Soaring High: Long Beach Airport Takes Flight as #2 in the USA!
What a joyful day to celebrate our community! Long Beach Airport has been recognized as the #2 best airport in the USA by The Washington Post, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see our local gem receiving this well-deserved recognition. I may be biased, but I think they got it wrong. It should read: Long Beach Airport, the best airport in the USA. This accolade is not just about efficient terminals or convenient parking—it’s about the spirit of genuine hospitality that makes LGB feel like home.
I remember my first experience at Long Beach Airport. I kept wondering where the lines of people were. Shouldn’t there be lines? Am I doing this right? I happily zipped through the TSA process, but confusion quickly turned to delight when I realized that you are supposed to go outside after passing through TSA. And then to discover that you can board from either the front or back of the plane? I was over the moon! (That is, glad I wasn’t at LAX).
At Bay Shore Church, we understand that authentic hospitality extends beyond surface-level pleasantries. Our recent sermon, “Be Great at Hospitality,“ examined how biblical hospitality involves creating a sacred space where every person feels valued, welcomed, and honored. When we witness the warmth of LGB’s staff, the thoughtful design that makes travel accessible, and the genuine care shown to every passenger, we are seeing hospitality as a spiritual practice in action.
Support the workers!
This achievement feels especially meaningful, given the dedication of the hardworking individuals who make Long Beach Airport shine every day. We’re proud that our city became the first in California to pass higher wage standards for airport concession workers—a victory championed by Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) (link to CLUE campaign page). Bay Shore Church has been honored to stand with CLUE in advocating for economic justice because we believe that when workers are valued and fairly compensated, everyone benefits. The excellence that earned LGB this national recognition is built on a foundation of dignified work and living wages.
Everyone is on a spiritual journey
The Divine calls us to be people of radical welcome, extending hospitality that reflects the boundless love of the Holy One. Every time a traveler feels at ease navigating LGB, every moment of kindness from airport staff, and every smooth connection that reunites families—these are glimpses of the beloved community we are called to build. May this celebration remind us to extend hospitality to everyone we encounter because we are all on a journey.
So here’s to Long Beach Airport and the incredible community that makes it extraordinary! Whether you’re a first-time visitor discovering the beauty of Long Beach hospitality or a local heading off on an adventure, LGB continues to be a place where genuine care takes flight. This ranking by The Washington Post confirms what we Long Beach residents have always known—there’s something special about the way we welcome one another here.
Congratulations to everyone who makes LGB one of the best airports the USA has to offer. May we continue to soar together!