The longest commercial flight in the world is a nearly 19-hour route between New York City and Singapore.

All 10 of the longest routes currently operating are over 17 hours long.

Ultra-long-haul flights can be uncomfortable, so we spoke with two medical experts for their top tips for surviving—and even enjoying—super-long routes.

Thanks to next-gen aircraft, cutting-edge technology, and a surge in demand for seamless international travel, ultra-long-haul flights are pushing the boundaries of modern aviation. Today’s longest nonstop routes top 18 hours and cover nearly 10,000 miles, linking cities like Singapore and New York or Auckland and Doha in a single, uninterrupted leg. Ahead, we’ve compiled some of the longest commercial flights on carriers like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand—plus expert-approved strategies to help you make the most of every mile on these marathon journeys at 35,000 feet.

1. New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN)

Flight time: 18 hours and 40 minutes

Carrier: Singapore Airlines

Number of miles: 9,536

At nearly 19 hours long, this New York City to Singapore flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is the world’s longest passenger flight, both by distance and duration. Passengers fly aboard a specially configured Airbus A350-900ULR, designed for ultra-long-range travel with enhanced fuel capacity and comfort. It also features a unique two-class layout—with business class and premium economy (read: no standard economy)—to optimize the onboard experience for this marathon journey.

An airplane flying over Singapore. Busakorn Pongparnit/Getty Images

2. Singapore (SIN) to Newark (EWR)

Flight time: 18 hours and 25 minutes

Carrier: Singapore Airlines

Number of miles: 9,523

This Singapore to Newark flight clocks in just shy of 18 hours and 30 minutes—slightly shorter than its New York-to-Singapore counterpart listed above. It’s operated by the same aircraft, the Airbus A350-900ULR, which, as noted earlier, omits economy seating in favor of just premium economy and business class to ensure a more comfortable experience.

3. New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL)

Flight time: 18 hours

Carrier: Air New Zealand, Qantas

Number of miles: 8,828

This 18-hour Air New Zealand flight is notable for connecting New Zealand and the U.S. East Coast on an unusually long nonstop route. It’s operated by a specially configured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 18 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 263 economy seats—including several Economy Skycouch rows, where adjustable leg rests can transform standard seats into lie-flat couch-style spaces.

In May 2025, Air New Zealand began flying newly retrofitted Dreamliners equipped with larger 4K screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, and the option to use personal devices as remotes. Starting in 2026, the airline plans to roll out its innovative “Skynest” sleeping pods—a bunk-bed-style setup designed to give economy passengers a place to lie flat and rest during ultra-long-haul flights.

Qantas also offers this route on the same plane.

4. San Francisco (SFO) to Bengaluru (BLR)

Flight time: 17 hours and 55 minutes

Carrier: Air India

Number of miles: 8,701

Just five minutes shy of the 18-hour mark, this San Francisco to Bengaluru route from Air India, which launched in 2021, covers a whopping 8,701 miles.

The voyage takes place aboard a Boeing 777-200LR, an ultra-long-range aircraft designed specifically for these marathon routes. Onboard, passengers can expect a three-class configuration, including business class equipped with lie-flat seats, premium economy, and standard economy. While the product may not be the most cutting-edge among international carriers, the route, which connects two tech hubs—Silicon Valley and Bengaluru—makes it a major draw for business travelers.

5. Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN)

Flight time: 17 hours and 35 minutes

Carrier: Singapore Airlines

Number of miles: 8,762

Connecting Southeast Asia with the U.S. West Coast, this 17-hour, 35-minute journey from Los Angeles to Singapore is one of the world’s longest nonstop flights. Operated by Singapore Airlines, the route is flown aboard the aforementioned Airbus A350-900ULR, which is distinguished by its absence of an economy cabin. Not only does this route link two global business hubs, but it also serves as a key gateway for U.S. travelers heading to Southeast Asia, making it easier than ever to explore the region.

6. Dallas (DFW) to Melbourne (MEL)

Flight time: 17 hours and 35 minutes

Carrier: Qantas

Number of miles: 8,990

Operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, this Qantas flight spans nearly 9,000 miles, connecting Australia with the southern United States in just under 18 hours, eliminating the need for layovers in Los Angeles or Sydney. With lie-flat business class seats, premium economy, and standard economy options, it’s designed to serve both business and leisure travelers making the trek across the globe. From Dallas, travelers can continue onward to many destinations around the U.S. with partner airline, American Airlines.

7. Perth (PER) to London (LHR)

Flight time: 17 hours and 30 minutes

Carrier: Qantas

Number of miles: 9,009

This Qantas flight from Perth to London was the first-ever nonstop commercial service between Australia and the United Kingdom. Covering more than 9,000 miles in roughly 17.5 hours, it launched in 2018 and marked a major milestone in ultra-long-haul travel by eliminating stopovers in Asia or the Middle East. Aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you’ll find lie-flat business class, premium economy, and standard economy cabins.

