by 
By Mark A Leon
Charleston International Airport has another reason to welcome travelers to the Lowcountry: the airport has been ranked No. 1 among medium-sized airports in North America for overall passenger satisfaction in the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
Charleston International Airport earned 712 points out of 1,000, placing it ahead of Ontario International Airport in California, which scored 705, and Indianapolis International Airport, which scored 695.
The recognition is notable because Charleston did not appear among the top-ranked medium airports in the previous year’s study. Indianapolis had held the top position for four consecutive years before Charleston moved to the top spot in 2026.
What does J.D. Power measure?
The ranking isn’t based simply on passenger reviews or a single aspect of the airport. J.D. Power evaluates the overall airport experience across seven core dimensions, listed by the study in order of importance:
- Ease of travel through the airport
- Level of trust with the airport
- Terminal facilities
- Airport staff
- Departure/to-airport experience
- Food, beverage and retail
- Arrival/from-airport experience
The study assigns airports an overall satisfaction score on a 1,000-point scale.
Who was surveyed?
The 2026 study is based on 24,710 completed surveys from U.S. and Canadian residents who had traveled through at least one U.S. or Canadian airport during the previous 30 days.
The research covered both departure and arrival experiences, including connecting airports, and was conducted from July 2025 through July 2026.
J.D. Power divides airports into three size categories:
- Mega: 33 million or more passengers annually
- Large: 10 million–32.9 million
- Medium: 4.5 million–9.9 million passengers
Why are airport satisfaction scores rising?
J.D. Power reports that satisfaction increased across all three airport categories in 2026. Medium airports saw the largest year-over-year increase, with average satisfaction rising 16 points.
The study points to major airport improvement projects as one factor behind the gains. Clear signage and wayfinding, terminal designs that reflect the character of a community, and improvements to food, beverage and retail offerings were identified as important elements of the passenger experience.
J.D. Power also found that food, beverage and retail satisfaction increased eight points across airport categories, with travelers responding positively to airports that combine local businesses and familiar national brands.
For Charleston, that emphasis on local character is particularly relevant. The airport’s passenger experience is increasingly part of a visitor’s first impression of the Lowcountry.
A strong showing for Charleston
Charleston’s 712-point score placed it at the top of the medium-airport category, while the overall medium-airport average was 672 points.
The 2026 study’s category leaders were Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport among mega airports, Tampa International Airport among large airports, and Charleston International Airport among medium airports.
For Charleston, the distinction adds another national accolade to an airport that has become an increasingly important gateway for residents, business travelers and the millions of visitors who arrive in the Lowcountry each year.
Source: J.D. Power, 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
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