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Where CLT lands among North America's best airports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Despite ongoing construction projects and the crush of record-breaking passenger traffic, Charlotte Douglas International Airport earned a customer satisfaction score that’s in line with the all-time high achieved by peer facilities, according to J.D. Power.

[RELATED: Former TSA agent at Charlotte Douglas sentenced in drug trafficking conspiracy]

The firm, known for its consumer satisfaction surveys on everything from cars to financial institutions, is out this week with its report on North American airports. The study found across-the-board improvements in five factors — check-in; food, beverage and retail; accessibility; terminal facilities; and baggage claim — helped drive overall passenger satisfaction to 761 out of a possible 1,000 points. That’s 12 points higher than last year’s overall score and a new record for that measure, according to a news release.

[RELATED: Low-cost airline to bring new international service at Charlotte Douglas]

“North America airports have been doing a tremendous job managing passenger volume, adding amenities, and keeping travellers (sic) moving despite some noteworthy challenges, but they will be put to the true test over the next few years,” said Michael Taylor, travel practice lead at J.D. Power, in the release. “Several multi-billion-dollar airport construction projects — such as those in Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago — are reaching phases in which passenger disruption and increased traffic will be incredibly hard to avoid. How well these rapidly expanding airports manage throughout these infrastructure projects will provide valuable insight into what’s in store on a nationwide basis.”

See how CLT compares here.

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