8. Dallas (DFW) to Sydney (SYD)

Flight time: 17 hours and 15 minutes

Carrier: Qantas

Number of miles: 8,580

This Dallas to Sydney route is also considered to be one of the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights. While Qantas primarily uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on international routes like this flight, the airline will begin alternating with the Airbus A380 aircraft in August 2025. The latter aircraft offers additional seats and is also the only one in Qantas’ current fleet to feature a first class. In addition to 14 first-class seats, it’ll offer 70 business class seats, 60 premium economy seats, and 341 economy seats.

9. Auckland (AKL) to Doha (DOH)

Flight time: 17 hours and 20 minutes

Carrier: Qatar Airways

Number of miles: 9,031

Spanning a total of 9,031 miles, Qatar Airways’ Auckland to Doha flight route ranks among the world’s longest flights. Passengers fly aboard Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350-1000, featuring the airline’s award-winning Qsuite Business Class, complete with fully lie-flat beds and sliding privacy doors. In economy, travelers enjoy generous legroom and a robust selection of in-flight entertainment.

In addition to linking New Zealand with the Middle East, this route offers easy onward connections to Europe, Africa, and Asia via Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

10. Auckland (AKL) to Dubai (DXB)

Flight time: 17 hours and 5 minutes

Carrier: Emirates

Number of miles: 8,823

Emirates’ Auckland to Dubai service ranks among the longest A380-operated flights in the world, covering 8,823 miles in just over 17 hours. The route serves as a key jumping-off point for destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, thanks to Emirates’ extensive network out of Dubai.

Onboard the expansive double-decker aircraft, passengers can expect the airline’s signature amenities: private first-class suites, lie-flat business class seats, an onboard lounge and bar for premium cabins, and spacious economy cabins.

Tips for Getting Through Ultra-long-haul Flights

A passenger sleeps on a plane with an eye mask. rudi_suardi/Getty Images

Opt for light, nutrient-dense meals and snacks.

“Before embarking on a long-haul flight, it’s a good idea to choose light, nutrient-rich meals to keep you feeling comfortable and energized,” says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, South Carolina. Choose easy-to-digest foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables, while avoiding heavy, greasy meals and carbonated drinks, which can contribute to bloating. For in-flight sustenance, Manaker recommends packing wholesome snacks (think: nuts, seeds, and granola bars) to help maintain energy levels throughout the journey.

Stay hydrated.

“Staying hydrated during a flight is crucial because the cabin air can be quite dry,” explains Manaker. “Try to drink water regularly throughout the flight, aiming for at least a cup every hour.”

While not essential, she notes that electrolyte supplements can be helpful—especially on longer flights—as they replenish key minerals and support hydration more effectively than water alone. One of her go-to options is Now’s Effer-Hydrate Effervescent Tablets, which are “easy to add to water while in the air.”

Adjust to your destination time zone.

When you board the plane, adjust your clocks to the time at your destination and do your best to eat, sleep, and function according to that new time zone, advises Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “For instance, if you board an overnight flight from New York to London, it most certainly is the middle of the night at your destination.” To help your body adjust, she recommends eating an early dinner the day of departure, skipping the in-flight meals and beverages, and letting the flight attendants know you’d prefer not to be disturbed so you can get some sleep.

Be strategic about your sleep setup.

Dr. Robins recommends traveling with pre-tested sleep accessories, such as earplugs and eye masks, telling Travel + Leisure, “Think of these as your armor against sounds and light on the plane, which you cannot always control.” Similarly, “You may also bring along items that give you comfort, such as a scarf that can double as a blanket.”

Use meditation to ease into rest.

According to Dr. Robbins, if you find yourself exhausted but unable to sleep—a common challenge when crossing time zones—focusing on breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can help calm your body and ease you into a restful state. “If you are struggling to sleep, close your eyes and try to meditate,” she advises. “Bring all your attention to your breath, then imagine a bright light at your third eye. Focus all your attention on that light, expanding the light when you breathe in and making the light smaller as you breathe out.”

Consider taking melatonin.

“Taking exogenous melatonin, or melatonin in tablet form, for coping with jetlag can be beneficial,” explains Dr. Robbins. This is key because, per the pro, “melatonin fundamentally is for issues relating to a mismatch between our internally coded sleep and wake times and the pattern of light and darkness around us and/or social time at a new destination.” As always, consult your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Believe it or not, celebrities really are just like the rest of us. Sure, they get to spend their days professionally playing pretend, and they get paid a ton to do it. But when it comes to their downtime, they enjoy all the same things we do, including taking a little vacation. And while you may assume most split their time between major hubs like Los Angeles and New York City, it turns out that celebrities love hidden gems, too.

