IAH, Hobby garner Top 10 spots in survey

Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports both ranked among the Top 10 airports in their size groups, according to a report released Wednesday.

According to the J.D. Power 2018 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Bush Intercontinental tied with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for No. 6 in the “mega” category.

Hobby Airport tied with Salt Lake City International Airport for the No. 10 spot among the large airports.

Overall, J.D. Power reported airport satisfaction scores at an all-time high, driven primarily by increased satisfaction with security checks and with food, beverage and retail.

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and Orlando International Airport tied for the No. 1 spot among mega airports. John Wayne Airport, Orange County, ranked highest among large airports, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport was No. 1 among medium airports.

“North America airports have been doing a tremendous job managing passenger volume, adding amenities, and keeping travelers moving despite some noteworthy challenges, but they will be put to the true test over the next few years,” Michael Taylor, travel practice lead at J.D. Power, said in the news release.

The test comes as several multibillion-dollar projects, including those in Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago, are reaching phases that will likely disrupt passenger traffic. How well these airports manage throughout construction, he said, “will provide valuable insight into what’s in store on a nationwide basis.”

The study, in its 13th year, surveyed 40,183 North American travelers between September 2017 and September 2018.