Discovering the Best and Worst Airports for Coffee in the U.S. for 2026
Unveiling America's Coffee Hotspots at Airports
A recent analysis conducted by Upgraded Points has shed light on which U.S. airports stand out when it comes to providing travelers with a quality cup of coffee. As Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, remarks, "A quality cup of coffee is a non-negotiable ritual for many travelers". With this in mind, the study dives into both the airports that excel and those that fall short of expectations in coffee quality.
Methodology Behind the Study
For their comprehensive research, Upgraded Points evaluated a total of 475 coffee shops situated in the 50 largest U.S. airports. The study relied on Google Reviews to gauge coffee quality, basing rankings on several critical factors: the average Google rating, the number of coffee shops available per 10,000 daily passengers, and coffee vendors per square mile. This methodology provided a detailed picture of coffee accessibility and quality across major travel hubs.
Top 5 Airports for Coffee
Among the airports analyzed, the average coffee rating was only 2.94 out of 5, indicating that high-quality coffee can be a rare find. In fact, less than half of the airports assessed achieved a rating of 3.0 or higher. Impressively, only five airports managed to exceed an average rating of 3.5, with just two achieving a remarkable 4-star rating or above. Here are the top five airports that excelled in coffee quality:
1. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Average rating of 4.03
2. Kahului Airport (OGG) - Average rating of 4.00
3. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) - Average rating of 3.83
4. Miami International Airport (MIA) - Average rating of 3.56
5. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - Average rating of 3.53
The 5 Airports with the Lowest Ratings
In contrast, some airports are notorious for their subpar coffee offerings. The study highlighted that a greater number of coffee options does not necessarily translate to better ratings. Here are the five least favorable airport coffee experiences:
1. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) - Average rating of 2.00
2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Average rating of 2.08
3. St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) - Average rating of 2.13
4. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - Average rating of 2.23
5. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) - Average rating of 2.32
Conclusion
The findings from Upgraded Points serve as a crucial guide for coffee enthusiasts traveling through U.S. airports, helping them avoid the coffee pitfalls while seeking a caffeine boost before boarding their flights. As travel continues to return to normal, ensuring that a good coffee experience is part of the journey can significantly enhance traveler satisfaction. Travelers interested in the full rankings and additional insights can access the complete study on Upgraded Points' official website.
About Upgraded Points LLC
Based in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of travel and credit card rewards. Founded in 2016 by Alex Miller, the company employs targeted research to help travelers maximize their travel experiences, points, and benefits. For more information, visit www.UpgradedPoints.com.
Topics Travel）
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