North American airports have spent years reshaping terminals, expanding options, and smoothing the flow of travelers. The latest evidence of that work arrived this week with the release of J.D. Power’s 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Overall scores rose across every size category, reflecting steady gains in how passengers experience the airport itself. ([1])
Measuring What Matters to Travelers
The study surveyed more than 24,000 residents of the United States and Canada who had passed through an airport in the region within the previous month. Researchers evaluated seven core elements of the journey, from the ease of moving through security and concourses to the quality of food and retail choices and the reliability of ground transportation links. Scores are reported on a 1,000-point scale, and every segment posted higher averages than the year before.
Mega airports, those handling 33 million or more passengers annually, gained 14 points on average. Large airports serving 10 million to 32.9 million travelers rose 13 points, while medium airports with 4.5 million to 9.9 million passengers improved by 16 points. These consistent lifts point to tangible changes that passengers notice once they arrive at the terminal.
Standouts Across Size Categories
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport led the mega category for the third consecutive year with a score of 684. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport placed second at 663, followed by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 642. The results underscore how sustained investment in layout and amenities can lift even the busiest hubs.
Tampa International Airport earned the highest mark among large airports with 715 points. Portland International Airport followed closely at 708, and Dallas Love Field rounded out the top three at 698. In the medium category, Charleston International Airport topped the list at 712, with Ontario International Airport in California second at 705.
Why Satisfaction Keeps Rising
Many of the highest-scoring airports have recently completed or are finishing major capital projects. New or renovated terminals, updated runways, and expanded food and retail offerings appear repeatedly among the leaders. These upgrades reduce friction for travelers while introducing more local flavors alongside familiar national brands, a balance that passengers reward with higher marks.
J.D. Power noted that the improvements reflect a decade-long wave of construction aimed at better passenger flow and more appealing places to spend time before a flight. The payoff shows in the data: airports that pair thoughtful design with practical amenities create environments where travelers feel more at ease and more inclined to linger comfortably.
What the Numbers Suggest for Future Journeys
The upward trend in scores offers a quiet reassurance for anyone planning trips through North America. Airports that continue to prioritize clear wayfinding, varied dining, and reliable connections to the city beyond the terminal are seeing measurable returns in traveler sentiment. Those same airports also tend to attract repeat business from passengers who value a smoother start or finish to their journeys.
As more facilities move through their own renovation cycles, the gap between average and exceptional experiences is likely to narrow further. For travelers, that means more opportunities to begin or end a trip on a note of calm rather than frustration, no matter the size of the airport or the length of the itinerary.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.