The best regional airports in the U.S.

Based in Massachusetts’ second largest city, Worcester Regional Airport has daily service from American Airlines, Delta Airlines and JetBlue, flying to destinations including Philadelphia, Orlando and New York-LaGuardia and with seasonal flights to Fort Lauderdale. 

It touts quite a deal for parking at a New England commercial airport (priced at $7 a day parking, with your first day being free). Five car rental companies (Thrifty, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Dollar) provide convenient service. Past security, a locally-owned café sells fresh pizza, snacks and anything else someone might need before or during a flight.

Alternative to: Rhode Island T.F Green International Airport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Bradley International Airport

If your destination is within Central Oregon, this airport just north of Bend could work for you. Its flight paths extend to Seattle, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Portland, Denver, San Diego, Phoenix, Burbank and Los Angeles. 

In June 2025, a construction firm broke ground on an 80,000-square-foot concourse expansion and terminal renovation. Upon its completion, the project will introduce additional gates and jet bridges, along with a second-floor redesign and interior reconfigurations to improve the boarding process. Notably, planned design elements will include enhanced ADA accessibility and a mass-timber roof structure that reflects the surrounding region’s natural beauty.

The Main Terminal Parking Lot is right across the way and the Dancing River Marketplace/Cafe is where you can pick up some coffee or perhaps a t-shirt and other souvenirs. Or grab a meal from Avalon Aeropub.

Alternative to: Portland International Airport

If you’re traveling to or from Florida’s West Coast, then this Sarasota airport could suit you. It is serviced by Delta, Southwest, Allegiant, Breeze, JetBlue, and United, as well as offers nearly 70 nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, including New York, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

Along with a PGA Tour Shop, SRQ holds local Bradenton Area restaurants, including Patrick's 1481 and Anna Maria Oyster Bar, and pet-relief areas.

In early January 2025, the airport ushered in its Concourse A terminal, complete with three new restaurants and other amenities. It will also welcome a non-stop flight to Miami starting this November.

Alternative to: Tampa International Airport

American, Delta, United, Breeze, Southwest, and JetBlue service this reader’s award-winning airport. Its roster of non-stop flight destinations extends to Chicago, Cincinnati, Boston, Baltimore, Charlotte and Appleton, Wisc., and routes often go East, South or Midwest.

Its second-level gallery hosts rotating exhibits showcasing contemporary and fine art by members of the Savannah Art Association and other community organizations. There’s an outpost of Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah favorite, while Southbound Taphouse pours beers by Southbound Brewing Co. 

Parking options span from daily valet to long-term/hourly to economy and three additional overflow lots. The list of on-site rental car companies starts with Alamo and ends with Thrifty.

Alternative to: Charleston International Airport

It’s a smooth ride to this airport from downtown Madison and even easier to reach your gate amid service by American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and United and a mix of seasonal and daily flights.

Nonstop or one-stops include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.

Last year, a $85 million south terminal expansion added 90,000 square feet and three new gates. It’s easy to pick up Wisconsin merch, Packers gear, or other local products post-security, including 12-packs of New Glarus Spotted Cow beer. 

Spot the terrazzo floor mosaic of Madison’s five lakes and a 20-foot compass rose with a county seal inset. There are also pet therapy animals and family and mothers’ lounges available. 

Alternative to: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Six miles west of downtown Lexington, this Kentucky airport recently celebrated the return of nonstop Delta flights to LaGuardia and news of a fifth United daily nonstop flight to Chicago. 

These additions complement flight schedules to Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and seasonal flights to Destin/Fort Walton and Miami.

Sample Kentucky’s bourbon culture at The Bourbon Library Restaurant & Bar and Cork & Barrel, a bourbon and fine wine store. Nursing mothers can find a comfortable and private suite before or after flying and a pet relief area gets Fido ready. 

However, get there much earlier to visit the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, which features impressive aircraft exhibits.

Short and long-term parking is super close to the terminal and a Pet Relief Area is just past the TSA checkpoint. 

Alternative to: Louisville International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

When busy, this New York airport can feel tight in space, but its stature, in comparison to other area airports, is a key selling point. Especially with parking, as levels are directly connected to the terminal via a walkway.

Currently, HPN is serviced by five airlines with regular and seasonal routes, including JetBlue, BermudAir, American, Breeze and Delta. Along with a small newsstand and a snack and coffee shop, The Traveler’s Club is its second-floor, full-service restaurant overlooking the airfield. On this level, kill time by taking in amazing runway views and aircraft-themed artwork.

Alternative to: LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport

Amid the "Cherry Capital of the World,” this airport can suit those traveling to and from Northwest Michigan. It’s serviced by Allegiant, American, Avelo, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country and United with 20 nonstop flights across the country. 

Destinations include Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis−Saint Paul, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan), Newark, New Haven, Philadelphia, New York-LaGuardia, Boston, Phoenix-Mesa, Punta Gorda, St. Pete-Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

The terminal’s interior reflects the natural setting of the Grand Traverse region, mixed with Frank Lloyd Wright's inspiration. Find a welcome area reminiscent of a north woods lodge, with cherry wood, copper light fixtures, stone wainscoting, and stained glass. As for bites or goodies, you’ll find them at the Cherry Country Café.

Alternative to: Detroit Metro Airport and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Over 1 million passengers annually choose this airport with 15 different nonstop destinations provided by Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. 

A major overhaul of its concessions was completed in 2024. New dining options extend to The Drafthouse at ABE, Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches, Dunkin’, the Bethlehem-based Zekraft – Curators of Taste, and Avenue C Smart Market.

But perhaps what’s most impressive is its passenger inclusivity initiatives through the ABE Advantage. 

C.O.P.E. Therapy Dogs (Canines Offering Passengers Encouragement) celebrates a decade in December. Additionally, the airport’s Navigator Volunteers help answer questions and W.I.N.G.S (Walking Into Night Guide Service) escorts passengers safely to their car.

Alternative to: Philadelphia International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Harrisburg International Airport

Within the heart of Sonoma County’s Wine Country, this Northern California airport is named for the Peanuts creator and offers nonstop flights to U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Burbank, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, and Denver. These routes are served by carriers like Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines will join them beginning in April 2026.

Sonoma County food and beverage options, including wine, craft beer, and coffee, can be purchased onsite.

Its connection to Schulz, who lived locally, also involves bronze statues of his beloved characters like Snoopy. Even dining can be fun, with a restaurant and tap room called the Flying Ace. 

Alternative to: Oakland International Airport or San Francisco International Airport