In February, Casino.org released a study that looked at the places where people are most likely to have a celebrity sighting across the globe. And the No. 1 place is a Swiftie hot spot that may surprise you.

“Watch Hill, Rhode Island, ranks No. 1 worldwide for celebrity sightings (per capita)—especially for Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds fans,” the company said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. (Watch Hill is a neighborhood in Westerly, Rhode Island, that is about an hour from Providence and Newport.)

Methodology To find these destinations, the team scraped data from a popular celebrity-sighting Instagram account over the past six months, identifying the 42 global cities where celebrities have been seen the most.

The small town got a significant celebrity boom when Taylor Swift moved in, though it’s a place well worth visiting even without the promise of seeing the world’s most famous touring artist. In Westerly, travelers can check into iconic hotels like the Ocean House, which gives everyone the A-list treatment and also has a private stretch of beach, a zen spa, and opulent bedrooms for all. (It’s also a stone’s throw from Swift’s house, so who knows who you may see while there.)

But Rhode Island isn’t the only place for celebrity sightings. Coming in at No. 2 on the list is a mountain favorite: Aspen, Colorado. It ranked second with “151 celebrity sightings per 100,000 people,” with regulars like “Hailey Bieber, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and Kevin Costner” frequently seen strolling the streets and shredding the mountain in winter.

Aspen was followed by several Californian cities, including West Hollywood, Malibu, and Bel-Air, rounding out the top six spots, while Santa Monica came in at No. 10.

However, celebrities don’t spend all their time in the U.S. In No. 7 is St. Barts, a gorgeous Caribbean island with 17 sightings per 100,000 people. Visiting the island also gives you a “high chance of spotting Leonardo DiCaprio.”

St. Barts is followed by Shoreditch in the U.K., where you could see Emilia Clarke and DJ Bassi Fox. Cottesloe, Australia, cinched the ninth spot, with 2.5 celebrity sightings per 100,000 people, with “Drake among the stars frequently seen there.”

However, if you do see a star, remember that they’re on their downtime too, and let them relax just as you are—even if you may be freaking out a little on the inside.

What makes an airport special? We analyzed what passengers love most for our own definitive ranking.

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The airport has become so synonymous with misery that we often grit our teeth and power through it. Headphones in. Shuffle to the gate. Grab a sad sandwich and tune out.

They are modern marvels of architecture and logistics. But many of us would rather visit the dentist. Easy? Ha. Memorable? Rarely in a good way.

We wanted to find exceptions. Beyond the gray halls of monotony, there exist airports where you may actually want to stay awhile. So we set out to rank the best in the United States.

We took our question to readers, soliciting more than 2,300 responses. Because we wanted an answer based on more than vibes, we enlisted Department of Data columnist Andrew Van Dam. To build his airport-ranking algorithm, Van Dam first analyzed reader feedback so he could prioritize what travelers value most.

We learned travelers adore airports that are easy to get to (and through) above all else. People love light-filled spaces with soaring ceilings. Recent renovations help, too. Van Dam fed your nominations into the algorithm, but he also factored in more than 450,000 Yelp reviews for airport shops, restaurants and the buildings themselves.

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Our list started with more than 450 airports that served at least 1,000 passengers last year. We narrowed it to the top 50, then dug up more data like gate capacity and parking. For more on our process, read the methodology box at the bottom.

Here, now, are the 50 best airports in America, according to data. Take note, and arrive early.

10 DTW Detroit Metro Airport Fliers love ♥ The fountain meant to evoke a flight map in the McNamara Terminal sends smooth jets of water arcing through the air. One traveler asked: “Seriously, how do they get it to do that?” Airline Hub ✈ Delta, which calls Detroit the “primary gateway” to its Asian market. A nearly mile-long concourse might not sound like a superlative for a favorite-airport list. But travelers credit “excellent people movers” — especially the elevated ExpressTram — with helping them get around. The linear design in the McNamara Terminal is a win for passengers who appreciate the “simple layout.” Moving between the terminal’s concourses can feel like a party thanks to the light and sound display that one reader calls a “disco tunnel.” Detroit gets high marks for tall ceilings that provide an “airy, roomy, spacious” feel, along with plentiful windows and loads of natural light. Want to sample a Detroit staple? Pop into Leo’s Coney Island for a hot dog topped with chili, mustard and onions. Or stop at the new shop selling Motown-themed gifts. 10 DTW Detroit Metro Airport A nearly mile-long concourse might not sound like a superlative for a favorite-airport list. But travelers credit “excellent people movers” — especially the elevated ExpressTram — with helping them get around. The linear design in the McNamara Terminal is a win for passengers who appreciate the “simple layout.” Moving between the terminal’s concourses can feel like a party thanks to the light and sound display that one reader calls a “disco tunnel.” Detroit gets high marks for tall ceilings that provide an “airy, roomy, spacious” feel, along with plentiful windows and loads of natural light. Want to sample a Detroit staple? Pop into Leo’s Coney Island for a hot dog topped with chili, mustard and onions. Or stop at the new shop selling Motown-themed gifts. Fliers love ♥ The fountain meant to evoke a flight map in the McNamara Terminal sends smooth jets of water arcing through the air. One traveler asked: “Seriously, how do they get it to do that?” Airline Hub ✈ Delta, which calls Detroit the “primary gateway” to its Asian market.

