Hilton Head, S.C., travelers’ airport ranked No. 1 in U.S. again
Published October 7, 2026 at 5:40 am|By Bristol Ainsley, Staff Reporter
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — The airport that carries the name of Hilton Head, S.C., has again been voted the best in the country. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport took the No. 1 spot among U.S. airports in a major travel magazine’s 39th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, announced Tuesday, Oct. 6.
It is the seventh consecutive year the airport, known by its code SAV, has topped the domestic list. Readers cast 798,867 votes across categories that include hotels, resorts, cruises, cities and airports.
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The magazine’s write-up credited the airport’s small size and its town square-inspired terminal, designed to feel like a historic Southern street with benches and a large clock. Travelers can shop for cigars or golf gear and eat at a PGA Tour-branded grill. Portland International Airport in Oregon ranked second.
Airport officials said on social media they were honored by the ranking and thanked the travelers who voted and the airport staff.
The magazine noted that SAV is not an especially busy airport and that it was once called the happiest airport in the country.
Bristol Ainsley
HERE Hilton Head · BUSINESS
Bristol is a staff reporter for HERE Hilton Head covering local news, community stories, and developments across Beaufort County. Bristol is committed to accurate, community-first journalism.
