How California airports fared in the latest J.D. Power quality survey. John Wayne Airport took top ranking for “large” airports with a 796 score out of a possible 1,000 points. That was up 31 points from a year ago. Next came … (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

… second highest ranked in the state was was Ontario International. It scored 782, ranked No. 10 in the medium airport category. That score was up 1 point from 2016. (File photo)

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Hollywood Burbank Airport, formerly Bob Hope Airport, scored 779, ranking No. 14 for medium airports. That score was up 15 points from 2016. (Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News)

San Jose’s airport scored 770, good for a rank one notch below Hollywood Burbank. Its score was up 9 points from 2016. (Courtesy: Travel San Francisco)

San Francisco International scored 757, good for a No. 9 rank in the mega airport category. Its score was up 32 points from 2016. (Courtesy: Travel San Francisco)



San Diego International scored 757, good for a No. 8 rank in the large airport category. It improved 7 points from 2016. (Courtesy: Visit San Diego)

California’s worst? Los Angeles International scored 712, second worst among giant mega-airports. Only two airports scored lowers across all three categories, though LAX’s score was up 10 points from 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Caulfield)

Mike Taylor says the best nachos he ever ate were served at Javi’s at John Wayne Airport.

Now, Taylor’s no culinary expert but rather a guru on airport quality. But it’s items like higher-quality food that are becoming bigger factors in any traveler’s airport selection.

Orange County’s airport just took the top ranking for “large” airports in the latest national quality rankings from J.D. Power. John Wayne Airport’s 796 score — out of a possible 1,000 points — was up 31 points from a year ago, the largest improvement among its peer group. And the score was better than any of the larger “mega” airports tracked, too.

“It’s an airport that does everything well,” says Taylor, who heads up J.D. Power’s airport research. “They’ve got all the basics covered.”

Let’s be honest. Few people relish going to the airport. It’s simply a means to get from Point A to Point B, or Point C if a connection is necessary. But in the uber-security world we live in after the 9/11 attacks, we spend far more time in the terminal as we must arrive early to anticipate any hiccups in getting to the gate.

Thus, the quality of terminal time can be a decision point when we’re choosing our flights.

Certainly, the price of the flight is a key factor as well as the breadth of air service from an airport. But if given a choice, airport quality can make a difference. Especially if you’ve ever suffered the worst of Los Angeles International, ranked next to last in J.D. Power’s mega airport category.

Passengers first want an airport that’s both clean and in good condition, Taylor says. The ability to get to and from the airport is also key. John Wayne Airport excels in both categories, he says.

It can be subtle things, too. JWA has trimmed the number of video screens to reduce visual pollution and limited public address announcement — number and volume — “so you’re not constantly blasted,” Taylor says.

And believe it or not, soothing colors are important. “Serenity is really impactful,” he adds.

But what John Wayne does really well, is “what separates the men from the boys” — food, says Taylor. He likes the mix of local fare and eclectic offerings that give passengers dining at John Wayne options well above typical airport food: from well-known local concepts, Ruby’s Diner and Zov’s, to eateries with local themes such as the Anaheim Ducks and Hobie’s to a new Belgian Beer Garden.

John Wayne officials credit the high ranking to almost two years of work to improve the passenger’s experience. The effort included everything from discussions with Transportation Security Administration representatives to baggage handlers to ease the travelers’ comings and goings to cosmetic upgrades including fresh paint and carpet to refurbished bathrooms to a new nursing lounge for mothers.

“We want to treat everyone like guests,” says airport spokeswoman Deanne Thompson.

Airports across the nation have upped their marketing game as the airline industry regained profitability, post-recession. Not only is this due to competition between airlines, it’s also because airlines can participate in a terminal’s profits from the retail sales generated.

So what were once very utilitarian facilities, run in almost a military-like style, airports are now more innovative and entrepreneurial. Look around locally.

Ontario International — ranked as 10th best “medium” airport — won a hard-fought battle to become independent of LAX’s management so it could prosper. And Hollywood Burbank Airport rebranded from Bob Hope Airport to heighten awareness. It was ranked four notches below Ontario.

“Passengers do care about airports,” Taylor says.