News Summary
John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been recognized as the leading large airport in North America for overall passenger satisfaction for the second consecutive year. The J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study highlighted JWA’s strong performance in multiple categories, including ease of travel and airport facilities. Despite ongoing construction, JWA continues to win travelers over with its convenience and amenities. Future enhancements, featuring significant investments, aim to further elevate the passenger experience, while the introduction of new dining options demonstrates JWA’s commitment to improvement.
Santa Ana, California – John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been named the top large airport in North America for overall passenger satisfaction for the second consecutive year, according to the 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study released by J.D. Power on September 17, 2025. The study, which collected feedback from more than 30,000 travelers across the U.S. and Canada between July 2024 and July 2025, highlights JWA’s leadership in passenger experience amidst ongoing construction efforts.
JWA outperformed other large airports, scoring highest in five out of seven evaluated categories. These include the departure and arrival experience, ease of travel through the airport, terminal facilities, and the level of trust with the airport management. Additionally, JWA was ranked in the Top 10 for airport staff quality and food, beverage, and retail options.
Despite construction projects currently underway, JWA has widened its lead over Tampa International Airport, the runner-up in the study. Travelers have frequently cited the airport’s convenience, shorter lines, and easy parking as significant factors contributing to their preference for JWA over larger airports like Los Angeles International Airport.
The airport, which serves approximately 11 million passengers annually, continues to prioritize passenger engagement and the enhancement of amenities. Airport Director Charlene Reynolds noted the commitment to upgrading facilities to further improve the guest experience. Key developments include an investment of around $700 million in major infrastructure upgrades by 2031. Planned projects encompass modernizing restrooms, resurfacing taxiways, and expanding dining and retail options.
New local dining establishments, such as Tacos La Piña and Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza, are set to open soon, reflecting JWA’s dedication to improving the overall airport experience for travelers. The atmosphere at JWA has been described as calm and reliable, making it particularly appealing to family travelers, according to feedback from passengers like Ilene Feng, who appreciates the environment for her young children.
Other airports in Southern California also performed well in the study. Ontario International Airport ranked second in the medium-sized category, while Hollywood-Burbank Airport was positioned ninth. On the other hand, Los Angeles International Airport fell to the 15th position in the mega airport rankings, and San Diego International Airport also ranked 15th among large airports.
This year’s findings indicate an overall increase in passenger satisfaction levels, which can be attributed to improvements in airport amenities and experiences, despite ongoing flight disruptions reported across the industry. Passengers indicated a willingness to spend more in terminals when they experience a “perfect” airport visit, averaging $42.39, compared to just $16.54 for those who reported an average experience.
In a further effort to enhance traveler convenience, CLEAR, a secure identity verification company, announced the launch of its services at JWA’s Terminal B on September 24, 2025. This initiative is expected to create 25 jobs while generating a positive economic impact locally. The introduction of the CLEAR program aims to facilitate frictionless and faster security checks for travelers, aligning with JWA’s focus on improving guest experiences during its ongoing upgrades.
As John Wayne Airport continues to elevate its services and amenities, travelers can expect an enriched airport experience that not only prioritizes comfort and satisfaction but also supports economic growth in the surrounding community.
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Additional Resources
- KFI AM 640: John Wayne Airport Tops North America Satisfaction Survey
- J.D. Power: 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study
- Patch: OC Airport Ranks Best in Nation Report
- GlobeNewswire: CLEAR Launches New Lanes at John Wayne Airport
- The Manual: These Airports Topped the 2025 J.D. Power North America Satisfaction Study
- Wikipedia: John Wayne Airport
- Google Search: John Wayne Airport Satisfaction Study
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
- Google News: John Wayne Airport
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
