Global air traffic may be slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels, but consumer satisfaction with airports is down drastically.
That’s according to a new report from the consumer research organization. J.D. Power. The company released its annual J.D. Power 2022 North America Airport Satisfaction Study earlier today, and the results were mixed. The report found that as air travel inched back to over 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels, consumer satisfaction was down by 25 points on a 1,000-point scale due to fewer and more frequently canceled flights, more crowded terminals, and inadequate food and beverage options.
“The combination of pent-up demand for air travel, the nationwide labor shortage and steadily rising prices on everything from jet fuel to a bottle of water have created a scenario in which airports are extremely crowded and passengers are increasingly frustrated—and it is likely to continue through 2023,” said Michael Taylor, travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power.
The study measured airports by six factors: terminal facilities; airport arrival/departure; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage, and retail. The study classified airports according to size, and the biggest, called Mega airports, were those that had 33 million or more passengers every year.
Here are the top five most satisfying Mega airports in the U.S. according to the J.D. Power 2022 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
5. Harry Reid International Airport
Harry Reid International Airport serves Las Vegas, Nevada. The desert airport with slot machines scored 790 points out of 1,000.
3. Tie – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
This Michigan airport scored 791 points, just one point higher than its closest competitor, and earning it a tie for third place.
3. John F. Kennedy International Airport
JFK, as it is affectionately known by locals and visitors alike, scored 791 points. The airport was famed for its groundbreaking TWA terminal.
2. San Francisco International Airport
This airport sits on San Francisco Bay, and scored a high mark of 796, earing second place in thie report.
1. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
Topping the list of the most satisfying airport in the U.S. is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. It scored an impressive 800 points.
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