(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA) Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, better known as MSP, has been ranked highest in the 2025 JD Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study for the second year in a row, and the third time overall in the mega airport category. MSP posted a 660 out of 1,000 satisfaction score, topping Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (649) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (634).
The results draw on surveys from 30,439 U.S. and Canadian travelers who used at least one North American airport between July 2024 and July 2025, offering a current picture of what passengers experience from curb to gate.
Study scope and context
The JD Power study evaluates mega airports—those serving 33 million or more passengers a year—across seven key factors that shape the customer journey. While MSP’s score slipped 11 points from last year, it still led the field, signaling steady performance during a period of heavy travel demand and shifting airline schedules.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, repeat leadership in this study often reflects years of planning, strong partnerships with airlines and vendors, and a focus on basic needs like wayfinding, wait times, and reliable services.
“Recent gains come from recently completed improvements in many airport facilities themselves,” — JD Power Managing Director Michael Taylor.
Why MSP leads again
MSP’s continued success comes as airports across categories show gains. JD Power reports:
– Mega airports rose 8 points year-over-year
– Large airports (10–32.9 million passengers) climbed 15 points
– Medium airports (4.5–9.9 million passengers) rose 10 points
The study credits three main drivers behind the improvement:
– Completed facility upgrades that reduce bottlenecks and improve flow
– Authentic local dining and retail options that create a sense of place
– A broad 14-point jump in food, beverage, and retail satisfaction
These themes align with traveler priorities: clean terminals, clear signage, easy security and boarding, and local food that reflects the city.
The seven factors JD Power measures
The study’s seven factors offer a map of where airports win or lose with passengers:
– Ease of travel through the airport
– Level of trust with the airport
– Terminal facilities quality and functionality
– Airport staff performance and service
– Ground departure experience
– Food and retail experience
– Arrival and travel-to-airport experience
MSP’s leadership suggests balanced strength across these areas, especially in terminal quality, staff, and the “sense of location” created by local brands.
For international flyers arriving to the United States, a smooth border experience also shapes the overall airport story. Travelers can review official arrival guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance to better prepare for inspections, declarations, and onward connections.
Top 10 mega airports — 2025 ranking
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (MSP): 660
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW): 649
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX): 634
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW): 620
- Harry Reid, Las Vegas (LAS): 619
- John F. Kennedy, New York (JFK): 618 (tie)
- Orlando (MCO): 618 (tie)
- Miami (MIA): 615
- San Francisco (SFO): 613
- Boston Logan (BOS): 608
That MSP sits atop these large hubs highlights the airport’s focus on core basics and local identity. Other notable leaders across size categories:
– John Wayne Airport (SNA) leads the large airport category with 730 points.
– Indianapolis International (IND) tops the medium airport category for a fourth straight year.
What this means for travelers
MSP’s improvements matter for a wide range of passengers — business travelers, refugees reuniting with family, students, and temporary workers. Practical touches such as shorter lines, friendly staff, and clear signs can reduce missed connections, ease winter-weather travel, and make security and baggage checks less stressful.
Travel-planning takeaways:
– If you have a long layover, airports with strong food and retail scores often offer better places to rest, eat, and work.
– Traveling with children or older relatives? Prioritize terminals known for clear signage and helpful staff.
– For trips including an international leg, build extra time for inspection and baggage recheck. Consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance before you travel.
Industry trends and the road ahead
The study hints at continued improvements as many capital projects complete and new ones begin. Airports are likely to keep investing in:
– Restrooms, seating, charging, and wayfinding
– Local brands in food and retail, which support small businesses and enhance traveler experience
This focus on sense of location is one reason food and retail satisfaction jumped 14 points this year.
For MSP specifically, future challenges include:
– Managing crowding during peak periods
– Keeping wait times tight as flights fill
– Maintaining transparent communication during delays to build trust
These steps can turn a good trip into a great one for everyone — from frequent flyers to first-time visitors.
MSP’s repeat win shows how a Midwestern hub can compete with coastal giants by investing in the basics, delivering local flavor, and keeping people moving. As airports continue to build and fine-tune services, passengers traveling for big life events stand to benefit most.
This Article in a Nutshell
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) ranked highest in the 2025 JD Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study for mega airports, scoring 660 out of 1,000 and placing ahead of Detroit (649) and Phoenix (634). The study, based on responses from 30,439 U.S. and Canadian travelers between July 2024 and July 2025, measured seven factors including ease of travel, terminal facilities, staff performance, and food and retail. JD Power attributes improvements to completed facility upgrades, stronger local dining and retail offerings, and better wayfinding. Although MSP’s score fell 11 points from the previous year, it demonstrated balanced strengths across terminal quality, staff, and sense of location. The study also reported increases across airport sizes, with mega airports up 8 points and food and retail satisfaction jumping 14 points. For travelers, the findings suggest improved amenities, shorter lines, and the need to allow extra time for international arrival procedures and baggage rechecks. Ongoing challenges for MSP include managing peak-period crowding, maintaining low wait times, and clear communications during delays as capital projects continue.
