Flyers are happier with U.S. airports, despite near record travel levels, J.D. Power report shows

Despite a near record number of people flying in the U.S., it appears travelers are happier with the airports they find themselves moving through.

J.D. Power's annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study, released Wednesday, reported that overall airport satisfaction increased significantly this year. Travelers gave higher ratings in part because of the newer gates and terminals many airports have opened in recent years, according to the study.

"Overall, travelers are happier with what they are seeing in most airports," said Mike Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power.

From New York's John F. Kennedy Airport to Kansas City International to Pittsburgh International, airports large and small have opened or are building new facilities to accommodate more travelers. Often, the new terminals and gates are larger, with more light and upgraded amenities, and cost billions to build.

"You have to spend at least a billion to impress people," Taylor said.

This is the third straight year the J.D. Power study has found an increase in airport satisfaction. The latest report is based on responses from more than 24,000 travelers.

Among the largest airports, which handle more than 33 million passengers annually, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International received the top score. For airports that serve between 10 million and 32.9 million flyers annually, Tampa International was ranked No. 1, while Charleston International in South Carolina was rated the best among medium airports, which see 4.5 million to 9.9 million passengers a year.