Washington has the best airport for business travelers in the US, study finds

Working on the go?

Getting stuck at this Washington state airport might not be so bad.

A new report from communications company Nextiva ranked Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as the "most connected" airport in the United States and the best one for business travelers.

The company's rankings of the 100 most and least connected airports in the country are based on several factors, including "the number of dedicated workspaces, lounges, Minute Suites," and Wi-Fi access, among others, according to the report.

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"While many people look forward to shutting their laptops and setting their phones to 'do not disturb' ahead of a trip, the reality is much different for business travelers who turn airport terminals into temporary offices for a few hours," the report stated.

Here's more on why Sea-Tac ranked so highly in the report, as well as the best and worst airports for business travelers.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 19: Delta Airlines planes are seen parked at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on June 19, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The airport covers 2,500 acres and has three parallel runways. It is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its metropolitan area in Washington state. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Is Sea-Tac airport suitable for business travelers?

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ranked first in Nextiva's report because its amenities give business travelers what they need to feel like they're in "an office for the day."

"This hub has four dedicated workspaces to privately catch up on emails and calls, 10 lounges to find a quiet corner to work in, and there are even two shower facilities across the airport in case you need to freshen up ahead of a big client meeting," the report states.

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There's also free Wi-Fi and easy access to charging stations throughout the airport's terminals, the report said.

Sea-Tac served more than 52.6 million passengers in 2024 — a record — and expects to break that record again in 2025, according to the website for the Port of Seattle, which operates the airport. The airport supports "tens of thousands of jobs" and generates $22 billion in "economic activity," the website states.

The airport is at 17801 International Blvd. in SeaTac, Washington.

What are the best airports for business travelers?

According to Nextiva, the most connected airports in the U.S. are:

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)

John F. Kennedy International (JFK)

Austin-Bergstrom International, Texas (AUS)

George Bush Intercontinental, Houston (IAH)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)

Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW)

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Indianapolis International (IND)

Los Angeles International (LAX)

What are the worst airports for business travelers?

According to Nextiva, these are the least connected airports in the nation:

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Asheville Regional, North Carolina (AVL)

Punta Gorda Airport, Florida (PGD)

Boise Air Terminal, Idaho (BOI)

Bill and Hillary Clinton National, Arkansas (LIT)

Fresno Yosemite International, California (FAT)

McGhee Tyson Airport, Tennessee (TYS)

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Arizona (AZA)

Portland International Jetport, Maine PWM)

St. Pete- Clearwater International, Florida (PIE)

Long Beach Airport, California (LGB)

Heading to the airport? Here are some tips to make your travel easier

With nearly 6 million people flying daily, navigating the airport regime has become harder and more time-consuming than ever. With all the commotion, hustle, and need to keep it all together at the airport, saving a few navigation minutes can significantly impact your travel experience. Time saved provides you and your family an opportunity to settle in, gather your thoughts, and enjoy the airport ambiance.

Here are some tips to help you from the second you walk through the automatic sliding doors to the moment you step on the plane:

Pre-airport tips:

Sign up for TSA’s PreCheck and signify that you are a trusted traveler. The program is available in nearly 130 airports in the United States. Pre-screened members can bypass the tedious, general TSA screening line. Another perk: You don’t have to take your laptop out of the bag or remove your shoes.

Individuals who regularly travel internationally can sign up to be apart of the U.S. Customs Department’s Global Entry program. In this program, members enjoy the benefits of no processing lines, zero paperwork, reduced wait time, TSA pre-check eligibility and access to expedited entry benefits in many other countries.

Prepare. Sounds simple, right? Set out your outfit the night before. To save time at the security check, wear slip-on shoes, minimal metal jewelry, zip-up hoodies (instead of over-the-head hoodies), pre-bag your cosmetics and toiletries, and place your laptop in a TSA-friendly case.

It is always better to prepare for the worst. Dial in your airline's support number and save it in your phone if your flight is canceled or delayed. This will save you in stressful situations.

Before you leave:

Check your flight status online. It may seem like an obvious tip, but people often disregard this basic recommendation. A two-minute check on your mobile device could save you hours at the airport.

If you are not checking in a bag, check in with your airline online. The process is quicker and more efficient, and it can save you from the hassle that airline attendants can encounter.

Before you leave, gather all travelers ’ IDs, passports, vital documents, and boarding passes and place them in a secure Ziploc bag. Have the most reliable person carry the bag with them. Having all the documents you need readily accessible will save you from a chaotic scramble to find precisely what you need

At the airport:

Before you check in, take a mental survey of everything you need. Prepare all the documents you must show at the check-in kiosk before you step in line to save yourself and others' precious time.

If you are nervous that your bags will exceed their pre-determined weight limit, check them at home using a basic bathroom scale. This will save you and your airline attendant time and discomfort.

Before stepping into the security checkpoint line, inventory what you wear and what is in your pockets. Remove any coins, money, and metal jewelry. Stow all of the removed jewelry in your carry-on bag. This simple step will save you from anything falling out of your pockets and grumpy security guards yelling at you for not taking care of it earlier.

Beyond security, consistently check your flight status using the departure and arrival flight status boards. If you are at the airport significantly early, the board will not display the exact gate number, but as your flight time approaches, the board will display exactly what gate you need to be at and if your flight is expected to be on time.

USA TODAY NETWORK contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington has best airport for business travelers in US, report finds