Satisfaction Rankings of North American Airports for Travelers Revealed
In the 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power, passenger satisfaction scores across North American airports have risen, with facilities improving from an average of 609 to 619 on a 1,000-point scale.
The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) maintained its position as the satisfaction winner in the mega category, scoring 660, albeit a drop of 11 points from last year. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport was followed closely by John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with a score of 620, and The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport's drop in score was offset by improvements at other airports.
Notably, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) scored 634, ranking among the highest in the mega category. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also scored 619, and John Wayne Airport, Orange County, came top in the large category.
However, some mega-airports, such as O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), ranked among the least satisfying, scoring 586 and 583 respectively. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) also remained among the least satisfying, scoring 565.
Newark's performance is still hampered by its poor access scores, according to the survey. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) also scored low, with 567, ranking among the least satisfying mega-airports.
The improvement in scores was attributed to improvements in food, beverage, and retail, as well as ease of travel through the airport. Airports that embrace local food trends and flavor, creating a genuine sense of location, improve overall satisfaction scores by an average of 190 points, according to the survey.
Indianapolis International Airport topped the "medium" ranking, also maintaining its position from last year. Other metrics for airport satisfaction include ease of travel, level of trust, terminal facilities, airport staff, retail outlets, and departure and arrival experiences.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) scored 649 in the mega category, and the search results do not contain information on the three most satisfying smaller airports in North America according to the J.D. Power Airport Satisfaction Study 2025.
According to Taylor, airport improvement projects, even if they take time, can significantly improve traveler satisfaction, and scores are expected to keep improving. The study's findings suggest that airports are making strides to enhance the passenger experience, with a focus on improving food, beverage, and retail offerings, as well as overall ease of travel.
