From exciting lounges to elevated dining, airports have been working to increase amenities, but some terminals have had a greater impact than others—and Midwestern hospitality may be the secret ingredient.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) was named the best “mega” airport in North America when it comes to passenger satisfaction, according to a new J.D. Power airport satisfaction survey for 2025. It was the second year in a row the Minnesota airport took the top spot.
“A decades long trend of bringing unique, local flavor to the passenger experience has positively impacted the airport experience with these local touches having a major influence on passenger satisfaction,” Michael Taylor, the managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power, said in a statement about the overall study, adding “A few big capital improvement projects have now been completed and many more are underway or about to break ground.”
For its part, MSP is home to more than 100 different restaurants, shops, and services, according to the airport, including a food hall, a PGA virtual golf driving range, and a small spa. The airport is also home to a light rail connecting it to downtown Minneapolis as well as to the famed Mall of America.
After Minneapolis, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) ranked second, followed by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). When it came to “large” airports, California’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) took the top spot for the second year in a row, while Indianapolis International Airport (IND) ranked as the top “medium” airport in North America.
On the other end of the spectrum was Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which ranked lowest among “mega” airports. Newark is currently undergoing a years-long extensive renovation, including building a brand-new AirTrain, completely replacing Terminal B, and enhancing Terminal C.
The survey was comprised of more than 30,000 traveler responses between July 2024 and July 2025, and analyzed the overall experience, terminal facilities, and ease of travel.
In addition to the airport satisfaction survey, travelers planning a trip should also note newly-released government data on airports with the lowest on-time rates. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ranked the worst when it came to flight delays with an on-time rate of just 71.1 percent, followed by Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) with an on-time departure rate of just 72 percent. At the other end of the rankings was Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which had the best on-time departure rate.
