Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

U.S. Airports With the Friendliest Staff [2024 Data Study]

Alex Miller's image
Alex Miller
Updated: 
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
U.S. Airports With the Friendliest Staff [2024 Data Study]
Jump to Section
Table of Contents

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Nothing beats a warm welcome or a helpful hand from staff when you’re zigzagging through airport mazes. But bump into a grumpy TSA agent or a less-than-enthusiastic staff member and suddenly your travel vibe gets a dose of unnecessary turbulence. 

In this study, we examined passenger feedback from Yelp and Google reviews about staff behavior, focusing on mentions of friendliness and rudeness at the 50 busiest U.S. airports. Using this review data, we ranked the airports showcasing where travelers can expect the friendliest staff and the most helpful service. 

Advertisement

The 15 U.S. Airports With the Friendliest Staff, According to Yelp and Google Reviews

US Airports With Friendliest Staff
Image Credit: Upgraded Points

After crunching the numbers, we found that just 6% of reviews mention friendly staff and less than 2% mention friendly TSA at the average airport. But, of course, some airports are hotspots for hospitality. 

Leading the rankings as the most friendly airport in the U.S. is Portland International Airport (PDX), with an outstanding friendliness score of 44 out of a possible 50. 19% of reviews of the airport on Yelp mention friendly staff — the highest percentage of any airport we analyzed. This is no small feat considering that more than 2,300 passengers have left their thoughts on their PDX travel experience on Yelp. 

Following closely is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), securing the second spot with a score of 43. Avoiding negative experiences is arguably more important to some travelers than having positive ones, and good news for IND passengers: less than 1% of reviews on Google mention rude TSA staff members. 

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) ranks third with a friendliness score of 39, further highlighting the importance of exceptional service in the airport industry. At JAX, passengers consistently receive cheerful assistance, ensuring each trip is as pleasant as possible. 

John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) secure the fourth and fifth spots in the ranking, respectively. SNA, the gateway to Southern California, is celebrated for its efficient operations and warm hospitality, which are reflective of its sunny locale. Meanwhile, PIT stands out for its fusion of friendly service and modern features, including an efficient X-shaped concourse and the distinction of being the world’s first airport powered entirely by natural resources. 

Rounding 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). Nashville brings the warmth of Music City, while Raleigh-Durham excels with efficient, welcoming service. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky combines Southern hospitality with Midwestern efficiency; Dallas Love Field greets travelers with a friendly Texas welcome; and Tampa International reflects Florida’s sunny climate through its service. 

Passenger Picks: Largest U.S. Airports Ranked by Staff Friendliness

Diving into the full data, you’ll find a ranked snapshot of U.S. airports through the lens of staff friendliness based on real traveler feedback from Yelp and Google reviews. This data pinpoints airports where smiles are as frequent as flight announcements and where a kind word from TSA is part of the service.

The specifics show us where warmth wins and where improvements might be due for airport staff. Airports that weave together efficient operations with genuinely friendly interactions set the standard for what traveling should feel like. For travelers planning their next journey or those curious about where their local airports stand, check out our complete insights below. 

Advertisement

Methodology 

To uncover the friendliest airports across the U.S., we started by analyzing the 50 busiest airports, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). From there, we analyzed each airport’s Google and Yelp reviews. We recorded the number of reviews on each platform that mention friendly or rude staff or TSA and compared each of those metrics to the number of overall reviews for that airport.

The individual percentages were given scores from 0 to 5 and summed to reach a total score of 0 to 50, with 50 representing the most ideal conditions.

Final Thoughts

All in all, it’s clear that while the skies might always be open, the warmth of the welcome varies greatly from one airport to the next. And while these might seem like mere numbers, we can all agree that a smile or helpful gesture from airport staff can be the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth travel experience. 

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, the friendliness of airport staff significantly influences your travel experience. Here’s to the airports and staff members who go above and beyond, making every departure, layover, and arrival not just a process but a part of our journey to remember.

Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Alex Miller's image

About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Upgrade your travel experience

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© 2025 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status
Disclaimer: 

Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: 

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: 

The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.