Washington Post ranking crowns PDX top U.S. airport for design, vibes, and local flavor
Portland International Airport (PDX) has officially been named the best airport in the United States, according to a new ranking by the Washington Post. The honor comes after years of critical acclaim, a sweeping renovation, and a commitment to comfort, community, and culture that’s hard to find in the world of air travel.
The ranking evaluated over 450 airports nationwide, combining data analysis with more than 2,300 reader responses. At the top of the list: Portland — ahead of Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), Washington Reagan (DCA), and even Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac), which didn’t make the top 10. Seattle’s boutique Paine Field, however, landed at #5.
A $2.15 billion redesign with soul
PDX’s success isn’t just about architecture — though its newly renovated, light-filled main terminal certainly earned praise. With sweeping timber ceilings, skylights, oak flooring, and views of Mount Hood from Concourse E, the Washington Post described the terminal as “practically a nature bath.” The paper went on to call the airport a space so relaxing, “you may wish for a delay.”
The Port of Portland’s $2.15 billion upgrade — still underway and set to complete in 2026 — has made the airport a model of form and function. Readers favored airports that are easy to navigate, spacious, and filled with natural light, and PDX delivered on all fronts.
Local flavor and laid-back charm
Beyond the aesthetics, PDX wins hearts with personality. The airport is filled with locally sourced food at street prices, a microcinema by the Hollywood Theatre, and unique amenities like a speakeasy bar, a pink mailbox for travelers to send notes, and even occasional visits from llamas for traveler stress relief.
“This is an airport that has fun and wants you to do the same,” the Post wrote. From the fan-favorite carpet patterns to live musicians, PDX invites travelers to linger — a rare sentiment in the world of airports.
A benchmark for U.S. air travel
While many airports battle congestion and dated infrastructure, PDX is emerging as a standard-bearer for modern, traveler-focused design. The ranking highlights that passengers value more than just efficiency — they appreciate ambiance, regional identity, and spaces that feel alive and welcoming.
