Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has once again snagged a superlative J.D. Power’s 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Unfortunately, that achievement is “worst large airport.” Even more distressing, it’s the fourth year in a row that PHL has earned this title.
Over the past year, J.D. Power surveyed more than 26,000 travelers from airports all over the country. The survey asked travelers to rate airports on terminal facilities, airport staff, ease of navigating the airport, retail and food experience, arrival experience, departure experience and overall trust in the airport. J.D. Power then tallied up the numbers and gave each airport a score out of a possible 1,000 points.
PHL scored a dismal 541 out of 1,000 points, well below the average for large airports (those that serve between 10 million and 32.9 million passengers a year), which hovers around 629 points. While travelers did applaud the airport's local food spots, this small win wasn’t enough to save the airport from a bottom-rung finish. Surveyed travelers lamented everything from its outdated terminal facilities to underwhelming retail options. In fact, even notoriously disliked airports like Chicago Midway and LaGuardia managed to best Philly.
Officials have promised long-term upgrades to key infrastructure, including revamped restrooms and improved signage. Still, with airport CEO Atif Saeed admitting there’s a long road ahead, it might be a while before Philly travelers stop wondering if Newark is a better option.
So, unless you enjoy marathon walks to your gate and questionable WiFi, you might want to plan some extra time—or consider a road trip instead.