Propeller Airports announced for the second year in a row it has been named a winner of USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Travel – 10 best small airports in the United States. The honor comes as Paine Field continues to offer full operations in the wake of the pandemic while providing the most innovative, convenient, clean and stress-free travel experiences anywhere in the United States.
"The global travel industry has had an extremely difficult year, but we're encouraged that as things resume and people return to flying that travelers still recognize the value, convenience and service level we provide at Paine Field," said Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports. We're proud of this honor and look forward to continuing to provide the best-in-class airport experience we've become known for."
Nominees are selected by a panel of experts including travel editors from Expert Flyer and The Points Guy and then voted on over a four-week period. With the terminal ranking alongside small-airport heavyweights like Myrtle Beach and Bradley International, Paine Field was recognized for its convenience to downtown Seattle, and an enjoyable and comfortable experience for its passengers. With valet parking, lounge-style seating, and boutique food and beverage options not found in any other airline terminal in the country, Paine Field has set a new standard for airport amenities and services.
The public-private partnership model for airports is a common – and successful – model abroad but remains relatively novel in the United States. Propeller’s partnership with Snohomish County has resulted in tremendous economic success for the region, saving taxpayer dollars while offering a quality travel experience and stimulating an increase in interest for public-private collaboration.
Despite a decline in travel during the pandemic, enhanced cleaning and screening, that can be better managed in a small terminal, has resulted in Paine Field seeing even more new passengers since the onset of COVID. Travelers appreciate Propeller’s focus on keeping the terminal as safe and clean as possible, including temperature checks for all passengers, electrostatic cleaning of all boarding gates between flights, use of hospital-grade HEPA filters within the facility air handling system, along with hand sanitizing dispensers placed throughout the terminal.
