Airports

May 20, 2008: The annual JD Powers study of overall airport satisfaction looks at large, medium and small airports, rating airports on factors including airport accessibility, baggage claim, check-in/baggage check process, terminal facilities, security check, and food and retail services. This year, customer satisfaction is down significantly. And somewhat surprisingly, satisfaction with airports is lover than satisfaction with other travel components, such as hotels, rental cars and even airlines (but not by much).

How do they rank?

Large Airports:

Best: Philadelphia International Airport, McCarran International Airport, Orlando International Airport
Worst: Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle – Tacoma International Airport

Medium Airports:

Best: Chicago Midway International Airport, LaGuardia International Airport, Memphis International Airport
Worst: Oakland International Airport, San Jose International Airport, Portland International Airport

Small Airports:

Best: Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby International Airport, San Antonio International Airport
Worst: Tuscon International Airport, Albuquerque International Sunport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport ranked below average in the small airport category, but stayed out of the bottom 3.

Other interesting information found in the survey is:

-The number of passengers checking bags deceased from 77% last year to 66% this year
-Among customers with flight delays, the average delay was 68 minutes
-Retail spending in airports is down approximately 20% whereas spending on food and beverages has decreased only slightly
-Overall customers seem a little more satisfied with small airports than large or medium sized airports.
-More than 1 in 5 passengers report experiencing a delay

The full story can be found at the JD Powers web site: http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2008050

Remember - If you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!
Happy Travels!
-Gus

PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ADVISORY

* PASSENGER AIR TRAVEL EXPECTED TO BE VERY HIGH MONDAY MORNING, May 12

* ARRIVE EARLY FOR YOUR FLIGHT

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 9, 2008) – The Allegheny County Airport Authority has been notified by the airlines that there are a large number of travelers flying from Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday morning, May 12. If your flight leaves Monday, May 12, between 5 and 9 am at Pittsburgh International Airport, you should arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight. “The increase is most likely due to Mother’s Day, post-Penguins game traffic and business travel. Passengers need to come to the airport early and pack and dress smart to get through the screening process quickly,” stated Bradley D. Penrod, Executive Director, Allegheny County Airport Authority.