Airport guides

Best Airports in North America, ranked by J.D. Power

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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

Another airport adds a gate pass program. Yay!!

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is launching a gate pass program.

The new SAT Pass lets non-ticketed visitors pass through security to greet arriving passengers post-security or go with a departing passenger to the gate.

Applying for the pass is easy. Guests can go online to request a pass at least 24 hours in advance. If the request is approved, a QR code is sent that allows access through the TSA security checkpoint.  

“This pass is designed for anyone who wants to spend additional time with a traveler,” said Tonya Hope, Public Relations Manager at San Antonio International Airport. “We feel Valentine’s week is the perfect time to launch this free new service.

The SAT Pass program is up and running and allows up to 50 approved non-ticketed visitors to go past security each day.

To apply, sign up on the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) website.

It would be lovely to use the SAT Pass program to surprise a loved one as they get off the plane or to go with them through security so you can spend some extra time before they get on their flight.

But you might also get a SAT Pass to explore the airport on your own.

SAT has a great selection of public art, live music and temporary exhibitions. One of our favorite pieces is Sunrise Wheel, a 1995 sculpture by the Art Guys (above).

Other airports with gate pass programs

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is the latest airport to introduce a gate pass program for non-ticketed passengers. Here is a list of other airports that offer gate pass programs as well.

Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA): SEA Visitor Pass Program

The MSY Guest Pass Program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY),

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW): DTW Destination Pass

Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI: the LAN Visitor Pass,

Flint Bishop Airport (FNT) in Flint, Michigan: FNT Visitor Pass program

OC Air Pass at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA,

ONT+ Visitor Pass Program at California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): PSP Stay and Play Pass

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA offers the PSC Pass

Philadelphia International Aiport offers the PHL Wingmate Pass

Tulsa International Airport (TUL): TUL Visitor Pass Program

Orlando International Airport (MCO): Experience MCO Visitor Pass

Nashville International Airport (BNA): BNA PASSport

Let us know if we missed any. And let us know if you’ve used the pass to visit an airport.

RDM: 5 Things We Love About Oregon’s Redmond Municipal Airport

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Oregon’s Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located in the heart of Central Oregon, is the state’s 3rd largest airport and is served by 5 airlines: American Airlines, Alaska Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

Travelers can fly non-stop from here to Burbank, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Seattle. 

Stuck at the Airport stopped by for a visit and spotted (more than) 5 Things to Love About Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM).

1: Compassionate Therapy Dogs

Compassionate Canines Certified Therapy Dog Teams are often on duty in the ticketing, baggage, and gate areas of the terminal.

2. Art at RDM

For a small airport, RDM has a lot of art.

Look for temporary art installations and lots of permanent art pieces, including the hard-to-miss section of a Western Juniper tree by the TSA checkpoint. Common in the high desert of Central Oregon, this juniper tree is thought to be more than 500 years old.

Learn more about the art at Redmond Municipal Airport here.

3. Sasquatch

Central Oregon is prime Bigfoot (or Sasquatch)-hunting country. And the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is probably the only place you are assured of spotting the elusive creature.

When RDM’s Sasquatch sculpture first moved in, he was carrying a pink suitcase. These days he’s helping the airport get ready for its terminal expansion project.

4. RDM’s “FLYBRARY”

Take a book, leave a book

RDM has two locations for its “Flybrary” – one post-security and one in the bag claim area – where passengers are encouraged to leave a book that they’ve finished and take a new one left by another traveler or supplied by the airport.

5. Play areas for kids

Like a lot of airports, Redmond Municipal Airport has play areas for kids. A nice bonus here is that in addition to the post-security play area, RDM has a good-sized play area in the bag claim area. We spotted these kids having a great time in the toy helicopter.

Bonus: Sasquatch and Yeti Poo

We’re not sure why, but locally-themed souvenir ‘poo’ (usually chocolate-covered nut) is a big seller in airport gift shops.

At Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) Sasquatch and Yeti Poo – here it’s cotton candy – is one of the top sellers.

New Zealand’s Christchurch Airport lights up

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In New Zealand, the appearance of a group of stars named Ngā mata o te ariki Tāwhirimātea (Matariki) in the winter night sky marks the traditional beginning of the Māori new year.

This year those stars are set to appear on July 14 and New Zealand’s Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is marking the beginning of the Māori new year by lighting up the terminal and the Airways New Zealand tower.

More cool amenities at Christchurch Airport

In addition to some great art inside and around the terminal, which travelers can discover on this handy art trail map, Christchurch Airport has outdoor ping pong tables on its plaza and themed jet bridges.

The Stuck at the Airport team hasn’t seen these themed jet bridges in person – yet – but we love the idea.

According to the airport, each themed jet bridge features floor to ceiling imagery of a special southern landscape, accompanied by the scene’s distinctive sounds and scents. Scents!!!

