyline views. Art lovers will surely appreciate La Mariposa, the hotel’s sculptural pavilion with a dramatic light installation paying tribute to the property’s namesake butterfly, which migrates through the city each winter.

Have you ever dreamed about turning your love of travel into a rewarding career? Or maybe you’ve wondered how flight attendants make their jobs look effortless while juggling safety requirements and customer service. Behind that calm confidence — and those awesome travel perks — is a training process that is far more rigorous and competitive than most travelers would imagine. To get the full picture, we went straight to the source: official U.S. airline training guides and firsthand accounts from U.S. flight attendants who’ve gone through the process. Here’s what flight attendant training is really like, from the moment you apply until the day you earn your certification.

Requirements To Become a Flight Attendant

The requirements to apply to be a flight attendant vary, but most major U.S. airlines have a few nonnegotiables for candidates, including age- and education-based requirements. For instance, all applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and must possess a passport before applying. Fluency in English is required at U.S. airlines, and bilingual qualifications are often an asset. Effective communication skills in high-stress situations are also a must.

There are physical requirements, too, as flight attendants spend much of their time on their feet performing safety procedures and assisting passengers. United Airlines, for example, requires the ability to “stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift heavy objects,” as well as to push and pull a beverage cart weighing up to 250 pounds. Similarly, American Airlines specifies that “height and weight must allow for safe aircraft operation.” This includes the ability to sit in a jump seat and fasten the harness, and to navigate the cabin aisle and operate emergency exits.

The final major requirement is age. All airlines have age minimums for application, but these also vary. At United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, it’s 21 years, but at American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, it’s 20 years.

Initial Interview

Though airlines have different hiring processes, in general, passing one or more interviews and obtaining a conditional job offer are required before the training process begins. Megan, an Orlando-based flight attendant we interviewed, shared that she was invited to a phone interview after applying online. 

The following month, she attended an in-person interview, after which she received a conditional job offer. “I say ‘conditional’ because I still had to pass flight attendant training,” she explained. For Megan, the entire process, from application through passing training, took about seven months. Other flight attendants we interviewed echoed similar experiences, with two or three rounds of interviews before they secured a training spot.

Rachael, a Pittsburgh-based flight attendant, explained that the interviews consist of practical questions and tests: “You have to pass a variety of tests that gauge your experience, personality, and how you handle stressful situations.” 

Training Overview

Typically, flight attendant training begins a few weeks after the candidate receives a conditional job offer at the final interview. Kaitlyn, a Philadelphia-based flight attendant, explained that the company flies the candidate to a designated training facility, where they are paid for their time and given hotel accommodations. 

Megan, the Orlando-based flight attendant, shared that, while every airline does training a little differently, it generally ranges from three to eight weeks. She recalled an array of topics from her training: “flight regulations, evacuation drills, case scenarios, firefighting, CPR, trafficking, intoxicated passengers, security threats, and so much more!”

Delta Air Lines, for one, conducts its training at its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, in six-week sessions for new hires and shorter requalification sessions for current crew members. Casandra, a certified flight instructor and former Delta Air Lines flight attendant, detailed her experience in Delta’s training program in a series of online videos. Typical training hours are Monday through Friday for six hours a day, plus study time for exams and evening homework. Flight attendant candidates must put everything else on hold during training because it is a full-time job. 

Hands-On Experience

From the very beginning, flight attendants are trained to be prepared for the unexpected. The training process features classroom-style lectures, group work, and hands-on training in simulators and life-size model airplanes. For instance, during her first week, Casandra recalled sitting in on a mock emergency in which the cabin lost air pressure, while her instructors initiated emergency protocols. 

In each training module, flight attendants prepare for serious, albeit rare, events, such as medical emergencies, evacuations, and cabin depressurization. From smoky cabins to unconscious passengers, flight attendants learn to handle any situation with a calm, professional approach.

A notable component of flight attendant training is water-emergency-exit training, conducted in a swimming pool in the center. These simulations teach the crew how to use life vests, identify exits, escape the aircraft, and assist passengers in swimming to safety rafts, all while staying calm in a sinking plane. This builds muscle memory to help future flight attendants remain calm in high-stress situations.

