Houston, we have a problem… with everyone else.
William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, and the newly transformed $4 billion Terminal B at New York’s LaGuardia Airport are the only U.S. airport properties to earn five stars in airport ratings worldwide. Skytrax world.
Hobby was praised for its “excellent customer experience,” “wide range of seating options,” and “enhanced interior décor finishes,” among other stellar amenities, while LaGuardia Terminal B earned praise from Skytrax for its “interiors.” spacious, from floor to ceiling.” windows, inspiring public art elements and iconic restaurants and shops.” LaGuardia earned four stars overall.
Fortunately, U.K.-based Skytrax didn’t give any U.S. airport a meager one or two stars, but it gave more than three dozen U.S. airports the “fair or average” three-star rating, starting with Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta to Reagan Washington National Airport. Airport.
The five busiest U.S. airports each received three stars, based on a rubric that includes terminal design, cleanliness, passenger flow, seating, restrooms, family facilities, entertainment, WiFi, shopping and dining, among other features.
Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport
Atlanta airport, the world’s busiest since 1998, was criticized for “inefficient and insufficient levels of immigration and security staffing.” Skytrax was also unimpressed with its showers, bag drop times, seating near check-in, and quiet and relaxation areas.
It’s hard to relax when, just this year, a passenger from Atlanta ranted about her period and a fired airport coffee shop worker was caught on video attacking two of her former managers.
The Atlanta airport, however, received praise for its “excellent variety of fast food options, as well as motivated and engaging information staff at key points throughout the airport.”
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
DFW, the world’s second-busiest airport in 2022 by passenger traffic and the largest hub for American Airlines, did not score well with its food, beverage and shopping options for the publicly accessible parts of the airport and for its businesses . classrooms, quiet/relaxation areas and transfer signage. It received criticism for the efficient layout of its terminals, its immigration process and its staff service.
Denver International Airport
The Denver airport set a record last year by welcoming more than 77.8 million passengers, but Skytrax says these travelers have a hard time getting around the airport. Transportation Security Administration processing is “often a slow point in the departure process,” Skytrax argues, while “access to concourses B and C is solely via the people-mover train.”
Some have even decided to complete racing challenges inside the airport.
DIA’s transportation, specifically its rail service to downtown Denver and its bus, taxi and ride-sharing programs, and the airport’s “unique tent-like roof structure and architecturally impressive Jeppesen Terminal” earned approval.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Skytrax notes that O’Hare is “conveniently connected” to the rest of Chicago by train, although the “L” has lately been plagued by crime, major train crossings, and dirt. However, what caught Skytrax’s attention was the inconvenience of traveling between O’Hare terminals, the terminals’ “relatively dated” interiors, and the “poor” seating variety.
Los Angeles International Airport LAX
While Tom Bradley International Terminal gets recognition for its “excellent natural light, attractive design features” and “good variety” of food and beverage options, access to LAX remains problematic.
“Access roads are often congested. Security and immigration regulations are often slow and ineffective,” complains Skytrax.
The “inconsistent” New York John F. Kennedy International Airport and the “slow” Newark Liberty International Airport also receive three stars.
“The airport infrastructure is outdated and after security screening, facilities are limited for passengers,” Skytrax lamented about Newark.