Despite a surge in air travel to near-record levels in the U.S., passenger satisfaction with airports has improved markedly this year, according to J.D. Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study released in September 2026. The study highlights that enhancements such as newly built gates and terminals have played a significant role in elevating traveler experiences. Mike Taylor, J.D. Power’s managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail, noted that overall, travelers are more content with what airports are offering.

New and upgraded airport facilities, often costing billions of dollars, have contributed to this uptick in satisfaction. From major hubs like New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport to regional airports in Kansas City and Pittsburgh, investments in larger, brighter terminals with modern amenities have left positive impressions on travelers. Taylor emphasized that spending at least a billion on airport improvements is increasingly necessary to impress passengers.

The J.D. Power study, reflecting feedback from over 24,000 travelers, ranked Minneapolis-Saint Paul International as the highest-scoring mega airport, which handles more than 33 million passengers annually. Among airports with moderate traffic of 10 million to 32.9 million passengers, Tampa International came in first, while Charleston International in South Carolina led the medium airport category for those serving 4.5 million to 9.9 million flyers annually.

This marks the third consecutive year of rising satisfaction in U.S. airports. The findings illustrate how substantial infrastructure investments and enhanced traveler amenities are making a visible difference despite the challenges that accompany increased passenger volumes. The report showcases that traveler happiness is rising alongside airport modernization efforts, even as millions of people continue to navigate busy terminals across the country.