America’s best airports have been revealed. These 15 came out on top
Airports are jam-packed with people in 2026, but travelers are somehow happier with their time in the terminal this year in spite of the crowds. Customer satisfaction is up across the board, according to JD Power’s latest annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study . Overall passenger satisfaction at the biggest “mega” airports perked up by 14 points out of a 1,000 point scale this year,…
In 2026, airports are bustling with travelers, yet passengers report higher satisfaction levels amid the crowded terminals. JD Power's latest annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study reveals a 14-point increase in overall passenger satisfaction at mega-airports, a 13-point gain for large airports, and a 16-point improvement for medium airports.
The secret to happier passengers lies in recent capital improvement projects, costing over a billion dollars each, which have significantly enhanced the passenger experience. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport leads the pack with a score of 684, its third top spot in three years, followed by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport at 663 and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 642.
Among medium-sized airports, Tampa International Airport tops the list with a score of 715, while Portland International Airport ranks second at 708 and Dallas Love Field comes in third with a score of 698.
Last year, Tampa ranked second, and Portland did not appear on the list, highlighting the impact of its recent redesign featuring a futuristic slatted wood ceiling. Michael Taylor, JD Power Managing Director of Travel, Hospitality, and Retail, attributes the improvement to a decade-long investment in capital projects, including streamlined passenger flow, enhanced food and beverage options, and improved overall passenger experience.
The study, now in its 21st edition, surveyed 24,710 passengers across seven dimensions: ease of travel, level of trust, terminal facilities, airport staff, departure experience, retail/food/beverage, and arrival experience.
Mega-airports, defined as facilities with 33 million or more fliers per year, large airports with 10 to 32.9 million, and medium airports with 3.5 to 9.9 million, all saw improvements. Strong signage, clear paths, and unique designs that reflect the airport's location contributed to higher satisfaction scores. Airports have also improved food, beverage, and retail offerings, with an average 8-point increase this year.
Incorporating local food and drink brands and maintaining comfort with national chains has been crucial. Travelers who had a "perfect" airport experience spent an average of $47.60 before boarding their flights, while those who rated their airport experience as "just okay" spent $20 less. Taylor emphasizes that every detail in airport design and structure significantly influences passengers' time and money spent in the terminal.
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