(Detroit Metro Airport) (Detroit Metro Airport)

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9 SLC Salt Lake City International Airport Fliers love ♥ Massive art installations in and outside of the airport evoke the area’s canyons, waterfalls and mountain peaks. They “remind passengers of the grandeur of the state,” one traveler said. Public transportation Take the Green Line on the TRAX light rail system. This airport calls itself “The New SLC,” and that’s because it’s a total rebuild. Pieces started debuting to the public in 2020 with the final phase expected to be completed next year. Readers call this version “beautiful, new and spacious,” praising the large windows, natural light and mountain views. There are more practical considerations as well: according to the airport, passengers are never more than 150 feet from a restroom; each seat at a gate has a place to plug in and charge; and families waiting to welcome loved ones or say goodbye can gather outside security in the “Greeting Room” with a fireplace and comfy furniture. Locals love the proximity to downtown. Choose from Red Rock, Roosters, Uinta and other local breweries, a brunch spot or Thirst soda shop, among other options – and pay what you would outside an airport setting. One reader saluted the policy of charging “non-extortion prices.” 9 SLC Salt Lake City International Airport This airport calls itself “The New SLC,” and that’s because it’s a total rebuild. Pieces started debuting to the public in 2020 with the final phase expected to be completed next year. Readers call this version “beautiful, new and spacious,” praising the large windows, natural light and mountain views. There are more practical considerations as well: according to the airport, passengers are never more than 150 feet from a restroom; each seat at a gate has a place to plug in and charge; and families waiting to welcome loved ones or say goodbye can gather outside security in the “Greeting Room” with a fireplace and comfy furniture. Locals love the proximity to downtown. Choose from Red Rock, Roosters, Uinta and other local breweries, a brunch spot or Thirst soda shop, among other options – and pay what you would outside an airport setting. One reader saluted the policy of charging “non-extortion prices.” Fliers love ♥ Massive art installations in and outside of the airport evoke the area’s canyons, waterfalls and mountain peaks. They “remind passengers of the grandeur of the state,” one traveler said. Public transportation Take the Green Line on the TRAX light rail system.

(S. Zaybal/ Salt Lake City International Airport) (Stuart Ruckman/Salt Lake City International Airport)

8 IND Indianapolis International Airport Fliers love ♥ Artist Ron Baron’s vintage suitcase-inspired sculpture, “Baggage Claim,” where you can sit while you wait for your bags. How many figurines can you count? Public transportation Route 8 on the IndyGo bus travels from IND through downtown. You will not get lost in Indianapolis International. The simple layout, panoramic windows and towering ceilings of the modern steel-and-glass terminal make it a traveler favorite. “Easy everything!” as one reader put it. Indianapolis is more than just easy. Before going through TSA — the airport boasts two large checkpoints — pause in the Civic Plaza and look up to take in the teal aluminum mobile, “JetStream,” by Rob Fisher floating above you. It’s a feather-like pop of color in the expansive space. Don’t skip the popular local steakhouse Harry & Izzy’s, in the same restaurant group as Indianapolis classic St. Elmo, in Concourse A. Be sure to try their signature shrimp cocktail (if you can handle horseradish). After a bite, get some steps in on the airport’s more than a mile of marked walking paths. 8 IND Indianapolis International Airport You will not get lost in Indianapolis International. The simple layout, panoramic windows and towering ceilings of the modern steel-and-glass terminal make it a traveler favorite. “Easy everything!” as one reader put it. Indianapolis is more than just easy. Before going through TSA — the airport boasts two large checkpoints — pause in the Civic Plaza and look up to take in the teal aluminum mobile, “JetStream,” by Rob Fisher floating above you. It’s a feather-like pop of color in the expansive space. Don’t skip the popular local steakhouse Harry & Izzy’s, in the same restaurant group as Indianapolis classic St. Elmo, in Concourse A. Be sure to try their signature shrimp cocktail (if you can handle horseradish). After a bite, get some steps in on the airport’s more than a mile of marked walking paths. Fliers love ♥ Artist Ron Baron’s vintage suitcase-inspired sculpture, “Baggage Claim,” where you can sit while you wait for your bags. How many figurines can you count? Public transportation Route 8 on the IndyGo bus travels from IND through downtown.

