SEA leaps 6 spots in airport satisfaction study after year of major upgrades
Sep 17, 2026, 11:30 AM
Illuminated airport signage hangs from the ceiling, directing travelers. (Photo: ashishk75 via Envato)
(Photo: ashishk75 via Envato)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) ranks 11th out of 20 United States airports in customer satisfaction, according to the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
The group surveyed travelers across seven categories: ease of travel through the airport, level of trust in the airport, terminal facilities, airport staff, departure/to airport experience, food, beverage and retail, and arrival/from airport experience.
SEA’s improved reputation among travelers is a triumph, after the airport ranked 17th out of 20 in the 2025 study.
As for the best airport experiences in America, the top 3 stayed the same from 2025 to 2026: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Among airports with at least 33 million annual passengers, Newark Liberty International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport have the worst customer satisfaction ratings.
J.D. Power also surveyed travelers about 24 “large airports.” The highest satisfaction in this group belongs to Tampa International Airport, Portland International Airport, and Dallas Love Field. At the bottom of this category are Honolulu International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.
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A SEAson of change for the airport
A jump in customer satisfaction is no surprise after a transformational year for the airport. The revamped “C Concourse” debuted earlier this year, just in time for the World Cup.
TSA wait times have improved so dramatically that the airport is scrapping its “Spot Saver” program in November.
In April, SEA spokesperson Perry Cooper joined “The Gee and Ursula Show” to celebrate being ranked among the least stressful airports in America.
All this change has only earned SEA an “average” reputation, and more work will be needed to challenge Minneapolis for the top spot.
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