Admin October 2, 2024
What is the busiest airport in the US? Expect long lines here.
Trying to skip big crowds and long lines when traveling? You may want to avoid these airports — they’re the busiest in the U.S.
As if you thought Detroit Metro Airport couldn’t make anymore Top 10 lists, think again.
USA TODAY’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are out, and airports across the U.S. are ranked in eight categories. DTW was named one of the 10 best large airports and one of the 10 best for shopping and dining by USA TODAY readers.
Here’s how it stacked up against America’s top airports.
No. 3 Best Large Airport
Metro Airport was named No. 3 Best Large Airport.
“Officially established in 1930, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) currently serves as the busiest airport in all of Michigan, with more than 30 million annual passengers. Since opening, the airport has expanded to cover (more than) 4 square miles filled with plenty of shopping, dining, and lounge options,” USA TODAY says.
Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida (TPA) took the top spot. Nashville International Airport in Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) took second place.
More: Detroit Metro Airport ranked No. 2 in America for best shopping experience, study shows
No. 2: Best Dining
Metro Airport was named No. 2 Best Airport for Dining.
“Hungry travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport have plenty of options to choose from, including national chains like P.F. Chang’s, Chick-Fil-A, Longhorn Steakhouse, Qdoba, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Local favorites include Papa Joe’s, Andiamo, and celebrity chef-backed restaurant Cat Cora’s Taproom,” USA TODAY says.
Tampa International Airport again took the top spot. The Columbia Café alone is worth the visit.
No. 2: Best Shopping
Metro Airport was named No. 2 Best Airport for Shopping.
“The concessions program at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport includes stores like Johnston & Murphy, Pandora, and the Estee Lauder Beauty Boutique. DTW has also centered customer convenience by blending coffee concepts with travel stores, an example being Time Newsstand/Starbucks near gate A61,” USA TODAY says.
Nashville International Airport was named No. 1.
Other categories
Metro Airport didn’t make the list for:
- Best Small Airport: Obviously, DTW couldn’t win this. Myrtle Beach International Airport in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (MYR) is No. 1.
- Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant: I’m a huge fan of Sora Japanese Sushi Bar. Woody’s At The Airport at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) grabbed the No. 1 spot.
- Best Airport Lounge: Have they been to the multiple Delta lounges? Talk about heavy pours. American Express Centurion Lounge at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) garnered No. 1.
- Best Airport Grab-And-Go Food: Have they seen the offerings at Plum Market with Zingerman’s? Yum-my! 400 Degrees Hot Chicken at Nashville International Airport (BNA) nabbed No. 1.
- Best Airport Bar: When it’s open, Cat Cora’s Taproom is always packed. Blu2o at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) earns No. 1.
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink, and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10Best invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. 10Best editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.
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