JD Power Ranks North America's Best Airports for 2026

J.D. Power released its 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study on Wednesday, indicating a significant positive trend in traveler experiences at airports, despite ongoing issues with airfare, lounges, and flight capacity. The study, which categorizes airports based on annual passenger volume, found that overall satisfaction scores have continued to rise across all segments. This research highlights a broader transformation of U.S. airports, moving from facilities once criticized to modern terminals designed to accommodate contemporary travelers. The study divides airports into three tiers: "Mega" airports, serving 33 million or more passengers annually; "Large" airports, handling 10 million to 32.9 million passengers; and "Medium" airports, with 4.5 million to 9.9 million passengers per year. Airports are ranked on a 1,000-point scale within their respective categories. The average satisfaction scores in each segment surpassed those of 2025, which itself saw substantial increases from 2024. Specifically, customer satisfaction with mega airports increased by an average of 14 points in 2026 compared to the prior year. Large airports saw a 13-point gain, and medium airports improved by 16 points. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) once again secured the top position in the mega airport category, achieving a score of 684 points, consistent with its performance in the past two years. Tampa International Airport (TPA) was recognized as the leading large airport, earning 715 points. Charleston International Airport (CHS) achieved the highest score among medium airports with 712 points. In the mega airport category, MSP was followed by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with 663 points and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which also saw improvements. The study's methodology involves extensive surveys of travelers, assessing their experiences with various airport touchpoints, including check-in, security, amenities, and baggage claim. The consistent year-over-year improvements suggest that investments in airport infrastructure, technology, and customer service are yielding tangible results for passengers. This trend is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by the broader travel industry, such as staffing shortages and the demand for enhanced digital services. The positive airport experience is becoming a critical differentiator for airlines and travel providers seeking to enhance overall customer loyalty and satisfaction. The J.D. Power study serves as a benchmark for airport operators to identify areas of excellence and opportunities for further enhancement, contributing to a more seamless and enjoyable travel journey for millions of passengers across North America.