John Wayne Airport was named the fifth best airport in the country by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the magazine said.
Readers lauded JWA for being an international airport that is easy to navigate and for a new customs facility for Southwest Airlines flights to Mexico.
“The best compliment we can ask for comes from our customers and we love that they’ve chosen us as one of the Best Airports for 2014,” said airport spokesperson Jenny Wedge.
Of airports in California, Long Beach Airport bested John Wayne by one slot, coming in fourth. Readers liked the classic retro look of its terminal, a new palm-tree lined concourse, wine bar, and its main airline—also a reader favorite—JetBlue Airways.
Los Angeles International Airport narrowly escaped being named worst in the country: it was one spot from the cellar, just above LaGuardia Airport and just below John F. Kennedy International Airport, both in New York.
LAX scored low for its crowded quarters and for closing the Encounter Restaurant last year.
