New Study Uncovers US Airports With the Friendliest Staff

23.04.2024 - 16:17 / travelpulse.com / North America / Laurie Baratti

Airports aren’t exactly a place where you’re expecting to have the time of your life, but running into a staff member who clearly loves their job and interacting with the public can turn a hassle-filled travel journey into a far more palatable experience. Conversely, come across an employee who is in a sour mood can make things feel infinitely more frustrating.

The folks at Upgraded Points evidently became curious about where you’re most likely to encounter airport workers who make your air travel experience a bit brighter, because they recently analyzed passenger feedback (taken from Yelp and Google reviews), noting the number of people on each platform who mention friendly or rude staff members or TSA agents at the top 50 busiest airports in the U.S.

After compiling all the data, the outlet discovered that only six percent of reviews make note of friendly staff and an even lesser portion (two percent) mention encounters with friendly TSA officers at the average airport. However, there are some select airports out there that stands as beacons of hospitality.

Emerging at the forefront as America’s friendliest airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), boasting an exceptional friendliness rating of 44 out of a possible 50. Notably, an unmatched 19 percent of Yelp reviews of this airport commend its affable staff. That percentage is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering that more than 2,300 travelers have shared their experiences at PDX on Yelp.

Following in second position is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which secured a coveted spot with a rating of 43. For many passengers, avoiding unpleasant encounters is of greater importance than having positive ones, and IND travelers can rest easy in the knowledge that less than one percent of Google reviews mention any discourteous TSA personnel.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) clinches the third spot with a friendliness score of 39 and a set of reviews that underscore the pivotal role exceptional service plays within the aviation industry. The evidence suggests that passengers at JAX consistently receive cheerful assistance, ensuring each journey is characterized by warmth and hospitality.

Claiming the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, are John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).  SNA, which serves as a Southern California gateway, gets lauded for its operational efficiency and genial hospitality, while PIT distinguishes itself with a blend of gracious service and contemporary features. These include a streamlined X-shaped concourse and the distinction of operating as the world's first airport to be powered completely by natural resources.

Filling out the top 10 are Nashville