If you want your next flight to be smooth, tasty, and surprisingly pleasant, head to Minneapolis. 

JD Power says Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the country’s must-go airport. 

It scored 660 out of 1,000 in JD Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study, which surveyed 30,439 travelers from the US and Canada who flew in the last 30 days.

‘MSP was easy to access, the staff was friendly, the terminal facilities were impressive and clean, the food, drink and retail offerings were outstanding and passengers trust the airport,’ Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at JD Power told Daily Mail.

The Minnesota airport narrowly beat Detroit Metropolitan, Phoenix Sky Harbor, JFK, and Dallas/Fort Worth for the top spot. 

The data comes after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) found that over 10 million travelers were screened by airport security during Labor Day weekend.

Improvements to TSA PreCheck — letting travelers keep belts, jackets, and laptops on — helped push MSP to the lead. 

The TSA also added expedited lanes and discounts for US military members as part of its ‘Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease’ program.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) had the highest satisfaction ranking

The airport is known for many perks — including its Food, Beverage and Retail program

Besides this initiative, the organization upgraded its TSA PreCheck — a paid service for ‘low-risk travelers’ that offers ‘a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint.’

It allows travelers to use a separate and shorter security lines. It also comes with a slew of perks — including the privilege of not having to remove belts or light jackets and keeping laptops and liquids in carry-on bags.

Other airports are trying to catch up. Detroit, a past JD Power award winner, is upgrading its dining options. 

JFK and Dallas/Fort Worth are in the middle of major construction projects, which is affecting scores but promises a better experience down the line. 

Taylor said: ‘DTW is a past multiple JD Power award winner, this year they were just barely behind MSP in most dimensions and are making improvements to their food, drinks and retail, which should help them challenge for the top spot again,’ he said.

‘JFK is experiencing major construction which is disrupting access to the airport. 

‘This is likely to continue for the next few years with a greatly improved airport at the end of that time. DFW is phasing in and out of major construction, again with the objective of a better airport experience at the end of construction.’

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD )got a poor score, mostly due to being overcrowded and overdue for terminal upgrades. Newark Liberty International finished last, hindered by access issues and air traffic problems.

Managing director Michael Taylor of JD Power praised MSP

Newark Liberty International Airport received the lowest satisfaction ranking

O’Hare was also recently named the nation’s most stressful airport.

‘Chicago has yet to begin its major terminal reconstruction. 

;Being such a large and busy airport, passengers are likely to experience frustrations while traveling through Chicago,’ Taylor explained. 

Newark Liberty International Airport finished in last place after making headlines for air traffic controller issues. However, Taylor insisted airport access made it finish so low.

‘JD Power has noted that airports that have access issues usually have difficulties achieving higher scores in most dimensions as access issues create a lot of anxiety for flyers who are trying to make a departure time,’ Taylor said.

‘If they are stressed for time, they can’t enjoy what the airport has to offer.’

Newark is undergoing Terminal B construction and inter-terminal train restoration. However, improvements at large airports can have ‘years-long lead times.’ 

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, the nation’s busiest airport handling 5.12 million passengers in August, only made the top 15 — though its food scene remains a crowd favorite.