Airports can sometimes be crowded and frustrating spaces, but they can also be pleasant places to hang out.

And, thanks to a bevy of recently completed airport capital improvement projects, with more on the way, travelers are increasingly satifisied and “enjoying the experience” at the nation’s airports, according to the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, released today.

The study found that overall passenger satisfaction scores are up 10 points (on a 1,000-point scale) this year, driven largely by improvements in food, beverage and retail and ease of travel through the airport.

“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,” said Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power.

Here are the top rankings.

[Mega airports are defined by J.D. Power as those with 33 million or more passengers per year; large airports with 10 to 32.9 million passengers per year; and medium airports with 4.5 to 9.9 million passengers per year. Rankings are on a scale of 1000 points.]

Mega Airports

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport ranks highest in passenger satisfaction among
mega airports for a second consecutive year with a score of 660. 

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (649) ranks second.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (634) ranks third.

Large Airports

John Wayne Airport, Orange County ranks highest among large airports for a second
consecutive year, with a score of 730. 

Tampa International Airport (709) ranks second.

Dallas Love Field (705) ranks third.

Medium Airports

Indianapolis International Airport ranks highest among medium airports for a fourth
consecutive year, with a score of 713. 

Ontario International Airport (709) ranks second.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (698) ranks third.

See where your favorite airport ranks this year

Thanks for visiting Stuck at the Airport. Subscribe to get daily travel tidbits. And follow me on Twitter at @hbaskas and Instagram.