# America's best airports ranked by real passengers

> A new study reveals which US airports satisfy travelers most, and why renovations matter.
- Title: America's best airports ranked by real passengers | Shortify
- Summary: A new study reveals which US airports satisfy travelers most, and why renovations matter. Airport renovations costing over $1 billion actually work…
- Keywords: jd power, airport satisfaction, us airports, passenger experience, airport rankings, airport renovations, minneapolis-st. paul, mega airports, travel satisfaction, airport improvements, business, technology
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/best-worst-airports-us-ranking-passengers-2026-9
- Author: Talia Lakritz
- Published: 2026-09-16T11:01:01.297+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jd power, airport satisfaction, us airports, passenger experience, airport rankings, airport renovations, minneapolis-st. paul, mega airports, travel satisfaction, airport improvements, business, technology
## How airports get ranked
JD Power surveyed nearly 25,000 travelers across three airport size categories: medium, large, and mega. The 2026 study measured satisfaction on a 1,000-point scale across seven core factors.
## Renovations drive satisfaction up
The highest-ranked airports in 2026 recently completed or are finishing major capital improvement projects. Overall passenger satisfaction at mega airports jumped 14 points, even as passenger volume hit record levels.

> those efforts are finally starting to pay off in the form of higher overall passenger satisfaction scores
## Minneapolis takes top spot again
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport ranked first for the third consecutive year after completing a $242 million terminal renovation in December 2025. The upgrade refreshed gate areas, seating, flooring, lighting, and signage.
## Happy travelers spend more
Passengers who rated their airport experience as perfect spent an average of $20.22 more than those who rated their trip as just OK. High-scoring airports balance chain and local restaurants with clear signage.

> Travelers who rated their airport experience "perfect" spent an average of $20.22 more
## What makes airports rank high
Top-performing airports offer a good mix of chain and local dining options, clear wayfinding signage, and recently renovated spaces. These elements combine to create the passenger satisfaction that drives both loyalty and spending.
## Key takeaway

Airport renovations costing over $1 billion actually work: passenger satisfaction jumped 14 points at mega airports, and happy travelers spend $20 more.