Las Vegas' McCarran Airport ranks number one

Travelers are considerably more confident in their safety while flying within North American cities than they are while traveling abroad, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 North America Airport Satisfaction Study recently released.

The study finds that 47 percent of travelers report feeling “very safe” while flying within North America, compared to just 13 percent who say they feel “very safe” when traveling outside of North America.  While 30 percent feel it is “unsafe” or “very unsafe” to travel abroad, just 4 percent of travelers feel the same about traveling domestically. 

“The results clearly reflect the confidence travelers have in the ability of North American airports to secure our airways,” said Jim Gaz, senior director of travel and entertainment at J.D. Power and Associates. “Despite the extra time airport security adds to the airport process, overall, passengers feel confident in the security at North American airports due to the thoroughness of screeners and the implementation of new technologies at some airports.”

The study, now in its sixth year, measures overall airport satisfaction in three segments: large (30 million or more passengers per year), medium (10 million to less than 30 million passengers per year) and small (less than 10 million passengers per year). Eight factors are examined to determine overall customer satisfaction: airport accessibility, check-in/baggage check, security check, terminal facilities, food and beverage, retail services, baggage claim and immigration/customs control.

McCarran International (LAS) in Las Vegas ranks highest in overall passenger satisfaction among large airports, receiving the highest ratings from travelers in the areas of check-in/baggage check, security check and terminal facilities. John F. Kennedy (JFK) in New York and Philadelphia International (PHL) both follow McCarran in a tie. JFK performs particularly well in airport accessibility, while Philadelphia receives particularly high ratings in immigration/customs control and retail services.

LaGuardia International (LGA) in New York ranks highest among medium-size airports and receives the highest overall passenger satisfaction score in the 2006 study. LaGuardia receives top ratings from passengers in airport accessibility, check-in/baggage check, terminal facilities, food and beverage, retail services and baggage claim. Chicago Midway (MDW) follows LaGuardia in the segment rankings, performing well in airport accessibility, security check and terminal facilities. Baltimore Washington International (BWI) ranks third.

Among small airports, Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Houston Hobby (HOU) rank highest in a tie. Dallas Love Field receives the highest ratings in airport accessibility and baggage claim, while Houston Hobby receives top ratings in terminal facilities. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA ranks third in the segment, performing particularly well in baggage claim and immigration/customs control.

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