I always flew out of SYR when I lived in upstate NY and SYR was one of my favorite airports for convenience and easy in and out. However, this was in the '90's and I am sure things have changed.

My question is where in upstate are you going? Especially if you are traveling in the winter road accessibility would be of greater to concern for me than airport. North of Syracuse is one of the snowiest places in the country with the lake effect coming off of Lake Ontario.

Southbound from SYR is a little easier than ALB, IMHO.

Cheers,
Pogopossum