Passenger satisfaction up at US airports, ranked…
Complaining about NYC’s airports is a local pastime — but how dangerous are they, actually?
A new J.D. Power survey discovered that while total passenger satisfaction at U.S. and Canadian airports is on the rise, the news right here at home is more of a combined bag.
According to the numbers, total scores have improved considerably — up by 10 factors on a 1,000-point scale in 2025. This growth is attributed to airport enhancements and a major shift in how food, beverage, and retail choices are curated.
While total satisfaction is up at US and Canadian airports, New York-area hubs have work to do, a new examine confirmed. Max Maximov – stock.adobe.com
“Even though we’re seeing record numbers of travelers, many of whom are dealing with delays and cancellations, passengers are still enjoying their airport experiences,” Michael Taylor, managing director of journey, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power, said in a written assertion.
“Improvements in airport facilities and a growing trend of bringing local culture into terminals have been major contributors to this increase in satisfaction,” Taylor said.
New York City, home to some of the busiest airports in the world, isn’t precisely getting rave reviews, however.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) carried out decently enough, securing 4th place among the top ten bigger, or “mega” airports.
Crowds wait for the AirTrain at JFK, which ranked fourth for buyer satisfaction among the nation’s largest, or “mega” airports. Getty Images
The less-than-embarrassing rating displays the airport’s ongoing enhancements, including expanded terminal areas, smoother security processes, and some upgraded eating choices.
However, JFK still struggles with long wait instances and crowding, which is common for major transit hubs.
Meanwhile, LaGuardia Airport (LGA), categorized a step down as merely a “large” airport for functions of the survey, apparently continues to be a pain level for passengers — despite rave reviews elsewhere for its large makeover in current years. LaGuardia ranked seventeenth out of 27 large airports, indicating room for enchancment in its providers and services.
Two rivers away, the much-maligned Newark Liberty International Airport predictably discovered itself in a far less favorable place — ending last among the “mega” airports in the examine.
Despite the addition of a sprawling new terminal and ongoing renovation tasks promising a better tomorrow, struggling Newark, where flyers suffered due to widespread cancellations earlier this 12 months, continues to face high passenger quantity, congested terminals, and longer wait instances — dragging total satisfaction scores down.
As for the top “mega” airport in the nation, that honor went to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport — for the second consecutive 12 months. It was adopted by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in second place, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in third.
The growth in satisfaction at airports like JFK is attributed to airport enhancements and a major shift in how food, beverage, and retail choices are curated. Paul – stock.adobe.com
A tier down in the “large” airport class, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., also maintained its top place. Tampa International Airport and Dallas Love Field rounded out the top three.
Among “medium” airports, Indianapolis International Airport stays the gold normal for the fourth 12 months in a row. It was adopted by Ontario International Airport in Ontario, Calif. and Buffalo-Niagara International Airport in Western New York.
Stay in the loop with the latest trending topics! Visit our web site daily for the freshest lifestyle news and content, thoughtfully curated to inspire and inform you.