Assuming your flight is on time or you’ve successfully navigated a quick connection between gates, airports can often blur together in a monotonous succession of terminals, security checkpoints, and boarding areas, but if you’re staring down the daunting prospect of a lengthy layover and need to take the edge off with a relaxing drink or meal, the specific hub you find yourself stranded in matters significantly more than you might think.
The travel experts at Upgraded Points recently conducted a comprehensive analysis of 50 of the largest U.S. airports based on three equally weighted factors designed to measure the quality and accessibility of airport drinking establishments. The methodology included evaluating bars and restaurants serving alcohol (per square mile) to measure density, bars and restaurants serving alcohol (per 10,000 daily passengers) to assess accessibility relative to traffic, and the average star rating of alcohol-serving venues based on customer reviews to gauge quality.
This data-driven approach answers travelers frequently asking “Which airport has the best bars?”, “Where should I plan a layover for drinks?”, and “What are the best airports for dining and drinking?”
Boston Logan Takes Top Honors
You don’t have to be a devoted fan of Sam Adams beer to appreciate Logan International Airport’s (BOS) impressive boozy offerings and vibrant airport bar scene. The Boston airport ranks first in Upgraded Points’ comprehensive study with an outstanding overall score of 75.1 out of 100, significantly outperforming other major hubs.
Boston’s airport features an impressive 10.2 alcohol-serving venues per square mile, a remarkable figure that is 116 percent higher than the study average of just 4.7 venues per square mile. This exceptional density means travelers have numerous options within walking distance regardless of which terminal or concourse they find themselves in during a layover.
The BOS ranking answers travelers asking “Why is Boston airport good for layovers?” and “Does Logan Airport have good restaurants?” with quantifiable data demonstrating the airport’s superior food and beverage options.
Nashville International Airport Ranks Second
Trailing BOS is another hub that certainly knows how to celebrate, fitting for the Music City’s Nashville International Airport (BNA). BNA boasts the third-highest bar-to-passenger ratio among all airports studied—4.7 venues per 10,000 passengers—which represents 76 percent more than the average airport’s accessibility ratio.
The Nashville airport’s strong showing reflects the city’s reputation for hospitality and entertainment, making it an ideal location for travelers asking “What’s the best airport for a long layover?” or “Which airports have the most bars?” The BNA terminals offer diverse options from craft cocktails to local Tennessee whiskey tastings that celebrate the region’s distilling heritage.
Top Five Airports for Boozy Layovers Revealed
Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) round out the prestigious list of the top five airports for a boozy layover, each offering distinct advantages for travelers seeking quality airport dining and drinking experiences.
It’s particularly worth noting that MCI’s alcohol-serving venues earned the highest average Google rating in the entire study at an impressive 4.16 out of 5 stars, suggesting exceptional quality and customer satisfaction. The Kansas City airport also leads the study in bar accessibility with 5.6 venues per 10,000 passengers, meaning travelers rarely have to walk far to find a quality establishment.
Complete Top Five US Airports for Drinking During Layovers:
- Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, Massachusetts
- Nashville International Airport (BNA) – Nashville, Tennessee
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – Kansas City, Missouri
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Washington, D.C.
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – New Orleans, Louisiana
Each of these airports offers travelers asking “Where are the best airport lounges?” and “Which airports have craft cocktail bars?” compelling reasons to embrace rather than dread their layover time.
Worst Airports for Layover Drinking
Some of the country’s most crowded airports fare the worst when it comes to enjoying a boozy layover, but the biggest offenders may genuinely surprise some travelers who might expect major hubs to automatically offer superior amenities.
Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) ranks dead last in Upgraded Points’ study with severely limited alcohol options and disappointingly low venue ratings. This poor showing is particularly surprising given Hawaii’s tourism focus and the high volume of leisure travelers passing through the airport who might be expected to seek celebratory drinks.
Elsewhere on the West Coast, Oakland International Airport (OAK) finished second to last due to a concerning lack of high-rated bars compared to other California airports and minimal restaurant overlap between different terminals, forcing travelers to navigate security again to access better options.
A pair of notoriously chaotic NYC area airports also fared poorly in the rankings, with both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) falling into the bottom five despite their status as major international hubs serving millions of passengers annually.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers also made the unfortunate list of worst airports, suggesting that even airports serving popular vacation destinations don’t automatically provide quality layover amenities.
Complete Five Worst US Airports for Drinking During Layovers:
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – Honolulu, Hawaii
- Oakland International Airport (OAK) – Oakland, California
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – Fort Myers, Florida
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – New York, New York
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Newark, New Jersey
These rankings answer frustrated travelers asking “Why does JFK have such bad food options?” and “Are there any good bars at Newark Airport?” with unfortunate confirmation of their experiences.
Expert Analysis and Industry Trends
“Layovers don’t have to be a travel low point,” Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, said in an official statement accompanying the study’s release. “With craft cocktail bars and award-nominated restaurants becoming standard airport amenities, more travelers are choosing to enjoy the stop instead of just enduring it.”
“This study shows exactly which airports turn a long wait into a memorable part of the journey and maybe even a reason to arrive early,” Stooksbury added, highlighting how airport dining experiences have evolved significantly in recent years.
This trend reflects broader changes in airport concessions, where celebrity chef restaurants, local craft breweries, and artisan cocktail programs have replaced the generic fast-food chains that once dominated airport terminals. Travelers now expect—and increasingly receive—dining experiences comparable to what they’d find in the surrounding city.
What This Means for Travel Planning
The study’s findings have practical implications for travelers with flexibility in their itinerary planning. When booking connecting flights, savvy travelers might now consider choosing routing through airports that rank highly for dining and drinking options, especially when facing layover times of two hours or more.
For travelers asking “How to choose the best layover airport?” or “Should I book a longer layover?”, these rankings provide data to support decisions. A 3-hour layover at Boston Logan or Nashville might be significantly more enjoyable than a 90-minute connection at JFK or Newark.
Airport loyalty programs and airline partnerships may also factor into decisions, as some premium credit cards offer lounge access that can enhance the layover experience beyond publicly accessible bars and restaurants.
Regional Patterns and Surprises
The study reveals interesting regional patterns. Southern airports like Nashville and New Orleans performed well, reflecting regional hospitality cultures. Midwest airports like Kansas City exceeded expectations with high-quality offerings. Meanwhile, some major coastal airports disappointed despite serving larger passenger volumes and having more resources.
The poor performance of Honolulu is particularly noteworthy for travelers planning Hawaiian vacations who often face long mainland connections. The lack of quality options at Oakland also stands out given the Bay Area’s reputation for culinary innovation.
Tips for Maximizing Layover Drinking Experiences
To make the most of a boozy layover, travel experts recommend arriving with time to spare beyond your connection time, researching specific venues in advance using airport maps and dining guides, downloading airport apps that show real-time wait times and reviews, considering airport lounge membership if you travel frequently, checking if your credit card includes Priority Pass or similar lounge access, and prioritizing highly-rated venues identified in studies like this.
For more exclusive airport rankings, travel convenience guides, layover tips, airport dining reviews, and expert travel planning insights that help you navigate airports with ease and comfort, visit The Inspiring Insight. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of airport amenities, airline news, travel hacks, loyalty programs, and destination guides that make every aspect of your journey more enjoyable. Subscribe for the latest airport updates, travel research, and aviation industry analysis.
