California Airports Shine in Customer Satisfaction Rankings
In this week’s air travel news, several California airports have made notable appearances in J.D. Power’s latest customer satisfaction survey. John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Ontario International Airport stood out, with the former securing the top spot in its category for the second consecutive year. The survey results highlight the efforts of various airports to improve passenger experiences through capital investments and enhanced services.
J.D. Power’s 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study revealed that most California airports ranked in the middle of the pack, but there were exceptions. John Wayne Airport, part of the “large airports” group, achieved a score of 730 on a 1,000-point scale. Other California airports in this category included Sacramento, San Jose Mineta, San Diego, and Oakland, each with varying levels of satisfaction scores. In the “mega” category, San Francisco International Airport ranked ninth with a score of 613, while Los Angeles International Airport placed 15th with a score of 589.
The smallest category, designated as “medium,” saw Ontario International Airport rank second with a score of 709. Hollywood Burbank Airport finished ninth with a score of 663. These rankings are based on over 30,000 traveler surveys conducted over the past year. Despite challenges like flight delays and cancellations, overall customer satisfaction increased across all categories. J.D. Power attributed this improvement to major capital projects and enhanced food, beverage, and retail programs at many facilities.
Spirit Airlines Introduces New Perks and Faces Downsizing
Spirit Airlines has introduced a new perk for its credit card holders, allowing them to check up to two bags for free when booking through their website or mobile app. This benefit also applies to items like golf clubs and skis, provided they meet the airline’s usual checked bag requirements. Additionally, primary cardholders enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and access to premium economy or Spirit First seats. A 25% rebate on in-flight food and beverage purchases is also available.
However, Spirit continues to downsize its operations, with plans to furlough approximately 1,800 flight attendants, representing about one-third of its cabin crew. The airline has also eliminated 11 cities from its route network and expects to reduce overall capacity by 25% in November.
Delta Adds YouTube to In-Flight Entertainment
Delta has rolled out YouTube content as part of its in-flight entertainment lineup. Passengers can now access a selection of popular YouTube creators, podcasts, and music playlists on most flights. The content is available through seatback screens on 930 aircraft or via Delta Sync Wi-Fi on personal devices. SkyMiles members can enjoy a 14-day free preview of YouTube Premium on domestic flights starting October 1.
Southwest Airlines Expands Extra-Legroom Seats
Southwest Airlines is increasing the availability of extra-legroom seats as it reconfigures its fleet for the transition to assigned seating in late January. Nearly half of the aircraft in its fleet now feature five rows of extra-legroom seats in the front and three in the middle around window exits. These seats offer 34 inches of pitch compared to 31-32 inches for standard seats. The updated planes include all of Southwest’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft used on routes to Hawaii.
JSX Prepares for Turboprop Operations
Small-jet public charter operator JSX is preparing to introduce ATR turboprop aircraft in California during November. The company plans to operate these planes on routes up to two hours in length, offering a premium layout with extra legroom. JSX will initially use two leased ATR planes, with future plans to add 15 to 25 more. The turboprops require half as much runway and burn half as much fuel as Embraer jets, enabling access to more secondary airports.
Domestic and International Route Updates
Southwest Airlines is adding a new route between Fresno and San Diego on October 2, with one daily round trip. The airline is also increasing frequencies on its San Diego-Tampa route from one flight a week to five, operating Thursday through Monday. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines is dropping 11 cities from its route map next week, including Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
On the international front, Alaska Airlines will end its Los Angeles International-Monterrey, Mexico, route on October 3. Cathay Pacific plans to revive Seattle-Hong Kong service in March 2025, using a three-class A350-900. Romanian carrier HiSky will add Chicago O’Hare as a gateway next summer, operating two A330 flights a week. Delta will not renew its summer seasonal service from New York JFK to Geneva, Switzerland, next year.
San Diego International Airport Unveils New Terminal
San Diego International Airport has opened the first phase of its new Terminal 1, featuring 19 boarding gates, 69 check-in kiosks, and 66 ticket counters. The terminal includes a 13-lane security checkpoint, seven baggage carousels, 17 restaurants and retail stores, and an outdoor dining area. Construction of the second phase of Terminal 1 is scheduled to begin next year, with additional gates opening in 2026 and 2028.
Alaska Airlines is expanding its premium lounge network at San Diego, planning to build a new Alaska Lounge at SAN. This lounge, set to open in early 2027, will be one of the largest at the airport.
