Big airports like JFK and LaGuardia can be a headache. However, New York is home to two of the top smaller, friendlier airports that make travel much easier.
A recent expert panel, combined with reader votes, identified 10 of the best, known for their easy access, great amenities, and solid flight options. Two are in the Empire State.
#6 Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Rochester is home to more than just flights to numerous destinations across the country. The airport is a visual treat while you wait. From the glowing solar canopy and Frederick Douglass Legacy Mural, to the upgraded security checkpoint that handles more passengers.
ROC just wrapped its busiest summer in over 15 years. County Executive Adam Bello credits new airlines and nonstop destinations like Raleigh/Durham, Nashville, Wilmington, Lakeland, and Charleston. Florida routes to Fort Myers and Sarasota are coming next year.
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“The more people fly out of ROC, the more flights and non-stop routes we can attract for both business and leisure travelers,” said Airport Director Andy Moore.
We just flew out of Rochester for the first time, and it was a breeze. Short lines at TSA, early flights, and our luggage was at baggage claim when we arrived. Plus, round-trip tickets for two people to North Carolina cost us $375. You can’t beat that!
#2 Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
If you want to skip the New York City airport madness, ISP is your calm alternative—about 50 miles from Midtown Manhattan. It’s close to Long Island hotspots like the Hamptons, Fire Island, wineries, and Gold Coast mansions.
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Recent additions Avelo Airlines and Cape Air join Breeze, Frontier, JetBlue, and Southwest. Don’t miss the modern Ground Transportation Center and the newly improved Baggage Claim Area.
Small = Big Convenience
Small airports equal big convenience. Sometimes the best trips start with the easiest takeoff.
Check out all top of the top small airports in the country at 10best.usatoday.com.
These 10 United States Airports Have the Worst TSA Wait TimesAccording to Bounce.com, if you’re traveling through one of these airports you should prepare for a longer TSA screening experience.
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
The 10 Worst Airports in America For Delays in 2025The travel insurance experts at SquareMouth.com have assembled and crunched data from airports across the country to determine which have the most frequently have to move flight times back. For additional insights from SquareMouth, see the link in entry #1. Here are the 10 Worst Airports in America for Delays in 2025
Gallery Credit: Scott Clow