Flyers are happier with U.S. airports, despite near record travel levels, J.D. Power report shows
Passenger satisfaction with United States airports has increased across mega, large, and medium-sized facilities, according to the 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power. Tampa International Airport earned the top spot for large airports, while Minneapolis and Charleston led in other categories. Meanwhile, Denver International Airport placed 18th out of 20 mega airports with a score of 602 out of 1,000, as ongoing construction projects continue to impact passenger experiences.
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- ✓ The J.D. Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study found that passengers demonstrated increased happiness with their experiences at mega airports, large airports, and medium-sized airports.
- ✓ Tampa International was named the top large airport in the 2026 study.
- ✓ Denver International Airport ranked 18th out of 20 mega airports in passenger satisfaction.
- ✓ Denver International Airport scored 602 out of 1,000 in the 2026 survey amid construction.
What changed
J.D. Power released specific rankings for the 2026 study, identifying Tampa International, Minneapolis, and Charleston as category leaders while placing Denver International 18th among mega airports.
Live updates
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Travelers Report Higher Airport Satisfaction in J.D. Power Study
Passenger satisfaction with United States airports has increased across mega, large, and medium-sized facilities, according to the 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power. Tampa International Airport earned the top spot for large airports, while Minneapolis and Charleston led in other categories. Meanwhile, Denver International Airport placed 18th out of 20 mega airports with a score of 602 out of 1,000, as ongoing construction projects continue to impact passenger experiences.
Why it matters
The annual J.D. Power evaluation measures how traveler sentiment holds up against heavy crowds and elevated visitor volumes across major transit hubs. Individual terminal performance varies significantly nationwide, with certain facilities receiving top ratings while others land at the bottom of the rankings due to infrastructure challenges.
What is confirmed
- The J.D. Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study found that passengers demonstrated increased happiness with their experiences at mega airports, large airports, and medium-sized airports.
- Tampa International was named the top large airport in the 2026 study.
- Denver International Airport ranked 18th out of 20 mega airports in passenger satisfaction.
- Denver International Airport scored 602 out of 1,000 in the 2026 survey amid construction.
Still unconfirmed
- Minneapolis and Charleston led other airport categories in the 2026 J.D. Power study.
What to watch next
- Industry analysts tracking passenger experiences as visitor volumes remain elevated across major transit hubs
- Further updates on how ongoing construction projects impact passenger satisfaction scores at individual airports
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.goodhousekeeping.com — This Is America’s Favorite Airport, According to Almost ...
- www.denverpost.com — DIA passenger satisfaction declines amid construction, study ...
- informaconnect.com — Study Highlights the Importance of Travelers' Airport Experience
- www.retailcustomerexperience.com — Travelers happier with airports | Retail Customer Experience
- hoodline.com — Denver Airport Ranks 18th in J.D. Power Study 2026
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J.D. Power Report Shows US Flyers Happier With Airports
Travelers report higher satisfaction with United States airports despite near record travel levels, according to a J.D. Power report. The new findings highlight how passenger sentiment holds up against heavy crowds. Specific terminals across the country received top marks in the latest ratings, while others landed in last place in the evaluations. Industry analysts continue to track passenger experiences as visitor volumes remain elevated across major transit hubs.
Why it matters
Airport satisfaction metrics offer a vital pulse check on national infrastructure during periods of heavy passenger movement. Industry rankings help isolate operational strengths and weaknesses across different terminal sizes. These evaluations guide future travel expectations and highlight facilities managing high volumes effectively.
What is confirmed
- Flyers are happier with U.S. airports despite near record travel levels, according to a J.D. Power report.
Still unconfirmed
- Phoenix Sky Harbor landed in a specific spot in the new rankings.
What to watch next
- Further details on terminal specific scores from the J.D. Power report
- Official responses from low-ranking airports regarding their standing
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- CNBC — Flyers are happier with U.S. airports, despite near record travel levels, J.D. Power report shows
- USA Today — This Midwest airport was named America's best, according to flyers
- Post and Courier — Charleston’s airport named No.1 mid-sized airport in North America on its first try — Here’s why.
- NJ.com — These airports, including one on the East Coast, are tied for last place in latest JD Power ratings
- azcentral.com — Best US airports ranking is here. Where Phoenix Sky Harbor landed
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