Chicago-Midway Ranked Best US Airport For Business Travel

Summary Midway International Airport in Chicago ranked highest in the US for business travelers with an average rating of over four points.
Business travelers are crucial for airline revenue, comprising 12% of passengers but generating up to 75% of revenue.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) was named the worst US airport for business travel, with a low rating of under two points.
People traveling for work may make up a small portion of airline passengers every year, but there is no question that they provide an impressive chuck of revenue. As the industry undoubtedly relies on business travelers, a recent study determined which airport ranked best for those hitting the friendly skies for work.
While some may expect a major hub to receive high results, Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago reportedly came out on top. Among the best US airports for business travel, the airport recorded an average rating of just over four out of 10 points – the highest ranking in the country.
Inside the numbers: Midway on top!
According to a study conducted by BusinessFinancing.co.uk, passenger reviews for major international airports in the US were compiled from SKYTRAX to determine the results. In 2022, American airports served over 850 million business travelers. While there were several challenges related to air travel last year, overall passenger satisfaction is believed to have increased.
Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Although still relatively low, MDW claims the top spot as the best US airport for business travelers, boasting an average rating of 4.37, according to the study.
10 Best US Airports For Business Travelers Ranking Airport Average Rating (/10) 1 Midway International Airport (MDW) 4.37 2 Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) 3.78 3 Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) 3.07 4 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) 3.05 5 Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) 2.77 6 Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) 2.75 7 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 2.73 8 Miami International Airport (MIA) 2.70 9 Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 2.68 10 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) 2.61
A performance better than most hubs
MDW beat out the likes of New York-JFK, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington (Dulles), Minneapolis–St. Paul, Dallas/Fort Worth, and nearby Chicago O’Hare – all of which are major hubs for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
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Photo: Chicago Midway Airport
The majority of its passenger market share is handled by low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines, although Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta, and Frontier Airlines also serve the airport. MDW has just two international carriers that operate at the airport: Porter Airlines and Volaris. It ranks the 19th best airport for business travelers internationally.
Top 10 worst business travel airports
Just over 0.50 points separate the 10 best US airports from the 10 worst. With an average rating of 1.64 points, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) came out dead last, receiving the title of America’s worst airport for US travel.
10 Worst US Airports For Business Travelers Ranking Airport Average Rating (/10) 10 San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 2.16 9 Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 2.07 =7 Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) 2.00 =7 LaGuardia Airport (LGA) 2.00 6 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 1.96 =4 George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 1.93 =4 Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) 1.93 3 Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) 1.89 2 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 1.73 1 Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) 1.64
With a main base at FLL, ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines takes up most of FLL’s passenger market share. In 2022, the airport served nearly 32 million passengers. All major US carriers operate at the airport, along with several international airlines. FLL ranked the fourth worst for business travelers worldwide, according to the study.
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Photo: Carlos Yudica | Shutterstock
Many passengers have reportedly complained about the lack of toilets and preparedness for inclement weather. One person complained about the airport’s increased delays in a review on SKYTRAX.
“I don’t even want to complain about the old airport, and dirty carpets. What I am complaining is a real issue, in the last 2 years (maybe even more) the airport waiting times keep increasing, no matter the airline or even the hour that you travel there is always a delay, not a 15 min delay, this is a minimum of one hour.”
According to PWC, business travelers only account for 12% of passengers but generate as much as 75% of revenue on certain flights. While businesses spend over $300 billion annually on corporate travel, around 20% is reportedly on airfare.