Flying is often a fundamental element of travel, and airlines and airports have the ability to make or break a trip. So 10Best looked for the best airlines and airline amenities, as well as the best airports in North America that make getting to your destination a pleasure rather than a pain.
We asked our readers to vote for their favorite airports, airlines and in-flight amenities – and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners.
Best Airline: Delta Air Lines
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Delta ranks among the most highly rated US-based carriers due to its on-time record (83 percent of flights arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled time in early 2019), extensive routes, robust frequent flyer program and excellent lounges at airports across America. Even smaller planes have seat-back TVs to keep passengers entertained on their journey.
Full list of winners: Best Airline »
Best Airport Lounge: Delta Sky Club at John F. Kennedy International Airport
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Delta Sky Club makes for a comfortable place to relax no matter which airport you’re waiting at, but the flagship lounge at JFK is a standout. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, plenty of power outlets for recharging devices, fresh food, premium drinks from THE BAR and a huge open seating area with floor-to-ceiling windows offering natural light.
A highlight is the outdoor SkyDeck overlooking the Terminal 4 ramp.
Full list of winners: Best Airport Lounge »
Best Business & First Class: All Nippon Airways
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Business class on All Nippon Airways (ANA) means direct aisle access and staggered seats for added privacy. The line’s newest first class seats include a privacy door, plus amenities like a premium wine selection, Japanese cuisine in collaboration with Nogizaka Shin and a Nishikawa AiR bed pad for sleeping.
Full list of winners: Best Business & First Class »
Best Cabin Crew: Delta Air Lines
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When Delta Air Lines brings on new flight attendants, the company looks for individuals with previous customer-facing work experience in fields that require the care and safety of others, to help ensure friendly and efficient service.
Full list of winners: Best Cabin Crew »
Best Economy Class: JetBlue
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JetBlue offers the most legroom in its economy cabin for an American-based airline. Passengers also enjoy free snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi gate to gate on every plane, and DIRECTV and SiriusXM Radio at every seat.
Full list of winners: Best Economy Class »
Best Inflight Entertainment: JetBlue
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Every seat on every JetBlue flight enjoys free high-speed Wi-Fi from gate to gate, as well as seat-back touchscreens with free live TV, SiriusXM Radio, Showtime, Spotify and an extensive library of movies.
Full list of winners: Best Inflight Entertainment »
Best Inflight Food: All Nippon Airways
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ANA works with a team of chefs, sommeliers and sake experts, a team they call The Connoisseurs, to curate menus reflecting Japanese, French and fusion gastronomy.
Full list of winners: Best Inflight Food »
Best Large Airport in the U.S.: Denver International Airport
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Denver International Airport ranks among the most visually striking in North America, and it also wins points for its stellar art collection and abundant dining options. Unlike some of the big, more congested airports further east, Denver has a light and airy feel, with most everything in easy walking distance.
Full list of winners: Best Large Airport »
Best Small Airport in the U.S.: Myrtle Beach International Airport
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Myrtle Beach International Airport ranks among the fastest growing airports in the state. Passengers fly in and out on eight different airlines to more than 50 destinations across North America. It wins high marks from passengers for its convenient location and the ease of getting through security and to your gate.
Full list of winners: Best Small Airport »
Congratulations to all these winning airlines and airports. Remember to visit 10Best daily to vote in other Readers’ Choice categories.
10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.