What Makes Portland International the Best Airport in the U.S.?

Airports may not be the most glamorous part of travel, but having a pleasant experience on your way to or from a destination can really enhance your trip.

That’s why we ask Travel + Leisure readers to weigh in on their favorite airports in our annual World’s Best Awards survey. Airports are rated on access, check-in and security, restaurants and bars, shopping, and design. And Portland International, often called simply PDX, was crowned the best airport in the United States.

Travelers love that the airport is accessible via a light-rail line from downtown Portland, or a network of regional bike trails. There are even spaces to park your bicycle while you’re away.

Local restaurants like Stanford’s or Blue Star Donuts are another reason to look forward to a layover in PDX — as is the memorable carpet.

While the 1987 teal carpet with runway-inspired shapes was removed in 2015, it was replaced with a newer version that promises to be just as iconic.

Other reasons to look forward to a flight from PDX? The rotating displays of local artwork and films, as well as the stellar on-time performance. Last year, more than 85 percent of flights arrived and departed within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.

Talk about smooth travels.