(HOK) (Sam Fentress/HOK)

7 ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport Fliers love ♥ Murals in the Great Hall from Native American artist Pop Chalee that depict buffalo and horses. Close to the city It’s 5 miles from Albuquerque’s city hall. Few airports embody their location more than the sunport, a study in the Southwestern aesthetic. The adobe-style terminal feels like it belongs in a local pueblo rather than the gateway to New Mexico. Take a moment in the Great Hall after check-in to soak in the vibe on one of the airport’s wood-and-leather chairs or benches. It’s “totally New Mexico,” as one reader put it. Look up and take in the ceiling’s decorated wood beams, or vigas. Check out the Cavalcade of Wings’s more than 900 aircraft models before going through TSA. Stop in the new food court after TSA for a cup of piñon coffee, a brew flavored with the nut of the tree that grows in the high desert. Drink it under Lincoln Fox’s impressive “Dream of Flight” sculpture. Then pick up some red or green chile before heading to the gate. Views of the nearby Sandia Mountains will have to wait until takeoff; as of late June, the popular observation deck was closed for renovations. 7 ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport Few airports embody their location more than the sunport, a study in the Southwestern aesthetic. The adobe-style terminal feels like it belongs in a local pueblo rather than the gateway to New Mexico. Take a moment in the Great Hall after check-in to soak in the vibe on one of the airport’s wood-and-leather chairs or benches. It’s “totally New Mexico,” as one reader put it. Look up and take in the ceiling’s decorated wood beams, or vigas. Check out the Cavalcade of Wings’s more than 900 aircraft models before going through TSA. Stop in the new food court after TSA for a cup of piñon coffee, a brew flavored with the nut of the tree that grows in the high desert. Drink it under Lincoln Fox’s impressive “Dream of Flight” sculpture. Then pick up some red or green chile before heading to the gate. Views of the nearby Sandia Mountains will have to wait until takeoff; as of late June, the popular observation deck was closed for renovations. Fliers love ♥ Murals in the Great Hall from Native American artist Pop Chalee that depict buffalo and horses. Close to the city It’s 5 miles from Albuquerque’s city hall.

(Albuquerque International Sunport) (Albuquerque International Sunport)

6 PVD Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport Fliers love ♥ Occasional live music upon arrival, courtesy of a volunteer program. “Talk about a cheery welcome,” one traveler said. Airline Hub ✈ Breeze Airways has a growing base at PVD. How often do you hear someone mention an airport bathroom in the context of a rave review? Quite often, it turns out, when you’re in Providence. Passengers call the facilities “impeccable and beautifully designed” and especially praise the plants at the entrances and fresh carnations, mums or other flowers by the sinks. The restroom love is by design: PVD upgraded them as part of a $10 million project in the last few years. The ease of parking and navigating the airport is a big draw here — and a sharp contrast to New England’s primary air hub, Boston Logan. Food options include Rhode Island stalwarts such as Saugy Franks hot dogs and the just-opened Narragansett Kitchen & Bar. Need some reading material with your beer? Check out the Little Free Library on the lower level. 6 PVD Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport How often do you hear someone mention an airport bathroom in the context of a rave review? Quite often, it turns out, when you’re in Providence. Passengers call the facilities “impeccable and beautifully designed” and especially praise the plants at the entrances and fresh carnations, mums or other flowers by the sinks. The restroom love is by design: PVD upgraded them as part of a $10 million project in the last few years. The ease of parking and navigating the airport is a big draw here — and a sharp contrast to New England’s primary air hub, Boston Logan. Food options include Rhode Island stalwarts such as Saugy Franks hot dogs and the just-opened Narragansett Kitchen & Bar. Need some reading material with your beer? Check out the Little Free Library on the lower level. Fliers love ♥ Occasional live music upon arrival, courtesy of a volunteer program. “Talk about a cheery welcome,” one traveler said. Airline Hub ✈ Breeze Airways has a growing base at PVD.

(Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport) (Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport)

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5 PAE Seattle Paine Field International Airport Fliers love ♥ The small size of Paine Field, where it can take just minutes from the curb to gate. Airlines ✈ Alaska and Frontier connect PAE to Southern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and Hawaii. It’s easy to mistake the terminal at this small airport north of Seattle as an exclusive private club. Grab a bellman cart for your bags and roll them into the lobby that feels more like a posh hotel than an airport terminal. A limestone-clad accent wall with a digital Solari split-flap departure board is the focal point of the minimalist space. Breeze through security and the plush experience continues. The waiting area features leather couches and lounge chairs. Actual lamps grace the tables. Two fireplaces bookend the main waiting area. Catch sight of Mount Rainier in the distance or a Boeing jet fresh off the factory floor across the airfield — views that continue on one of Paine Field’s glass jet bridges. Stop for a bite at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, a popular local eatery that got its start at Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market. Just be prepared to pay an airport premium. Then sit back and enjoy the view while you wait. 5 PAE Seattle Paine Field International Airport It’s easy to mistake the terminal at this small airport north of Seattle as an exclusive private club. Grab a bellman cart for your bags and roll them into the lobby that feels more like a posh hotel than an airport terminal. A limestone-clad accent wall with a digital Solari split-flap departure board is the focal point of the minimalist space. Breeze through security and the plush experience continues. The waiting area features leather couches and lounge chairs. Actual lamps grace the tables. Two fireplaces bookend the main waiting area. Catch sight of Mount Rainier in the distance or a Boeing jet fresh off the factory floor across the airfield — views that continue on one of Paine Field’s glass jet bridges. Stop for a bite at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, a popular local eatery that got its start at Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market. Just be prepared to pay an airport premium. Then sit back and enjoy the view while you wait. Fliers love ♥ The small size of Paine Field, where it can take just minutes from the curb to gate. Airlines ✈ Alaska and Frontier connect PAE to Southern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and Hawaii.

