Here’s Where Bradley International Ranks Among Nation’s Most Luxurious Airports

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

Travelers might be surprised to learn that the nation’s most luxurious airport experience does not sit on either coast. A new analysis finds one Midwest hub outshining traditional heavyweights long associated with premium travel.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport ranks first in a new study by Travel by Luxe, which evaluated 30 major US airports using a methodology weighted equally across five factors: fine dining percentages, average dinner costs, shopping venues, luxury lounges, and private suites.

The rankings rely on Google Maps data and exclude smaller regional airports that lack comparable amenities.

Detroit’s score of 73.56 out of 100 reflects a sweep of top-tier metrics, including the highest number of shopping venues (85) and luxury lounges (63). Its fine dining share reached 77.34 percent, while the average dinner cost of $41 placed it below some coastal competitors. Los Angeles International claimed the second spot with 36 shopping venues, 41 private suites, and the highest average dinner cost at $50.

Orlando International secured third place, distinguished as the only airport with 100 percent sit-down dining availability. Tampa International and Chicago O’Hare rounded out the top five. O’Hare’s performance was driven by 71 private suites, the most in the country.

Travel by Luxe expert Amy Doherty said travelers increasingly value comfort during airport waits.

“When travelers think about airports, luxury isn’t always the first word that comes to mind,” she said. “But more passengers today are seeking comfort, calm, and a sense of ease during their journeys.”

Doherty added that evolving traveler habits are pushing airports to adapt.

“High-quality dining, wellness spaces, private suites, and lounges aren’t just nice extras anymore. They’re part of what makes travel feel manageable,” she said. “Sometimes luxury is simply about comfort. A good meal, a quiet place to relax, or access to a clean, modern lounge can completely shift how someone experiences a long travel day.”

Below are the 30 airports measured by Travel by Luxe: