John Wayne Airport (JWA) in Orange County has been named North America’s favorite large airport for the second consecutive year, according to the 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power. The study, released on September 17, evaluated over 30,000 travelers’ experiences between July 2024 and July 2025, focusing on factors such as ease of travel, terminal facilities, and passenger trust.
JWA, which handles approximately 11 million passengers annually, ranked first in five out of seven categories, including departure and arrival experience, and ease of travel through the airport. The airport’s director, Charlene Reynolds, emphasized the importance of engaging with passengers and upgrading amenities to enhance the guest experience. Despite ongoing construction, JWA managed to maintain its top ranking, surpassing Tampa International Airport.
Travelers appreciate JWA for its convenience and accessibility. Irvine resident Ilene Feng prefers flying from JWA due to shorter lines and easier parking compared to Los Angeles International Airport. Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power, noted that JWA’s appeal lies in its proximity to parking and terminals, making it a favorite among Southern California’s car culture.
The study also highlighted that overall passenger satisfaction has increased, driven by improvements in food, beverage, and retail options at airports. Airports that embrace local food trends and create a genuine sense of location scored higher in satisfaction. JWA is on track to spend about $700 million on infrastructure upgrades by 2031, including modernizing facilities and expanding dining and retail options.
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