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 International Airport (BNA), Raleigh-Durham International
Airport (RDU), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Dallas
Love Field (DAL) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). BNA infuses the Southern
charm of Music City into its service ethos, while RDU stands out for its overall
efficiency and inviting atmosphere. CVG seamlessly blends traditional Southern
hospitality with modern Midwestern efficiency, DAL extends a warm Texan welcome
to travelers, and TPA mirrors Florida's sunny climate through its
service-oriented approach.
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