Last week, Condé Nast Traveler published its annual Reader’s Choice awards for the Best Airports in America. Two airports in Florida made the top 10 list as Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) ranked eighth and Tampa International Airport (TPA) ranked sixth.
Condé Nast Traveler referenced recent upgrades, including a new people-mover system, as some of the reasons why TPA ranked high.
“Thanks to a current two-phase expansion project (the first of which involved $1 billion worth of upgrades) TPA is poised to jet into this century and beyond,” Condé Nast Traveler reported. “A new SkyConnect people-mover system—with high-tech trains from Japan—is making this already convenient airport (which is very close to downtown) more convenient than ever.”
Palm Beach International Airport’s small size worked to its advantage when it was compared to other south Florida airports including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. According to Condé Nast Traveler, travelers appreciated shorter lines and less congestion at PBI.
“Palm Beach’s airport is tiny next to rival Ft. Lauderdale—its annual passenger count hasn’t budged above 6.5 million in years,” Condé Nast Traveler noted. “But that’s why it’s beloved by regulars, with some online reviewers even calling it ‘quaint.’ Fliers like the ease of getting in and out, the lack of lines and crowded gates, and plentiful food and beverage options. For amusement, there’s a putting green beyond security, and even a full-service spa to ease the stress of flying, though at PBI, you may not need it.”
The complete top 10 for Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards for the Best Airports in America:
10: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,(ABIA)
9: Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
8: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
7: Charleston International Airport (CHS)
6: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
5: Bradley International Airport, Hartford Conn. (BDL)
4: Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP)
3: Portland (Oregon) International Airport (PDX)
2: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
1: Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
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