Can Grand Rapids’ GRR Keep Its Crown as America’s Best Small Airport?

It has been a minute since I last booked a flight out of our very own backyard, but reading through the latest updates from Gerald R. Ford International Airport makes me realize I am overdue!

Who doesn't love a vacation? But even beyond that, GRR has made tons of improvements recently and is once again getting national attention.

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The Grand Rapids airport is competing to be the best small airport in the United States in the annual USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll. GRR previously claimed the top spot in 2023 and 2025 while securing a high-ranking runner-up finish in 2024. Can we make it number one again?

The biggest reason to get excited right now is the newly opened $135 million Terminal Enhancement Project. If you are flying American, United, or Frontier anytime soon, you are going to get the first look at the new setup. They have added self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag drops, plus a high-tech baggage system that uses smart totes to move luggage faster and track your bags every step of the way.

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Beyond the major construction, frequent flyers know it's the thoughtful, local details that really set GRR apart. Once you get past security, you can grab a cold regional pour at Prospect Hill, Aletitude, or Bell’s Brewery's Tap and Table, or hit the famous self-serve wine wall featuring Michigan wineries.

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Travelers with young kids can kill time at the interactive plane-themed play areas, while military members have a comfortable dedicated Military Welcome Center to relax in. If you are looking for an upgraded pre-flight experience, you can check out The Club GRR VIP lounge, and keep an eye out for Jerry the Jet making his rounds to bring extra smiles to the concourse.

Add in all these amenities with the easier check-in process, and the whole experience feels less like airport stress and more like the actual start of your vacation. Now we just need to help them bring home the win!

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You can vote once per day here until the poll closes on Monday, October 5 at noon Eastern time. The final winners get announced on Wednesday, October 14.

Let us get clicking, show some West Michigan pride, and keep GRR right at the top where it belongs!