Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has emerged as the top satisfaction winner in J.D. Power’s mega airport category for 2025. At 660 points on a 1,000-point scale, MSP’s success is a testament to hard work, innovation, and a commitment to improving the traveler experience. The airport has been recognized for its strategic improvements in services, including food, beverage, retail options, and overall ease of travel.
Our 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study offers a deeper glimpse into these findings. It provided detailed understanding by aggregating results from 30,439 traveler exit surveys completed between July 2024 and July 2025. This year, overall satisfaction across airports was up by 10 points, climbing from 609 to 619. According to the study, few measures of positive improvement at many of the nation’s airports have had a profound positive impact in traveler satisfaction.
Notable Performers in the Rankings
While MSP had a tremendous success story, it was John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA that came out on top in the large category. It was able to achieve a remarkable score of 565 points! This accomplishment puts it in company with MSP as a standard setter for how to do air travel grounded in quality service. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport came in first place with a huge score of 649 points. In the meantime, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport came in a close second with 634 points. Third, with a 619 score, was John F. Kennedy International Airport, just winning the photo finish. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport was close behind with a 619 score.
Newark Liberty International Airport might come in last place amongst mega airports, but they’ve had an amazing turnaround this year. This year, the airport celebrated a 13-point bump, landing at 565 total points. Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power, noted that while Newark has improved, it remains “still hampered by its poor access scores.” He emphasized that “traffic around that airport really muted some substantial improvements to the airport itself.”
Factors Contributing to Increased Satisfaction
The J.D. Power study attributes the rise in overall satisfaction scores to improvements across various facets of the airport experience. Improvements in food, beverage and retail options have been critical in raising traveler satisfaction. Taylor applauded MSP for its great transit access and clearly designed wayfinding. He praised the welcoming staff, world-class terminal facilities, and best-in-class food, beverage and retail program. These ingredients together work magic creating a travel experience that makes the time away worth it.
Yet, as the travel recovery continues, the study underscores ongoing challenges that continue to impact air travel in North America and beyond. Long waits, congestion and record-breaking passenger traffic remain the order of the day at far too many airports. Despite these ongoing difficulties, Taylor expressed optimism about the trajectory of the industry: “I wouldn’t call it a surprise, given the ongoing efforts many airports have been making, but it’s still a significant shift in the data.” He added that while progress takes time, “Like most airport projects, it takes years to complete,” the industry is moving toward improvements that will benefit travelers.
Looking Ahead
As airports strive to enhance their services and address existing challenges, the focus will remain on creating a seamless travel experience. Almost all U.S. airports are reporting record-breaking gains this year. Of the 27 airports in the mega category, 21 have gone up in ratings—a testament to the collective mega push for more and better infrastructure, and more effective service delivery.
