New York Airports and Lounges Earn National Honors
Multiple New York travel hubs and airport lounges secured top rankings in the 2026 USA TODAY Readers' Choice Awards.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Air Travel
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Long Island MacArthur Airport claimed the top spot in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for best small airports. The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport also secured a place on the list, ranking ninth nationally.
Why it matters
The recognition reflects the preferences of travelers who voted on finalists nominated by industry experts. These awards serve as a key indicator of passenger satisfaction regarding airport amenities and operational quality across the country.
Long Island MacArthur Airport, located 45 miles from New York City, secured first place among small airports. Meanwhile, three New York City airport lounges placed in the top five, including spots at JFK and LaGuardia.
The players
Long Island MacArthur Airport
Located in Ronkonkoma, this facility serves as a major transportation hub for Long Island residents.
Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport
This facility is a primary gateway for travelers visiting the Finger Lakes region of New York.
USA TODAY
This media organization conducts annual travel awards based on industry expert nominations and public voting.
The details
The American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK ranked second, while the Capital One Landing at LaGuardia took third place. Additionally, the Capital One Lounge at JFK rounded out the top five in the airport lounge category.
Timeline
The 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards were released in 2026.
Travel Outlook
The 2026 rankings reflect a broader trend in tourism where travelers increasingly prioritize convenience and premium lounge access when evaluating transit hubs. These awards provide a snapshot of seasonal travel preferences that diverge from traditional high-traffic airport metrics.
Travelers looking to maximize comfort can expect premium amenities at JFK and LaGuardia based on these recent lounge accolades. Those flying into New York may find the smaller, highly-rated airports offer a faster transit experience compared to major international hubs.
The takeaway
Travelers should look to these award-winning facilities for higher standards of comfort and efficiency during their next trip. Utilizing highly-ranked lounges or regional airports can significantly streamline the modern travel experience.
Further reading
For more on the state's aviation landscape, visit the New York Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Democrat and Chronicle.
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