SAN FRANCISCO --
By Julia Olmstead, Web Writer

In an era of declining affection for all things air travel-related, San Francisco International Airport gets a boost Monday when it was named best airport in North America.

Skytrax, a U.K.-based aviation research agency, bestowed the honor, which is based on passenger survey results.

SFO director John L. Martin said the airport has prioritized passenger satisfaction by expanding retail and service offerings. In the past year, it has opened new stores, including Swarovski crystals and two new full-service spas. It has also begun offering amenities like free holiday gift-wrapping and a summertime music series.

“With so much transition going on in the airport industry, now more than ever it’s imperative for us to provide our customers with the best experience while they are at the airport,” said Martin. “We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts.”

Skytrax annually conducts a global survey of more than 8 million passengers, asking travelers to evaluate everything from restaurant quality to walking distances.

Hong Kong International Airport received top honors as Best Airport in the World, while Munich International Airport was named Best Airport in Europe.

Runners-up to SFO in North America were Vancouver and Dallas Fort-Worth International Airports, which came in second and third, respectively.