JD Power names the best large airport in North America from the Midwest
(This article was revised to fix a spelling error.)
While not every airport offers the same experience, some certainly leave travelers feeling more satisfied.
A recent study by J.D. Power revealed that travelers across North America generally felt positive about their airport experiences last year, with many noting that they enjoyed their time in the terminals despite facing large crowds. According to the 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, around 60% of travelers expressed agreement that they appreciated spending time at the airport.
However, it isn’t all smooth sailing.
The findings also highlighted travelers’ frustration regarding the inflated prices of airport concessions. In fact, on average, passengers reported spending less on food, drinks, and other amenities at airports compared to the previous year, 2023.
“The demand for air travel remains high in North America, even as the prices for flights, ground transportation, hotel stays, and basic airport purchases continue to climb,” stated Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power. “While travelers still enjoy their airport experiences, there’s a noticeable change in spending habits, as evidenced by the significant drop in average spending per person in airports compared to last year.”
Curious about where your local airport ranks? Here are the standings according to J.D. Power.
Top 10 Mega Airports
10. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
9. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
8. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
7. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
6. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
5. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
4. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
3. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
2. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
1. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Top 10 Large Airports
10. San Jose International Airport (SJC)
9. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
8. Portland International Airport (PDX)
7. Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
6. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
5. Nashville International Airport (BNA)
4. Dallas Love Field (DAL)
3. Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
2. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
1. John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA)
Top 10 Medium Airports
10. Bradley International Airport (BDL)
9. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
8. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
7. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
6. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
5. Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
4. Ontario International Airport (ONT)
3. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
2. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
1. Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for YSL News, based in New York.