The themes are updated every so often with new sights, sounds and smells. But current themes include the Mackenzie Night Sky, West Coast, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman, Fiordland, a Canterbury sheep farm, Mackenzie country, Christchurch Adventure Park and a Marlborough vineyard.

Some of the other amenities we’re looking forward to exploring at Christchurch Airport include the coloring wall and the complimentary Mini Explorer Activity Books.

We’re also intrigued by ‘Spitfire Square,‘ which is a short walk from the airport terminal and home to a fitness center, a hair salon and a pharmacy.

Another airport adds a gate pass program

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A growing number of airports make it easy for the non-traveling public to get visitor passes to the secure side of the passenger terminal.

That makes it possible to meet arriving friends and family at the gate or to spend more time with someone before they board a flight.

It also means that you don’t need to be flying somewhere to check out a new terminal, tap your toes to the live music at the airport, see some great art, do a little shopping, or spend time watching planes take off and land.

Each airport has its own name for the service and its own rules regarding how many non-ticketed visitors are allowed to be issued a pass each day they are offered. And at each airport that offers the service, passengers must still go through the security checkpoint.

The list of airports offering this great airport amenity includes:

Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA): SEA Visitor Pass Program

The MSY Guest Pass Program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY),

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW),

Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI: the LAN Visitor Pass,

the OC Air Pass at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA,

and the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program at California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT).

New to the list: Washington’s Tri-Cities Airport

Now more – and smaller – airports are joining the list.

The latest is the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA.

For now, only 10 visitors are able to get a PSC Pass each day. And each visitor may request just one visit per month. But, as with the other airport gate pass programs, it allows non-travelers to surprise an arriving passenger at the gate or send someone off at the gate with a last-minute hug.

Did we miss an airport with a gate pass program? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

IND: 5 (More) Things We Love About Indianapolis International Airport

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Stuck at The Airport’s “5 Things We Love About…” series revisited Indianapolis International Airport (IND) recently and found 5 more things to love.

This Madame Walker Mural

This mural by Tasha Beckwith honors Indianapolis hair-care entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, who is credited as being the first female self-made millionaire in America.

These Lounge-Like Chairs

These powered privacy chairs are usually seen in airline lounges. At IND you’ll find them in a gate hold area.

This Free Pop-a-Shot Basketball Game

At IND’s pre-security Civic Plaza, the Indiana Pacers Courtside Club celebrates the local Indiana Pacers basketball team. Adjacent to the restaurant is a free pop-a-shot basketball game.

This Bookstore

Airport concessionaire Hudson does a nice job with its Ink-branded shop selling books, magazines, and gifts in IND.

These Cute and Corny Souvenirs

Souvenir shopping is one our favorite things to do at airports. IND shops don’t disappoint.

Int

5 Things We Love About London Gatwick Airport

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Our ‘5 Things We Love About’ series highlighting features and amenities at airports around the world continues with London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).

We have airport mascot Gary Gatwick to help highlight some of the amenities.

1. CONVENIENCE

Most travelers only think of Heathrow Airport when they think of booking flights to London.

But getting to central London from Gatwick Airport is really quite easy. And fast.

Gatwick is about 30 miles south of central London and the non-stop Gatwick Express rail service makes the trip to London’s Victoria Station in just 30 minutes. And Victoria Station is very centrally located.

On the train, travelers will find free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and places to store suitcases.

There’s even a “Delay Repay” offer if you’re arrival is delayed by at least 15 minutes.    

 Thameslink trains also make the journey easy from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge and other destinations.

2. HOTEL OPTIONS AT GATWICK AIRPORT

For quick naps or a freshen-ups once you land, the YotelAir London Gatwick Airport, located landside in the South Terminal, offers super-compact ‘cabins’ for stays as short as four hours.

Gatwick Airport also offers travelers the choice of staying overnight at the Sofitel London Gatwick or the Hilton London Gatwick, both owned by the Arora Group. We found rates at both hotels lower than at the corresponding properties at Heathrow.

3. FIRST AIRPORT GIN DISTILLERY

The world’s first airport distillery is at Gatwick Airport.

You’ll find it tucked in the corner of the Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining venue, which is located pre-security in Gatwick’s North Terminal.

The distillery produces small batch, bespoke London Gatwick Airport Gin that is used in many of the specialty cocktails at the restaurant.

If the distiller is on site, you might get even get invited in for a tour and a taste.  

4. GOURMET DINING AT GATWICK

Juniper & Co, located post-security in the North Terminal, offera a menu featuring high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

There’s a kid’s menu; a curated bar menu that includes a map showing how far away some the specialty gins, wines, beers, and juices are made; a breakfast menu; and an all-day menu with dishes using a wide range of locally-sourced ingredients.

Super fresh meals are made with salmon from H. Forman & Son (48 miles from Gatwick), Wells Farm bacon, sausages, and eggs (farmed 26 miles away), artisan bread freshly baked by Flour Station (60 miles from Gatwick), and a great cheese plate made with a great assortment of local cheeses.