(Seattle Paine Field International Airport) (Seattle Paine Field International Airport)

4 MSP Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Fliers love ♥ The very purple Prince store, a deluge of memorabilia and sounds paying tribute to the late rock star, the inventor of the Minneapolis sound. Airline Hub ✈ For Delta and Sun Country. All the amenities of a metropolis with a small-airport feel? How Minnesota of you, MSP. After dropping your bags for a trip to Copenhagen or Grand Rapids, go through TSA in Terminal 1 to the MSP Mall with its broad selection of local shops and eateries. Grab a bestseller, or a Spam T-shirt with Minnesotan flair, at Open Book. Satisfy your sweet tooth a few steps away with a doughnut from Angel Food Bakery near gate E5. Take a moment before heading to the gate to enjoy the designated quiet area on the mezzanine above the mall. Shhh, no Teams calls here. Relax in a massage chair. Or get lost in one of the many short films and documentaries by Upper Midwest filmmakers on loop 24/7 in the see18 cinema next to gate C19. Can’t find your gate? Stop and ask one of the actually nice staff all over the terminal for assistance. They know the ongoing renovations can make even the airport’s simple layout a bit confusing. 4 MSP Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport All the amenities of a metropolis with a small-airport feel? How Minnesota of you, MSP. After dropping your bags for a trip to Copenhagen or Grand Rapids, go through TSA in Terminal 1 to the MSP Mall with its broad selection of local shops and eateries. Grab a bestseller, or a Spam T-shirt with Minnesotan flair, at Open Book. Satisfy your sweet tooth a few steps away with a doughnut from Angel Food Bakery near gate E5. Take a moment before heading to the gate to enjoy the designated quiet area on the mezzanine above the mall. Shhh, no Teams calls here. Relax in a massage chair. Or get lost in one of the many short films and documentaries by Upper Midwest filmmakers on loop 24/7 in the see18 cinema next to gate C19. Can’t find your gate? Stop and ask one of the actually nice staff all over the terminal for assistance. They know the ongoing renovations can make even the airport’s simple layout a bit confusing. Fliers love ♥ The very purple Prince store, a deluge of memorabilia and sounds paying tribute to the late rock star, the inventor of the Minneapolis sound. Airline Hub ✈ For Delta and Sun Country.

(Kari Jo Skogquist/Metropolitan Airports Commission) (Kari Jo Skogquist/Metropolitan Airports Commission)

3 DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Fliers love ♥ The chance to spot politicians from both sides of the aisle. You never know who you’ll see, or who will be caught groveling for an upgrade. Public transportation The Washington Metro stop servicing Blue and Yellow Line trains is right outside Terminal 2. A Capital Bikeshare station is in Parking Garage 2. Ask a Washingtonian for their favorite airport, and they’ll almost always gush over DCA. Minutes from D.C. by Metro, car or even bike, it’s that rare modest airport that punches well above its weight in flights to much of the country. Thanks, Congress. Terminal 2, designed by noted architect César Pelli and opened in 1997, is a “cathedral of flying,” as one reader put it. After security, pass through the expansive National Hall to admire one of the best airport views in the country, a panorama of planes, the Potomac River, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. If you’re lucky, you can see the entire city laid out beneath you during landing. Look up at the domes inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Then look down at the intricate tile mosaics. It’s only a short walk to most gates. That’s true even of the new Concourse E that extends north of the terminal and replaced the legendarily bad Gate 35X. Delays have impacted the airport since the tragic midair crash in January, which drew attention to the density of flight traffic. Many locals prefer the airport for its proximity to D.C. over Baltimore or Dulles. Hungry? Local food options are plentiful. There’s Lucky Buns, Timber Pizza or local institution Ben’s Chili Bowl for a half-smoke. For airport jamón, try chef José Andrés’s menu in Capital One Landing. It’s free for cardmembers or a fee for everyone else. 3 DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Ask a Washingtonian for their favorite airport, and they’ll almost always gush over DCA. Minutes from D.C. by Metro, car or even bike, it’s that rare modest airport that punches well above its weight in flights to much of the country. Thanks, Congress. Terminal 2, designed by noted architect César Pelli and opened in 1997, is a “cathedral of flying,” as one reader put it. After security, pass through the expansive National Hall to admire one of the best airport views in the country, a panorama of planes, the Potomac River, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. If you’re lucky, you can see the entire city laid out beneath you during landing. Look up at the domes inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Then look down at the intricate tile mosaics. It’s only a short walk to most gates. That’s true even of the new Concourse E that extends north of the terminal and replaced the legendarily bad Gate 35X. Delays have impacted the airport since the tragic midair crash in January, which drew attention to the density of flight traffic. Many locals prefer the airport for its proximity to D.C. over Baltimore or Dulles. Hungry? Local food options are plentiful. There’s Lucky Buns, Timber Pizza or local institution Ben’s Chili Bowl for a half-smoke. For airport jamón, try chef José Andrés’s menu in Capital One Landing. It’s free for cardmembers or a fee for everyone else. Fliers love ♥ The chance to spot politicians from both sides of the aisle. You never know who you’ll see, or who will be caught groveling for an upgrade. Public transportation The Washington Metro stop servicing Blue and Yellow Line trains is right outside Terminal 2. A Capital Bikeshare station is in Parking Garage 2.

