The Best U.S. Airports for Layovers

Whether you’re in for a long stopover or barely have time for a quick stretch between flights, layovers are sometimes unavoidable. But some airports offer far more in the way of passenger experience and amenities than others. Wondering which terminals come out on top? A new study from the travel advice website Upgraded Points ranked the 50 busiest U.S. airports to determine the ones where a layover feels less like a hassle and more like a bonus stop on your journey. Here are the top 10 best airports for a layover in the U.S.

10. Chicago Midway International Airport – Illinois

Score: 61.94 (out of 100)

A three-time winner of the Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport award from Global Traveler magazine, Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW) is efficient and packed with amenities. It boasts the third-shortest average departure delay of any airport in the study, at 50.64 minutes. (Compare that with the airport with the highest average departure delay in the report, Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport, with an average of 82.62 minutes.) Recent upgrades like the security checkpoint expansion also make Midway a relatively stress-free airport to navigate.

9. Pittsburgh International Airport – Pennsylvania

Score: 63.1

Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) is known for its reliability — it boasts the highest percentage of on-time departures (84%) among all airports analyzed. Efficiency isn’t the airport’s only attribute, however. Those who have a future layover here can look forward to the opening of a brand-new terminal in the summer of 2025. The $1.7 billion upgrade will include layover-friendly outdoor terraces where travelers can relax and enjoy fresh air and runway views.

8. Nashville International Airport – Tennessee

Score: 63.83

Situated just 7 miles from downtown, Nashville International Airport (BNA) is conveniently located for travelers looking to explore the city during long layovers. It also has the second-highest number of nearby hotels out of the 50 airports analyzed. The airport is expanding its global reach with several new international flights for 2025, including routes to Canada’s Vancouver International Airport, Ireland’s Dublin Airport, and Mexico’s Los Cabos International Airport.

7. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport – Louisiana

Score: 64.61

With just one terminal and 35 gates, Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is great for short layovers because navigation is quick and easy. This airport also boasts a high percentage of on-time arrivals and departures (78% and 77%, respectively). If you do have a long layover here, you can take advantage of local dining options — including French Quarter favorites Lucky Dogs hot dogs and Café Du Monde, known for its beignets — plus live music in the airport’s Jazz Garden.

6. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – Washington

Score: 64.67

If you’ve arrived at Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) and need to charge your electronics, you’re in luck. This tech-savvy airport ranks second in the report for the number of charging stations. The airport’s location also makes it a top layover choice for Pacific-bound travelers. Alaska Airlines’ inaugural Seattle-to-Tokyo flight took off in May 2025; the airline plans to add 12 additional nonstop global flights by 2030.

5. John Wayne Airport – California 

Score: 66.63

Aptly named after the Hollywood legend, John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County serves the greater Los Angeles area and is the closest airport to Disneyland in Anaheim. It also boasts the shortest average arrival delay among all 50 airports, at 49.97 minutes. For travelers spending a layover here, expect a short walk: The two furthest-apart gates are a half mile away from each other, which is about a 10-minute stroll.

4. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport – Texas

Score: 67.81

For an overnight layover, Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) is one of the most convenient airports in the country. It is the only airport in the top 10 of the study to have not one but two on-site hotels. While you’re enjoying your stopover in Austin, you can also take in the view from the 3,994-square-foot terrace at the east end of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, which is accessible after security. It boasts lounge chairs, benches, and tables overlooking the runway. A second patio with views of downtown Austin is expected to open in 2027 as part of a major expansion.

3. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – Virginia

Score: 68.78

Reagan Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, is the closest airport to Washington, D.C., and offers service to over 100 destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada. DCA scores high across all categories in the study, with the second-highest number of restaurants, stores, and lounges across all 50 airports. Reagan is often preferred for its proximity to D.C., but its larger and busier counterpart Washington Dulles International Airport handles the region’s long-haul international flights. However, Dulles ranks No. 43 out of 50 airports, so if you have a choice between the two for a layover, Reagan is the clear winner.

2. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport – California

Score: 70.4

Travelers at San Jose International (SJC) can easily stream their favorite shows or catch up on work emails during their layovers, thanks to the airport’s impressive Wi-Fi speed, which is faster than that of any other airport on the list. SJC also has a wide selection of restaurants, strong on-time performance, and relatively few gates (17), ensuring a short walk between flights. The airport recently became the first West Coast airport to commit to biometric entry and exit programs, which will expedite the security process for international arrivals and reduce wait times.

1. San Diego International Airport – California

Score: 76.79

San Diego International Airport (SAN) takes the top spot for the best U.S. airport for a layover. It has the most shopping options of any airport, with an average of more than 41 shops per mile of terminal space. It also has a high concentration of lounges, charging stations, nearby hotels, and fewer canceled flights than most airports. The airport leads the way for environmentally focused innovation, with an all-electric shuttle program and award-winning renewable diesel program. Plus, SAN’s picturesque location on the San Diego Bay next to downtown makes it easy to step out and explore the city if time allows.

About the data: To compile this list, we referenced a 2024 report from travel advice website Upgraded Points. It ranked the 50 busiest U.S. airports on 16 key passenger experience metrics, including dining and shopping options, on-time performance, lounge access, and Wi-Fi speed. Read more about their methodology and view the full report here.