Despite approaching record levels of air travel in the U.S., flyers are reporting improved satisfaction with airports, according to J.D. Power’s latest North America Airport Satisfaction Study released on September 16, 2026. This marks the third consecutive year of rising airport satisfaction, with travelers positively rating the experience largely due to recent investments in new gates and terminals. These upgrades have introduced more spacious, well-lit facilities equipped with modern amenities designed to better accommodate the influx of passengers.

Significant renovations and expansions have been seen at both major and regional airports across the country. Airports such as New York’s John F. Kennedy, Kansas City International, and Pittsburgh International have opened or are updating terminals, often spending billions of dollars to impress and accommodate travelers. Mike Taylor, J.D. Power’s managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail, noted that billion-dollar investments are often necessary to markedly enhance passenger experiences and satisfaction.

Among the largest airports, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport topped the rankings with a score of 684 out of 1,000, followed by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County and Phoenix Sky Harbor International. Other major hubs like LaGuardia, San Francisco International, and Miami International also scored above the average satisfaction mark of 617. For moderately sized airports and smaller regional airports, Tampa International and Charleston International earned the highest marks in their respective categories.

The study’s findings are based on feedback from over 24,000 travelers, reflecting their overall experiences navigating security, amenities, and terminal environments. As air travel continues to grow, airports appear to be successfully enhancing infrastructure and services to meet demand, contributing to a greater sense of traveler satisfaction nationwide. This positive trend underscores the importance of ongoing investments in airport development to sustain and improve passenger experiences.