Final Exam and Certification

Following training, candidates must complete an initial operating exam to showcase their new knowledge, which usually involves a combination of written assessments and practical, hands-on evaluations. The exam comprises all aspects of being a flight attendant, including safety, security, emergency procedures, equipment operation, general aviation knowledge, and customer service. 

Although requirements vary by airline, after passing the exam, the final step to becoming airline-ready is to receive a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is issued after all requirements are met. New flight attendants then report to their initial base assignment, which is typically a major hub for the airline they work for. Then, their journey in the skies officially begins. 

Have you ever wondered which U.S. cities have the highest cost of living? Perhaps you’re considering a big move, or maybe you’re curious about a city you plan to visit. Even if you won’t be worrying about rent or property taxes when you visit, as a traveler, local cost of living is still an important consideration for dining out, getting around, and choosing things to do. To find America’s most expensive cities, we turned to Numbeo, a cost-of-living database, which analyzed over 60 major North American cities. These are the 10 U.S. cities with the highest cost of living, as of 2025.

10. Miami, Florida

Cost of living index: 74.9

Renowned for its palm-tree-lined beaches, luxury real estate, and vibrant nightlife, Miami is the most expensive major city in the Southeast. The cost of buying or renting a home in Miami is 55% above the Florida average, with a median home listing price of $625,000. Prices soar to more than $100 million in some neighborhoods, such as Fisher Island, once a winter escape of the Vanderbilt family. And the city’s dining scene, though expensive, is touted as one of the best in the country — there are 15 Michelin-starred restaurants in the greater Miami area. 

8. San Diego, California (tie)

Cost of living index: 76.3

This Southern California city makes up for its high cost of living with plenty of sun and surf. Ranked eighth in the nation for cost of living, San Diego was also recently named one of the country’s most expensive cities to retire to, with higher taxes, housing, and transportation among the biggest costs to consider. The most expensive neighborhood in San Diego is Hidden Valley, a community on the northern side of Mount Soledad in La Jolla, where the median home price is more than $4 million. But there is some relief: Health care and food costs in San Diego are slightly lower than the state average. 

8. Los Angeles, California (tie)

Cost of living index: 76.3

Los Angeles is tied with its neighbor to the south as the eighth-most expensive city in the nation. As an international entertainment hub, the City of Angels attracts millions of visitors each year, but living in sunny SoCal full-time is expensive. Housing costs are 18% higher in Los Angeles than the state average in California — an already costly state. L.A.’s most expensive neighborhood in 2025 was the Hill Section of Manhattan Beach, with a median sale price of $9.4 million. The neighborhood is known for its scenic beach pier, brunch cafes, boutiques, and sprawling views of the Pacific Ocean.

7. Washington, D.C.

Cost of living index: 82.5

Housing is a major contributor to high costs in the nation’s capital — not only is rent among the costliest in the nation, but so are purchase prices. The median home price in D.C. is $595,000, well over the national median of $424,200. However, there are ways to save in this pricey city. For instance, there’s plenty of free entertainment at the Smithsonian museums, home to exhibits on art, culture, history, aeronautics, and animals. The robust public transport system also helps reduce costs. 

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Cost of living index: 82.7

Boston is the most expensive city in New England. Beantown draws in visitors and new residents with its blend of rich colonial history and industries such as higher education, health care, financial services, and technology. However, the perks of excellent health care, charming neighborhoods, and big-city entertainment come at a cost. A recent report also ranked Boston as the most expensive city in the U.S. to raise a child, with an annual cost of nearly $40,000. 

5. San Jose, California

Cost of living index: 83.7

California’s Bay Area consistently ranks among the most expensive regions in the country. San Jose, situated on the southern shores of the San Francisco Bay, is the second-most expensive city in the area. Here, the median home price is a whopping $1.2 million — more than twice the national average. One of the most expensive estates in San Jose, the Hayes Mansion, was recently converted into a Hilton luxury hotel, with 20 acres of property to explore.

