Trying to get to all 50 states (I have 31), was debating with a relative if airport stops count (where you get off plane but don’t leave airport).
Shoud they count ?
I have the same goal and have visited about the same number of states as you. I would not count airport stops as a visit to the state. I would think you should see some of the landmarks and eat some of the cuisine from the state before you count it…
You have to have a meal, visit a landmark or stay overnight. I wouldn’t count an airport stop.