(Ronald Reagan National Airport) (Ronald Reagan National Airport)

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2 LGB Long Beach Airport Fliers love ♥ The 1941 Historic Terminal, which reopened last year after a major renovation. The art deco building, which includes an open-to-the-public lounge area, features a restored Work Projects Administration mosaic made up of more than 1.5 million tiles. Close to the city It’s a little over 5 miles to various city beaches. Fresh air. Sand beneath your feet. Palm trees. Yes, all at the airport: Travelers adore the courtyard that brings the beach to the airfield. There’s even a long fire pit if the nights get chilly. One reader calls it their “airport oasis.” Love being outside? Great, because you’ll walk out onto the tarmac to board your flight. With just 11 gates and three airlines, Long Beach is simple to navigate and quick to get in and out of – a huge plus for passengers who choose it over bustling Los Angeles International. America’s self-proclaimed “coolest airport” rolls out the welcome mat even to non-passengers with extras like a free summer concert series and shaded viewing space for plane spotters. Food options are limited by the airport’s size, but most are smaller versions of community offerings, like a wine bar, a taco shop and a Greek restaurant. Eating outside gives “sidewalk cafe vibes,” a reader said. 2 LGB Long Beach Airport Fresh air. Sand beneath your feet. Palm trees. Yes, all at the airport: Travelers adore the courtyard that brings the beach to the airfield. There’s even a long fire pit if the nights get chilly. One reader calls it their “airport oasis.” Love being outside? Great, because you’ll walk out onto the tarmac to board your flight. With just 11 gates and three airlines, Long Beach is simple to navigate and quick to get in and out of – a huge plus for passengers who choose it over bustling Los Angeles International. America’s self-proclaimed “coolest airport” rolls out the welcome mat even to non-passengers with extras like a free summer concert series and shaded viewing space for plane spotters. Food options are limited by the airport’s size, but most are smaller versions of community offerings, like a wine bar, a taco shop and a Greek restaurant. Eating outside gives “sidewalk cafe vibes,” a reader said. Fliers love ♥ The 1941 Historic Terminal, which reopened last year after a major renovation. The art deco building, which includes an open-to-the-public lounge area, features a restored Work Projects Administration mosaic made up of more than 1.5 million tiles. Close to the city It’s a little over 5 miles to various city beaches.

(Long Beach Airport) (Long Beach Airport)

