The prestigious J.D. Power Best Mega Airport in North America award has been given once again to the Minneapolis - Saint Paul International Airport (MSP/KMSP), which serves the Greater Twin Cities region in Minnesota.
Per the J.D. Power Article:
"Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport ranks highest in passenger satisfaction among mega airports with a score of 671. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (643) ranks second and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (633) ranks third.
John Wayne Airport, Orange County ranks highest among large airports, with a score of 687. Tampa International Airport (685) ranks second and Kansas City International Airport (683) ranks third.
Indianapolis International Airport ranks highest among medium airports for a third consecutive year, with a score of 687. Jacksonville International Airport (686) ranks second and Southwest Florida International Airport (675) ranks third."
I had just seen something saying Vancouver was chosen the best airport, so I took to AI to attempt to sort it out:
"Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) was ranked the best large airport in North America by J.D. Power in their 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. This study focuses on passenger satisfaction across various factors like ease of travel, terminal facilities, and airport staff.
On the other hand, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) was named the best airport in North America by Skytrax in their annual World Airport Awards. Skytrax’s rankings are based on a global survey of airport customers, considering different criteria such as service quality and passenger experience."
Apparently so. That surprised me, honestly. I really would have guessed it would be one of the Floridian airports or even SFO, especially with the new remodel.
I’ve heard amazing things about YVR. Never been, but I’d love to visit BC at some point, so I’ll end up there sooner or later.
Yup lol
Fun Fact: Gayle King, who works closely with Oprah and the CBS Morning Show raved about the MSP Airport bathrooms in 2019. I will say they’re nice, but I don’t know about rave - worthy. It’s hard to believe any public bathroom is that great.
I only just went through YVR irl, and I was unexpectedly impressed (apart from some annoyance at transit only, electronic transit authorizations required in Canada which adversely affected one of my family members).
Also, I was randomly questioned elsewhere in the airport by customs officers (?) (as were a sample of others) about whether I was carrying more than the amount of allowed cash. These officers were just randomly wandering through the international transit area of the airport stopping people. My response: I never entered the country I thought?? Anyway, they were friendly enough. But the logic of increasing the chances of capturing someone violating those rules with walk-about random such questions(?).
The internal design of YVR was awesome though. Very much capturing a Pacific Northwest feel, with indigenous art and quality indigenous food. And the window framing of the aircraft from inside seemed somehow intensified. I don’t know if that was by design or what.
I’ve been through MSP more than once. Now I wish I paid a lot more attention! My only ever missed approach experience irl was at MSP (ILS in the middle of winter, little visibility, pretty interesting). I had a young family member who had to sleep all night in the airport once, which seemed to go alright…
