Travelers facing unexpectedly long layovers at airports often endure experiences that range from inconvenient to highly stressful. But according to Global Traveler, those passing through Miami International Airport (MIA) might actually find themselves wishing for a longer stay. MIA has been crowned the Best Airport for Layovers during Global Traveler's 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards, announced last Thursday, as per a Miami-Dade County release.
MIA was also ranked in Food & Wine magazine's annual list of Top 10 U.S. Airports for Food and Drink last month. The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, expressed her pride in a statement: “Congratulations to the entire MIA team for once again earning this global recognition for outstanding service.” She remarked on MIA's massive $9 billion Modernization in Action Plan that promises new shops, restaurants, and lounges, which are part of the reason the airport is garnering such honors, according to the same release.
Global Traveler's survey, which ran from September 20, 2024, to January 30, 2025, solicited reader inputs through various means, including magazine inserts, direct mail questionnaires, and digital avenues. These open-ended questions spanned a swath of leisure, luxury, and lifestyle travel categories, and MIA managed to snatch a top spot among discerning global travelers.
Industry recognition is crucial, and according to Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of FXExpress Publications, Inc, "This year, it's lucky No. 13 for our Leisure Lifestyle Awards! Choosing where to spend hard-earned time off is not a decision to be taken lightly; these winners know the value of travelers' time and money, and they continue to elevate the experience and go above and beyond. Congratulations to the winners," he said in a statement obtained from the county's website.
