Ranked: The 10 best airports in North America

Yearly passengers: 56.8 Million

Previous rank: 9

Why it's great: For many, JFK Airport is synonymous with the glory years of aviation. For others, JFK is no more than a crumbling relic of a bygone era.

In reality, the JFK of today is neither. Gone are the dated 1960s-era terminal buildings and their dilapidated facilities. In their place are modern terminal facilities that are either newly constructed or recently renovated. JFK customers cite the airport's new terminals and shorter security lines as key improvements.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2015 provided by Airports Council International.

Yearly passengers: 64 million

Previous rank: 10

Why it's great: DFW is the fourth-busiest airport in North America and the ninth busiest in the world. The airport serves as the main hub for American Airlines, as well as the gateway to Latin America for many others. Customer reviewers liked the airport's open circular design and convenient intra-airport transportation.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2015 provided by Airports Council International.

Yearly passengers: 37.5 million

Previous rank: 8

Why it's great: SeaTac is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest. It serves as the main hub for Alaska Airlines and is one of Delta's gateways to the Far East. Skytrax customers noted the airport for its cleanliness, wide variety of dining options, and efficient baggage system.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2014 provided by Airports Council International.

Yearly passengers: 38.6 million

Previous rank: 5

Why it's great: Toronto is the busiest airport in Canada and serves as Air Canada's main hub. Located just outside of Toronto in Mississauga, Ontario, Pearson Airport has state-of-the art de-icing facilities and revamped check-in areas. Skytrax customers gave the airport high marks for its clear signage and easily navigable layout.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2014 provided by Airports Council International.

Yearly passengers: 101.5 million

Previous rank: 6

Why it's great: ATL is the busiest airport in the world. It serves as the main hub for Delta Airlines and its 800-plane fleet. Though ATL has long been plagued by congestion and delays, the addition of a new $1.4 billion international terminal and fifth runway helped alleviate those problems. ATL also has a variety of Southern regional foods and an extensive African art collection.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2015 provided by Airports Council International.

Yearly passengers: 47.1 million

Previous rank: 4

Why it's great: Featuring one of the most beautiful approach paths in commercial aviation, SFO serves as United Airlines' gateway to the Pacific Rim. Situated on the San Francisco Bay, SFO features a modern Craig Hartman-designed international terminal. Though customers have complained of its cramped dimensions, they have noted the airport's efficient use of the space it does have, as well as ease of movement between terminals.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2014 provided by Airports Council International.

Yearly passengers: 6.3 million

Previous rank: 2

Why it's great: Even though Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport is one of the smallest on this list, reviewers have consistently rated it as one of the best in North America. In fact, Skytrax named CVG as the second-best regional airport in North America in 2016. Reviewers have cited short lines, an open design, and an extensive collection of industrial murals as some of the airport's positives.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures provided by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport.

Yearly passengers: 53 million

Previous rank: 3

Why it's great: Perhaps the most architecturally daring of the airports on this list, Denver International opened for service in 1995 as a replacement for the city's old Stapleton International Airport. Denver receives customer plaudits for its efficiency and customer service. Skytrax customer reviewers give the airport high marks for atmosphere and cleanliness.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2013 provided by Airports Council International.

Yearly passengers: 19.5 million

Previous rank: 1

Why it's great: Vancouver tops this list for the seventh year in a row, and for good reason. Customer reviewers on Skytrax cited YVR's friendly staff, high level of organization, and easy access to downtown Vancouver as some of the best things about the airport.

Vancouver International also boasts a floatplane terminal, as well as a sizable collection of art from the Pacific Northwest.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figures are final rankings for 2014 provided by Airports Council International.