Portland airport jumps in traveler satisfaction rankings despite construction

Portland International Airport climbed in J.D. Power's annual airport satisfaction ranking , coming in at No. 8 out of 27 large airports.

That's up from No. 12 in 2023 . PDX last ranked at the very top among airports its size in 2016, and it came in 3rd in 2018.

PDX rated especially well for its dining, beverage and retail storefronts, said Mike Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power

Portland is ranked against other big airports that don't serve as major hubs. Many of the nation's largest airports, including West Coast hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle-Tacoma, are considered "mega airports" and rated separately.

All are assessed on ease of travel through airport; level of trust with airport; terminal facilities; airport staff; departure/to airport experience; food, beverage and retail; and arrival/from airport experience

The rankings were compiled based on surveys completed before PDX unveiled its renovated terminal last month , while travelers were still navigating construction-related detours. (Some remain during a second phase of the renovation, including a long walk around construction areas for passengers accessing concourses B and E.)

The top airport among those competing with PDX was John Wayne Airport, which serves Orange County, California. Tampa International Airport and Kansas City International Airport rounded out the top three.

The top mega airports were Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.