While Managing Editor Kate Zaliznock is traveling, I am jumping in to share some travel news that crossed my screen this week as I consider hopping on the next plane.
You know you are a frequent flier when you have a favorite gate, right? There is soon going to be more to love as the rainbow on the other end of those under-construction signs could be more authentic grits, crab and bahn mi sandwiches. Guess I am not alone in welcoming a distraction during the layover. New airport satisfaction scores from J.D. Power show that after major expansions, travelers rate overall airport satisfaction higher when local touches are added to restaurant and retail options at terminals.
For once, geopolitical instability and uncertainty tied to U.S. tariffs are being blamed for slowing inflation. A new report from American Express Global Business Travel predicted hotel prices will stabilize with some high-end exceptions.
Finally, we end on a “Well, I’ll be,” note with a fun story out of Lexington, Kentucky about a travel planner that runs on hay.
New Dining and Retail Options at Terminals Raise Airport Satisfaction Scores
Despite widespread flight delays and rising costs, passengers in J.D. Power’s 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study reported they were slightly happier (up 10 points on a 1,000-point scale) about their time in the terminal, largely due to improvements in dining and shopping options. Smaller airports saw the highest improvements in satisfaction.
The study measures experience across seven areas—ease of travel through airport; level of trust with airport; terminal facilities; airport staff; departure/to airport experience; food, beverage and retail; and arrival/from airport experience. Airports are divided into three categories: mega, large and medium.
“We’re still seeing record numbers of travelers pass through the nation’s airports, and, for the most part, they are enjoying the experience,” said Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power. A big part of the increase is due to recently completed improvements in many airport facilities. A few big capital improvement projects have now been completed and many more are underway or about to break ground.
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San Diego International Airport (SAN) is opening phase one of an expansion this month with 19 new gates and 11 more on the way by 2028. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is in the midst of a $2.6 billion Terminal 3 modernization that expand security checkpoints and amenities along with airline lounges and a new check-in lobby scheduled for completion in 2029. DFW Forward at Dallas Fort Worth international Airport is investing $9 billion to add nine gates and a parking structure along with improvements to existing facilities. Ribbon cutting is scheduled for 2030. And John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York is adding 23 new gates, dining, retail and indoor green space planned for completion in 2030.
One of the bigger drivers of this year’s increase in passenger satisfaction is food, beverage and retail programs, which improved 14 points year-over-year across all airport segments. Efforts to incorporate authentic local food and beverage brands into terminal offerings have helped to fuel that increase.
The report found that airports handling more than 33 million passengers a year (defined as mega airports) experience longer wait-times and more crowding. On average, 56% of passengers traveling through medium airports and 50% of those traveling through large airports spent 10 minutes or less getting through security. These passengers are also more likely to characterize the airport as “mildly crowded” or “not at all crowded.” Among mega airport passengers, 23% spent 21 minutes or more getting through security and 57% describe the airport as “moderately crowded.”
Rankings
Mega Airports
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport(MSP) ranked highest in passenger satisfaction among mega airports for a second consecutive year with a score of 660.
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) ranked second with a score of 649.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) ranked third with a score of 634.
Large Airports
- John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) ranked highest among large airports for a second consecutive year, with a score of 730.
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) ranked second with a score of 709.
- Dallas Love Field (DAL) ranked third with a score of 705.
Medium Airports
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) ranked highest among medium airports for a fourth consecutive year, with a score of 713.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)ranked second with a score of 709.
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)ranked third with a score of 698.
Hotel Prices Predicted to Stabilize in 2026
Hotel Monitor 2026, a tool produced by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), predicts that global hotel rates will remain relatively stable through 2026 due to geopolitical instability and uncertainty surrounding potential U.S. tariffs limiting demand and restricting big price increases seen in recent years.
However, Amex GBT’s consulting team predicts continued rises in rates for high-end accommodation, due to growing demand. The biggest increases are predicted for Toronto, Canada (5.8%) and Madrid, Spain (4.8%).
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Hotel development projects in London (4.2%) and Riyadh (2.3%) could improve supply, tempering rates despite strong demand. London leads Europe with 80 projects and nearly 15,000 rooms on the way, while Riyadh tops the Middle East with more than 17,000 rooms in development, according to the report.
In New York City, hotel rates are predicted to rise by 4% despite projected softening of demand for inbound U.S. travel as New York remains one of the world’s top destinations for business travel and meetings.
The report points to India as the country to watch in 2026. Amex GBT anticipates another year of strong rate growth with price rises outstripping regional and global averages. The city of Bengaluru, which is one of the world’s leading technology and AI hubs, achieved the country’s highest occupancy and average room rate in the first quarter of 2025.
Equine Intelligence (EI) Harnessed for Travel Planning Activation
Worried about an artificial intelligence engine planning your next board retreat? VisitLEX, the destination marketing organization for the Horse Capital of the World, is promoting a head-turning alternative, an equine intelligence-powered travel planner.
Oliver, a black-and-white Paint/Shire cross who lives at the Kentucky Horse Park and also works with Lexington’s Mounted Police Unit, is planning trips through “Neigh-I,” a highly unpredictable, alternative to AI.
Here’s how it works: Travelers answer a few questions online, then Oliver makes the selections—choosing between carrots, apples, peppermints and horse treats—to build a custom three-day itinerary. According to promotional materials, each choice reflects his personality and local know-how—straight from “the horse’s mouth.”