4. Seattle, Washington

Cost of living index: 86.0

The median home price in Seattle recently jumped to $709,000, thanks to the city’s burgeoning tech industry, which has led to a limited supply of housing. However, while Seattleites endure high costs, there is plenty to love about the Emerald City, from historic markets like Pike Place to waterside attractions on the Puget Sound. 

3. San Francisco, California

Cost of living index: 90.7

In San Francisco, housing is 29% more expensive than the state average, making it one of the costliest markets in the country. The median home price in San Francisco is $1.2 million, tying it with its Bay Area neighbor, San Jose. In 2022, one of the famous Painted Ladies — a row of colorful Victorian and Edwardian homes — sold for $3.55 million. More recently, the house from the sitcom Full House sold in April 2025 for $6 million. 

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

Cost of living index: 94.4

Honolulu is the second-most expensive city in the U.S., in part due to sky-high grocery prices. In fact, among the 400-plus global cities Numbeo analyzed in 2025, Honolulu’s groceries ranked as the most expensive in the world, mainly due to shipping costs and limited locally sourced food options. However, the median house price in Honolulu for the end of 2025 was $610,000, about half the cost of the median price in San Francisco. Visitors should also expect to pay extra for their beach vacation: A recent study found that Honolulu charges the highest tourist tax in the world, at 10.25%. 

1. New York, New York

Cost of living index: 100.0

Home to more than 8 million residents, America’s most populous city is also its most expensive. The average rent in Manhattan is $5,632, well above the national average of $1,743. Restaurants in New York are also the most expensive of any major city in the country, but quality and quantity reign supreme in New York. As an international cuisine destination, the city boasts 72 Michelin-starred restaurants, dozens of James Beard Award-winning chefs, and unbeatable culinary diversity.

Depending on how often you fly, and where most of your air travel is to and from, you may not have put much thought into airline routes. As with most else in the world of aviation, however, it’s both more complex and more fascinating than you might imagine. With increasingly frequent headlines about major carriers adding new routes, like the first nonstop service between Newark and Greenland or Alaska Airlines’ first-ever European flight, a question naturally arises: Just how do airlines decide which routes to fly, anyway? Let’s dive into the details.

Supply and Demand

As you might imagine, airline route planning mostly comes down to money and efficiency. The reason so many airlines offer flights from Los Angeles to New York City, for example, is simple: Lots of people fly between the two most populous cities in the country, so there’s a smaller chance of empty planes that don’t generate any profit. If you need to get from Boise to Albany, meanwhile, you’re going to have fewer options — and none of them will be direct.

Let’s say an airline hypothetically decides that the latter two cities are on the cusp of becoming the next big thing, and that it’s time for a nonstop flight covering the roughly 2,500 miles between them. Beyond simply choosing to add a route, a number of other logistical concerns have to be addressed: How often should the flight operate? Daily, weekly, only on the weekends, or somewhere in between? What size aircraft should be used? (It’s better to fill a 100-seat plane than to leave a 300-seat plane half-empty.) What kind of traveler is most likely to fly between these two destinations, and which other airlines, if any, will be competing for their business?

You’re probably getting a sense of why so many potential routes never get off the ground. Even if a route is eventually launched, it could be suspended within months if it doesn’t generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile for the airline.

Hubs, Spokes, and Points

Any new passenger traffic needs to fit within a carrier’s existing framework. Experienced air travelers will be familiar with the concept of hubs, which are airports where a given airline concentrates a significant amount of its traffic as part of the hub-and-spoke model. 

This allows airlines to serve smaller cities that wouldn’t otherwise have much demand by feeding into larger hubs, where those passengers can connect to hundreds of other destinations. Denver and Houston are United hubs, for example, while Atlanta and Seattle serve as hubs for Delta, and Phoenix and Miami are hubs for American Airlines. (If you tend not to enjoy your time at LAX, it may be because it’s a hub for all three of those major airlines.)

But that isn’t the only model airlines use. There’s also the point-to-point approach, which is exactly what it sounds like: flying from one major city to another without a layover in between. This model is efficient for destinations that receive a lot of direct traffic, like Los Angeles to Tokyo or New York to London. 

