Big airports certainly offer more flight choices and perks but they also come with the hassle of long waits, crowded terminals, and chaotic check-in processes. On the flip side, smaller airports provide a much smoother experience. After a speedy and simple check-in, you can zip through security and have time to grab a quick coffee before your flight. And as an added bonus, many small airports are home to budget airlines, which can help you save on your travel expenses. Given the convenience and affordability, our recommendations for the top small airports in the United States are definitely worth considering for your next adventure. Let's dive in!
So which small American airports are regarded as the best ones nationwide?
1. Long Beach Airport (LGB) – Long Beach, California
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: Los Angeles International or San Diego International
Airlines: JetBlue, Southwest, Hawaiian, Delta, Southwest, American
Why we love it: If your southern California itinerary includes a trip to the beach, consider bypassing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in favor of flying directly into Long Beach Airport (LGB). Situated just off the 405 and only 4 miles from the coastline, this airport provides a much more convenient option if you plan to explore the beach communities south of Los Angeles. For travelers heading further south, it's an easy 2-hour drive down the 5 freeway to reach San Diego, with the added bonus of enjoying the scenic coastal vistas along the way.
2. Bangor International Airport (BGR) – Bangor, Maine
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: Boston Logan International or Portland International Jetport
Airlines: American, Allegiant, Delta, United
Why we love it: Bangor International Airport (BGR) could be your ideal choice for traveling to Maine, depending on your final destination. Situated just an hour away from the stunning scenery of Bar Harbor, Bangor provides a convenient drive to the state's most beloved summertime hotspot. While Portland's southern airport is also a lovely option, Bangor's central location makes it simpler to access different regions of Maine, from the majestic Mount Katahdin to the picturesque offshore islands.
3. Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) – Dallas, Texas
Source: Gabriel Tovar/Unsplash
Instead of: Dallas-Fort Worth International
Airlines: Southwest, Alaska, Delta
Why we love it: Situated less than 20 miles from the vibrant metropolis of Dallas, Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) offers a more compact and cost-effective alternative for travelers bound for Texas. As a prominent hub for Southwest Airlines, Love Field's proximity to downtown Dallas makes it an attractive option for those seeking weekend excursions to the city. Moreover, the airport has undergone recent aesthetic renovations, further enhancing its appeal to domestic passengers.
4. Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) – Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: Philadelphia International or Newark International
Airlines: American, Allegiant, Delta, United
Why we love it: Lehigh Valley International Airport's (ABE) location is ideal, as it sits halfway between Philadelphia and Newark, making it easily accessible from both cities. With just a 1-hour drive in either direction, you can reach either of these major metropolitan areas, and an additional 45 minutes will get you to the heart of Manhattan. This regional airport's small size, cleanliness, and convenience offer a more relaxed travel experience compared to the bustling hubs nearby, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more pleasant journey.
5. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – Manchester, New Hampshire
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: Boston Logan International
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United
Why we love it: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) offers a convenient option for travelers. It's just about an hour away from Logan International Airport (BOS), and there's a handy bus service that can take you back and forth between the two. Being located outside the big city, Manchester makes an ideal starting point for exploring the beautiful region of northern New England. From the mountain landscapes of New Hampshire and Vermont to the picturesque southern coast of Maine, this airport puts you in the perfect spot to kick off your road trip adventures.
6. Paine Field Airport (PAE) – Snohomish County, Washington
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: Seattle-Tacoma International or Vancouver International
Airlines: Alaska, United
Why we love it: Paine Field Airport (PAE), situated 30 miles north of downtown Seattle, offers an excellent alternative to the busier Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). If you're traveling north to Vancouver or taking the ferry in Anacortes, flying into Paine Field can help you bypass the notorious traffic congestion on Interstate 5 through Seattle. In addition, as the location of a Boeing manufacturing facility, the airport is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts.
7. Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) – Greensboro, North Carolina
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: Charlotte Douglas International or Raleigh-Durham International
Airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, Spirit, United
Why we love it: With a tagline like "fly easy," it's hard not to appreciate this cozy North Carolina airport. Situated roughly equidistant from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham International (RDU), the Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is an excellent choice for hassle-free travels. Compared to its neighboring aviation hubs, this modest facility generally experiences smaller crowds and considerably shorter queues.
8. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – Birmingham, Alabama
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier
Why we love it: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) may be Alabama's biggest, but it's actually quite compact and straightforward to get around, with just 1 terminal and a few airlines operating there. It's also conveniently located, as the drive to Atlanta takes just a little over 2 hours, making it a breeze to travel to once your plane lands. And on your way back, you can stop by Jim 'N Nick's BBQ to enjoy some delicious Southern cuisine while you wait for your flight.
9. Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) – Islip, New York
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy International
Airlines: Southwest, American, Frontier
Why we love it: Opting for Long Island over the hustle and bustle of Manhattan can be a wise choice. Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), catering to budget-friendly airlines like Southwest and Frontier, offers a more convenient and expedited route to destinations, such as the Hamptons or Fire Island. And if the allure of New York City beckons, the Ronkonkoma station on the Long Island Rail Road is just a short 10-minute taxi ride from the airport, providing easy access to the Big Apple.
10. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – Reno, Nevada
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Source: Google Search
Instead of: San Francisco International
Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United, Volaris
Why we love it: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) provides a convenient way to reach Lake Tahoe, situated just a short distance from the famous Big Blue. By flying to this airport, you can avoid the congestion of the Bay Area and make a direct journey to the peaceful lakeside. Moreover, Reno-Tahoe International offers the amenities of a major city airport, including the added excitement of slot machines, without the associated frustrations.
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Source: garetsvisual/Freepik
Along with our ultimate travel guide, we would like to share an additional valuable suggestion. This advice will prove beneficial for individuals who opt for air travel.
If you get to the airport by car, you always need to find a good parking space for your vehicle to leave for the period of a trip. In most cases, airports have special on-site parking for that purpose. However, such a parking lot is pretty costly most of the time, and people aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of a trip. So is there any solution?
The best way to solve this problem is to choose off-site parking. Why, you may ask? We will explain.
There are many reasons which can prove the benefit of this parking type. Here are some of them:
- Affordable Rates. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can choose between short-term and long-term airport parking. Anyway, an off-site airport parking is much cheaper, so you can save your money and spend the most considerable amount on things you really want to see or try while traveling.
- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
Source: Ricky Hernandez/Unsplash
We are glad to say that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Now let's take a good example. Imagine that you're planning a trip to NYC, New York. This state is located in the northeastern United States. So if you're flying from Dallas, Texas, you can use cheap parking near Love Field. If you're coming from Reno, Nevada, you can choose affordable long-term parking Reno Airport. It just depends on the place you're flying from.
You can always find everything you need on our official website: the best deals for parking near US and Canadian airports, domestic airport parking charges, and much more.
