Newark Liberty International Airport earned yet another dubious distinction on Wednesday when it again came in last in a customer satisfaction study of major U.S. airports.

Although overall customer satisfaction of passengers who travel by air reached an all-time high this year, Newark finished well back in the pack, according to the J.D. Power 2018 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.

More than 40,000 passengers were asked about check-in, food, beverage and retail, accessibility, terminal facilities and baggage claim.

Newark Liberty received a score of 701 points on 1,000 point scale to finish 34 points behind two other hubs ranked in the "mega" airports category. Chicago's O'Hare International and Los Angeles International Airport tied for second worst with 735 points in the survey.

If there's good news it's that Newark airport's score was better than last year when it finished with 686 points, which also landed it in last place.

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and Orlando International Airport landed in the top spot with 781 points apiece. The average score among all 19 mega airports was 758.

New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport didn't fare so well either, finishing 14th with 752 points in the mega airport ranking.

New York's LaGuardia Airport was rated the worst in the "large airport" category. Philadelphia International Airport finished 22nd of the 24 airports that are part of that grouping.

In 2016, all four area airports were included in the large airport category. LaGuardia brought up the rear in the rankings. Newark and Philadelphia were rated the second- and third-worst that year. The "mega airport" category began the following year.

Newark also finished last among large airports in 2015.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark, JFK and LaGuardia said improvements are on the way.

"The Port Authority and private sector have committed roughly $28 billion in proposed investment to modernize our airports into 21st century gateways to the region," the agency said in an emailed statement.

"This includes the construction of entirely new terminals, upgraded runways/taxiways and improved roadways as part of the complete redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport, the Terminal One project at Newark Liberty Airport, and advancement of the JFK Vision Plan," the Port Authority said. "Additionally, we have launched partnerships with various airport stakeholders to introduce new technologies and concessions, facility enhancements including restroom upgrades, new retail opportunities and other amenities - all part of our effort to significantly enhance the customer experience for travelers while we are in the process of modernizing our airports."

The Terminal One project is a $2.7 billion overhaul of Terminal A. Terminal One is estimated to have a partial opening in 2021 and be in full operation by 2022, officials said.

The planned upgrades will reduce passenger congestion with new roadways and a pedestrian bridge. The airport will also get new dining and retail spaces as well as updated technology.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.