News Summary
John Wayne Airport (JWA) in Orange County, California, has been recognized as North America’s top large airport for passenger satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Scoring 730 out of 1,000, JWA excelled in key categories including the overall travel experience and airport facilities. Sacramento, San Jose, and San Diego International Airports also performed well, while LAX faced a decline in rankings. JWA’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience and ongoing infrastructure improvements continues to draw praise from travelers.
Orange County Airport Reigns Supreme in Passenger Satisfaction!
It’s official! John Wayne Airport (JWA) in beautiful Orange County, California, has once again snagged the title of North America’s top large airport for passenger satisfaction, according to the latest 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study conducted by J.D. Power. This exciting news comes after JWA topped the list last year, proving it knows how to keep travelers happy!
A Study That Counts
This year, J.D. Power surveyed more than 30,000 travelers from the U.S. and Canada between July 2024 and July 2025. The study measured passenger satisfaction across seven key categories. JWA scored a fantastic 730 out of 1,000, excelling in five out of those seven categories. Those categories included the all-important departure and arrival experience, ease of travel through the airport, terminal facilities, level of trust with the airport, and the performance of airport staff plus food, beverage, and retail options. Looks like JWA really knows how to roll out the red carpet for its visitors!
California Airports on the Map
While JWA shines like a star, it’s not the only California airport making waves. Sacramento International Airport claims the 11th spot out of 27 large airports nationwide, while San Jose International Airport and San Diego International Airport follow closely at 14th and 15th, respectively. Even Oakland International Airport found a spot in the mix at 21st! Meanwhile, Ontario International Airport ranked second among medium-sized airports, making it a British contender just behind Indianapolis International Airport by a narrow four points. Hollywood Burbank Airport also made the cut, landing at 9th out of 18 medium-sized airports.
But not all airports are basking in glory. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) dropped to 15th among 20 mega airports, a decline of two spots from last year. To add salt to the wound, San Francisco International Airport still remains at the top of the mega airport charts in California, finishing at a commendable 9th position nationally for satisfaction.
What Makes JWA Special?
With around 11 million passengers flowing through its gates each year, JWA has built a reputation for its spacious facilities and effective passenger flow. Airport Director Charlene Reynolds has been laser-focused on improving the guest experience, and their efforts seem to be paying off. Despite the ongoing construction at the airport, which aims to invest about $700 million into infrastructure upgrades by 2031, it still managed to outshine its competitors, including Tampa International Airport.
These exciting upgrades will include modernizing facilities, resurfacing taxiways, and expanding dining and retail options, making it an even more appealing place to catch a flight. JWA’s commitment to providing outstanding customer service ensures travelers enjoy not only convenience but also an enjoyable experience whether they’re families on vacation or business professionals on the go.
Overall Trends in Airport Satisfaction
And here’s a fun fact: overall satisfaction rates have gone up across North American airports! This boost, in part, is attributed to improvements in food and retail services. Travelers are more satisfied when they find local flavors in the airport offerings. The data shows a clear connection between high travel satisfaction and increased spending by travelers within terminal facilities, leading to happier passengers for sure!
So next time you’re traveling through Orange County, remember that you’re not just passing through any airport; you’re at the fabulous John Wayne Airport, where your comfort and satisfaction take flight!
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Additional Resources
- Laguna Beach Independent
- Wikipedia: John Wayne Airport
- KFI AM 640
- Google Search: J.D. Power 2025 Airport Satisfaction Study
- Orange County Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
- J.D. Power Press Release
- Travel and Tour World
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