Other Considerations

None of these decisions is made at random. Airlines have entire teams devoted to planning new routes, many of them dedicated solely to international ones, and these teams don’t just work with other departments within the airline. Some cities’ tourism boards will lobby airlines directly in order to persuade them to begin flying direct service, sometimes going so far as to provide airlines subsidies or to spend their own money marketing the new route to boost travel.

If you’ve ever wondered why there’s seasonal service directly from Charleston, South Carolina, to London, for instance, it’s because the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau took an active role in making it happen, in an effort to establish Charleston as an attractive destination for European travelers. So, the next time you look up at the departures board at the airport and see a surprising or unusual route, you’ll know just how much planning went into it. 

Resort fees can be a major headache, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. By the time you finally reach the checkout page when booking a hotel, these extra fees can bring the total price much higher than first advertised. If you’re hoping not to bust your budget with resort fees or to avoid them altogether on your next trip, discover the major hotel chains that charge the highest — and lowest — resort fees, according to data provided by the personal finance blog NerdWallet.

What Are Resort Fees?

Whether they’re called “resort fees,” “destination fees,” or “facility fees,” these additional charges are added to your bill to cover extra amenities a hotel may offer. They are calculated on a per-night basis and tacked onto the room’s base rate. According to NerdWallet’s analysis of more than 400 different hotels, the average resort fee in 2024 was $35. While this denoted a decrease from the prior year’s average of $38.82, it still meant that guests were paying an additional 8.1% per night to stay at any of the hotels that charge such fees.

When the first resort fees were introduced in 1997, they weren’t associated with price gouging quite like they are today. Back then, they were a way for world-class resorts to cover the cost of luxury perks that their clientele was likely to use — activities like snorkeling expeditions, bike rentals, the use of the tennis courts, and so on. But over time, hotel brands began charging these fees for basic amenities that many travelers would argue should already be included in the base rate — for example, Wi-Fi or gym access.

Perhaps what’s most frustrating about resort fees is that you’re almost always obligated to pay them, whether you use the perks or not. You may never rent a bicycle or use the gym, but you’ll still end up paying an additional $35 per night. This is why so many hotel guests seek out hotels that don’t levy a resort fee.

How Hotel Chains Compare

When searching for hotels, it’s helpful to get an idea of how the major brands stack up when it comes to resort fees. According to NerdWallet’s analysis of major hotel brands, Hilton resorts levy the highest resort fees: 4.6%, or an average of $40 per night on top of the base rate. After Hilton is IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), whose resort fees averaged 3% of the base rate, followed by Hyatt (2.7%) and Marriott (1.9%). The best was Wyndham, which charged an average of 0.7% of the room rate, six times less than Hilton’s 4.6%.

NerdWallet primarily analyzed large brands, which means it wasn’t all-encompassing. For example, there are dozens of independent Las Vegas-based hotels that impose substantial resort fees, too. NerdWallet notes how, in December 2024, the Luxor Hotel & Casino offered rooms for $25 a night with a $45 mandatory resort fee. In general, the fees in Vegas have jumped 11% from 2024 to 2025, so don’t be surprised if you end up paying an extra $50 to $55 per night at top-tier hotels such as the Aria or Bellagio.

How To Avoid Resort Fees

The simplest way to avoid resort fees, of course, is to book a hotel that doesn’t charge them. Luckily, there are chains that forgo charging resort fees altogether. Some, such as Best Western and Choice Hotels, offer limited amenities in return. Others — such as Drury, Disney, and Ovolo — offer a high-end experience without any junk fees. 

If those hotels aren’t an option, there are a few other strategies you can employ. First, if you belong to a hotel chain’s loyalty program, consider booking with your points. Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt, for example, waive these fees completely on reward bookings. That’s not the case for all programs, though, so be sure to comb the checkout page carefully.

There’s also a chance you may be able to have the resort fee waived upon arrival. Speak to a hotel employee and (kindly) explain how you won’t be using any of their amenities. In some cases, the employee may be authorized to waive the fees. However, this is far more often the exception than the norm. If all else fails, it’s always worth your while to do a little research on what the resort fee covers and take advantage of those amenities — and hopefully feel a bit more that you’re getting your money’s worth.