Paine Field ranked among nation’s best airports

Paine Field may not have an extensive flight schedule, but it has earned high marks in a national ranking of U.S. airports.

The Washington Post named the Everett airport the fifth-best in the country in its list of the top 50 airports, published June 26. Paine Field placed ahead of several larger airports, including Detroit, Indianapolis and Salt Lake City.

Portland International Airport was ranked No. 1, while Seattle-Tacoma International Airport did not make the list.

Post reporters analyzed 2024 data from 450 airports, weighing factors such as TSA wait times, ease of access and a survey of several thousand readers.

The Post described Paine Field’s terminal as resembling an exclusive private club. “Grab a bellman cart for your bags and roll them into the lobby that feels more like a posh hotel than an airport terminal,” the article said, noting its couches, lounge chairs and fireplaces.

Edward Russell, one of the reporters who worked on the story, said the terminal feels like an airport lounge — but without the entry fee.