William P. Hobby Airport — Houston, United States

Long before the larger Bush Intercontinental facility opened on Houston's north side, William P. Hobby Airport, bearing the code HOU, served as the city's original commercial airport, and it retains a loyal following among travelers who value its proximity to downtown. Named for a former Texas governor and newspaper publisher, the airport became a focus city for Southwest Airlines, which built much of its Texas Triangle strategy around Hobby's convenient location. An international terminal added in the mid-2010s allowed direct flights to destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean without requiring passengers to route through the larger hub across town. Hobby's compact layout and shorter security lines make it a favorite for quick domestic trips, even as Bush Intercontinental handles the bulk of Houston's international long-haul traffic and cargo operations.