5. AIRPORT MASCOT GARY GATWICK

For entertainment and engagement, Gatwick Airport has a mascot named Gary Gatwick.

A small version of the teddy bear mascot can be spotted out and about in the city, the region, and around the world. But in the airport, a full-size Gary Gatwick will often be found in the terminal and at special airport events.

5 Things We Love About HEL – Helsinki Airport

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Beyond, or perhaps we should say despite, its great airport code – HEL- Helsinki Airport, operated by Finavia, offers travelers some charming and thoughtful amenities in its new main terminal.

Here are some snaps from a tour on our way home from a week exploring Finland after joining Finnair on the first flight from Seattle to Helsinki.

Here are 5 of the amenities we loved.

Welcome to Helsinki

Passengers entering the arrivals hall – and those waiting for their friends or loved ones to arrive – are greeted with a calming indoor garden with live plants.

Thoughtful, automatic sanitizing

Is that handrail clean? In most airports, we don’t know. But at Helsinki Airport you can grab on with confidence because the handrail is automatically sanitized all the time.

Art with a sense of place

‘Aukio’ (by Gate 40) is an oasis where passengers can wind down and experience Finnish nature.

The curved 360° LED screen is a projection, soundscape, and interactive wall offering a journey through Finland’s nature and its four seasons. The landscapes change every 10 minutes, the speakers play nature sounds, and an interactive screen lets visitors create art with snowflakes, the Northern Lights, or autumn leaves.

Souvenirs

Airport shops offer everything from Finnish clothing and accessories by Marimekko to licorice-flavored liquors, reindeer pate, and bear meat. (If that’s your thing…)

Christmas Cabin

Santa’s year-round home is in Finland, Finns and others will tell you. So it makes sense that Helsinki Airport has a Christmas Cabin right there in the terminal.

Inside is a faux sauna, a storybook, Scandinavian-style furniture and decorations, and a Book of Names so that Santa knows who has been good or bad.

CRP: 5 Things We Love About Corpus Christi International Airport

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We are back with another episode of “5 Things We Love About,” highlighting the features and amenities of airports around the country and the world.

Today we are landing at Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) in South Texas. CRP is served by three airlines – American Eagle, Southwest, and United Airlines – and is the airport area visitors use on their way to and from sport and bay fishing, the USS Lexington, and the Texas State Aquarium.

Here are some of our favorite amenities at Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP).

1. The terminal building at CRP

In addition to the welcoming ‘waves’ at the front of the building, the gate areas of the Hayden W. Head Terminal offer passengers panoramic views of the entire airfield. In addition to commercial aircraft and business and corporate jets, passengers may spot Navy Trainers doing “touch and goes” and taxiing.

2. The Art at Corpus Christi International Airport

Where the Sun Meets the Sea” by Shan Shan Sheng is an impressive overhead blown glass piece designed for this terminal. The airport also has an exhibit filled with items on loan from the Art Museum of South Texas.

Texas Boots – ceramic – by -William Wilhelm

3. Selfie Stations at Corpus Christi Int’l Airport

4. USS Lexington Model at CRP

CRP airport is home to this great model of the USS Lexington CV-16, which is now a museum about 7 miles from the airport. According to the museum, this ship was commissioned in 1943 and set more records than any other Essex Class carrier in the history of naval aviation. The ship was also the oldest working carrier in the United States Navy when decommissioned in 1991.

Here is a detail from the model.

There is also a display of photos about the history of the airport and the airfield inside the Co-Pilot Coffee Shop, post-security. The images are from the Doc McGregor photograph collection at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.

Gyroplane visits Corpus Christi in 1932

5. Souvenir Shopping at CRP

6. BONUS: Go Team Therapy Dogs at CRP

CRP is the training ground for the non-profit Go Team, which trains dogs and handlers. Each therapy dog has its own calling card.

Did we miss your favorite feature or amenity at Corpus Christ International Airport (CRP)? Would you like to see your favorite airport featured in the “5 Thing We Love About” series on Stuck at The Airport?

Drop a line in the comments section below.

Tune in to these airport podcasts

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Courtesy Library of Congress

Airport podcasts

If you like airports and podcasts, then you should probably be listening to airport podcasts.

We’re not sure we have them all, but we’re starting to put a list together. Let us know what we’re missing,

Here’s what we have so far.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is hosting a new podcast called the Austin Approach. They kicked it off just in time to dig into some unusual weather issues, such as snow.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) hosts Carolina Traveler. Season one episodes highlight attractions and activities in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, as well as GSP’s economic impact on the Upstate.

At Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), airport CEO Chellie Cameron has been sharing news about the airport in Chellie’s Podcasts.

The podcast from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is called The Fly Angle. Episodes so far have covered how the airport attracts new air service, shopping at the airport, aircraft noise, and where to find great craft beer at the airport.