1 PDX Portland International Airport Fliers love ♥ The 22-seat microcinema showing short works by Pacific Northwest artists. Look for the old-fashioned marquee in Concourse C. Public transportation Take the Red Line on the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail. Walk into this airport terminal and gasp. It’s practically a nature bath. Skylights built into soaring timber roofs filter sunlight onto the oak floor. Live trees and massive video walls showcase stunning landscapes. Sit for a spell on the stadium-style wood benches. Linger on the real-life view of Mount Hood from Concourse E. This space is – it’s hard to believe – relaxing. And that’s despite construction set to wrap up next year. This is an airport that has fun and wants you to do the same. See it in the swaths of fan-favorite carpet (seriously) and hear it from the live musicians. Spot it in the speakeasy. Feel it when you scritch a visiting llama. Share it from the oversize pink mailbox. While you’re at it, enjoy the flavors from local restaurants and shops; Tillamook fried cheese curds, anyone? Airport prices aren’t inflated versions of their outside selves, which means your honey lavender treat from Blue Star Donuts or sour beer at Loyal Legion Beer Hall might just be regular-expensive instead of appalling. It all adds up to an airport with so much to enjoy that you may wish for a delay. 1 PDX Portland International Airport Walk into this airport terminal and gasp. It’s practically a nature bath. Skylights built into soaring timber roofs filter sunlight onto the oak floor. Live trees and massive video walls showcase stunning landscapes. Sit for a spell on the stadium-style wood benches. Linger on the real-life view of Mount Hood from Concourse E. This space is – it’s hard to believe – relaxing. And that’s despite construction set to wrap up next year. This is an airport that has fun and wants you to do the same. See it in the swaths of fan-favorite carpet (seriously) and hear it from the live musicians. Spot it in the speakeasy. Feel it when you scritch a visiting llama. Share it from the oversize pink mailbox. While you’re at it, enjoy the flavors from local restaurants and shops; Tillamook fried cheese curds, anyone? Airport prices aren’t inflated versions of their outside selves, which means your honey lavender treat from Blue Star Donuts or sour beer at Loyal Legion Beer Hall might just be regular-expensive instead of appalling. It all adds up to an airport with so much to enjoy that you may wish for a delay. Fliers love ♥ The 22-seat microcinema showing short works by Pacific Northwest artists. Look for the old-fashioned marquee in Concourse C. Public transportation Take the Red Line on the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail.

(Celeste Noche/PDX) (Celeste Noche/PDX)

The best of the rest 11. TPA Tampa International Airport 12. SNA John Wayne Airport, California 13. MKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport 14. BUR Hollywood Burbank Airport 15. ONT Ontario International Airport, California 16. CAE Columbia Metropolitan Airport, South Carolina 17. IAD Washington Dulles International Airport 18. DAL Dallas Love Field 19. BWI Baltimore-Washington International Airport 20. RDU Raleigh-Durham International Airport 21. GSO Piedmont Triad International Airport, North Carolina 22. SFO San Francisco International Airport 23. SBA Santa Barbara Airport 24. BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport 25. STS Sonoma County Airport 26. GSP Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, South Carolina 27. PBI Palm Beach International Airport 28. PIT Pittsburgh International Airport 29. PWM Portland International Jetport, Maine 30. JAX Jacksonville International Airport 31. FCA Glacier Park International Airport 32. TUS Tucson International Airport 33. MCI Kansas City International Airport, Missouri 34. JAC Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming 35. PSP Palm Springs International Airport 36. CAK Akron-Canton Airport 37. RIC Richmond International Airport 38. LEX Blue Grass Airport, Kentucky 39. MSN Dane County Regional Airport, Wisconsin 40. HVN Tweed-New Haven Airport, Connecticut 41. GEG Spokane International Airport 42. SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport 43. ELP El Paso International Airport 44. BDL Bradley International Airport, Connecticut 45 . SJC San Jose Mineta International Airport 46. ISP Long Island MacArthur Airport 47. MDT Harrisburg International Airport, Pennsylvania 48. COS Colorado Springs Airport 49. LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York 50. BOI Boise Airport

Nearly half of America’s top 10 airports for the most delayed flights are in Florida. Two of them are the ones used most often by Palm Beach County residents: Palm Beach International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International.

British internet data-scraping company SOAX analyzed Federal Aviation Administration data covering more than 6.8 million flights from airports each with at least 10,000 departures between September 2023 and August 2024. SOAX calculated what percent of flights departed at least 15 minutes later than they were scheduled. Such delays are reported to the FAA.

This list ranks those delay rates. Airports in Florida are bolded.

Airports in Florida with most flight delays

Rank Airport Percent of flights delayed 1 Luis Munoz Marin International – San Juan, Puerto Rico 28.7% 2 San Francisco International 26.5 3 Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International 26 4 Orlando International 25.3 5 Palm Beach International 24.1 6 Tampa International 24.09 7 Colorado Springs Municipal Airport 24 8 San Antonio International 23.96 9 Bradley International (Windsor Locks, Connecticut) 23.8 10 Louis Armstrong New Orleans International 23.76 11 El Paso International (Texas) 23.7 12 Ontario International (Ontario, California) 23.55 13 Harry Reid International (Las Vegas) 23.54 14 Logan International (Boston) 23.4 15 Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport 23.3 16 Jacksonville International 23 17 Buffalo Niagara International 22.9 18 Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin) 22.8 19 Chicago Midway International 22.7 20 Tulsa International (Oklahoma) 22.68 37 Miami International 21.73 39 Pensacola International 21.71 51 Sarasota/Bradenton International 21.2 Source: Federal Aviation Administration data, compiled by British internet data-scraping company SOAX. Data covers departures from September 2023 through August 2024, for airports with at least 10,000 departures.

Chris Persaud is The Palm Beach Post’s transportation reporter. Send news tips and story ideas to cpersaud@pbpost.com.