JD Power’s most recent passenger satisfaction survey placed the three major Washington, D.C. area airports near the low end of the national rankings. The study, released on September 17, evaluated feedback from roughly 25,000 travelers and found Reagan National Airport to be the seventh worst airport among those surveyed.
The low scores applied not only to Reagan National but also to Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, which together joined the capital’s primary gateway in the bottom tier of the list. The ranking reflects travelers’ overall impressions of ease of travel, the condition of terminal facilities, the quality of airport staff, and the variety of food, beverage and retail options available.
JD Power conducts an annual assessment of North American airports, gathering passenger responses to gauge how well each location meets expectations. Participants in the 2026 survey were asked to rate their experiences across the four key categories, producing a composite score that determines each airport’s position in the national hierarchy.
Reagan National’s placement as the seventh worst among the surveyed airports highlights specific concerns raised by passengers, though the survey does not disclose individual numeric scores. The inclusion of Dulles and Baltimore/Washington International in the low‑ranking group suggests broader regional challenges in delivering the level of service that travelers expect.
Airlines and airport authorities typically use JD Power’s findings to identify areas for improvement, from streamlining security and boarding processes to expanding dining and shopping selections. The latest results may prompt local officials and airport management to review operational practices and consider enhancements aimed at boosting satisfaction for the millions of passengers who pass through the region each year.
The survey’s release adds to an ongoing dialogue about airport performance across the United States, providing a benchmark for future improvements and a point of comparison for other facilities nationwide.