Top 10 Best US Airlines in 2025: Ranked for Every Type of Traveler

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but choosing the right airline can make all the difference in your journey. In 2025, U.S. airlines continue to raise the bar in terms of service quality, reliability, and global connectivity. This comprehensive guide evaluates the top U.S.-based airlines with a focus on both their domestic and international performance. We’ll rank these carriers based on crucial criteria like customer satisfaction, safety, value, route network, on-time performance, in-flight experience, loyalty programs, and sustainability. Whether you’re a business traveler chasing miles or a leisure flyer seeking comfort and value, this 2025 update will help you make an informed decision. Also Read: The best airlines in the world

Criteria for Ranking the Airlines in the USA

On-Time Performance: Punctuality is paramount. Airlines with higher on-time percentages and fewer cancellations rank better, as they minimize delays and disruptions. In 2024, Delta led U.S. carriers with over 83% on-time arrivals.

Customer Satisfaction: Quality of service matters from check-in to baggage claim. We considered traveler reviews and surveys (like J.D. Power and ACSI) to see which airlines consistently delight customers in areas such as staff service, problem resolution, and overall comfort.

Safety Record: All major U.S. airlines are extremely safe, but we factored in each carrier’s safety history, incident rates, and independent safety rankings. Notably, Alaska and Hawaiian were ranked among the world’s top 15 safest airlines for 2025.

Ticket Pricing & Value: We weighed fare affordability against the services offered. An airline isn’t just cheap — it should provide value for money. Carriers that balance competitive pricing with decent inclusions (e.g. baggage allowance or flexibility) scored higher.

Route Network & Connectivity: Airlines with extensive networks and international reach offer more convenience. We favored carriers that serve many destinations (especially globally) and those in major alliances, making it easier for travelers to get wherever they need to go.

In-Flight Experience & Comfort: Comfort on board is key — we compared cabin features like seat comfort and legroom, free Wi-Fi or entertainment, quality of meals, and cabin cleanliness. Premium cabin offerings were a bonus, but economy comfort was weighted heavily too.

Frequent Flyer & Rewards Programs: Loyal flyers want to be rewarded. We evaluated each airline’s frequent-flyer program (earn/burn ability, elite perks, partner redemption options) and any credit card tie-ins or unique rewards that add value for passengers.

Sustainability Initiatives: With eco-conscious travel in focus, airlines making strides in reducing emissions earned points. The use of newer fuel-efficient aircraft, the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon offset programs, and eco-friendly practices were all considered.

Comparison Table: Top 10 U.S. Airlines (2025)

To provide a quick overview, the table below scores the top 10 U.S. full-service airlines on each of the above criteria. Scores are on a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best), based on relative performance:

Airline	On-Time Performance	Customer Satisfaction	Route Network	Value for Money	In-Flight Experience	Loyalty Program
Delta Airlines	★★★★★ (83.5%)	★★★★★ (Top in J.D. Power)	★★★★★ (Global, SkyTeam)	★★★☆☆ (Premium pricing)	★★★★★ (Free Wi-Fi, meals on long-haul)	★★★★☆ (SkyMiles)
United Airlines	★★★★☆ (80.9%)	★★★☆☆ (Improving)	★★★★★ (Best int’l reach, Star Alliance)	★★★☆☆ (Mixed value)	★★★★☆ (Polaris business class)	★★★★☆ (MileagePlus)
American Airlines	★★★☆☆ (77.7%)	★★★☆☆ (Mid-tier)	★★★★★ (Extensive, Oneworld)	★★★☆☆ (Standard legacy pricing)	★★★☆☆ (Varies by aircraft)	★★★★☆ (AAdvantage)
Alaska Airlines	★★★★☆ (79%)	★★★★★ (82 ACSI score)	★★★☆☆ (Strong West Coast, Oneworld)	★★★★☆ (Good value)	★★★★☆ (Comfortable economy)	★★★★★ (Mileage Plan)
Southwest Airlines	★★★★☆ (77.8%)	★★★★★ (#1 for economy)	★★★☆☆ (Domestic + near international)	★★★★★ (Free bags, no change fees)	★★★☆☆ (All economy, basic amenities)	★★★★☆ (Rapid Rewards)
JetBlue Airways	★★★☆☆ (73.8%)	★★★★☆ (Strong in economy)	★★★☆☆ (East Coast focus, limited int’l)	★★★★☆ (Good economy value)	★★★★★ (Best domestic economy)	★★★☆☆ (TrueBlue)
Hawaiian Airlines	★★★★☆ (78.1%)	★★★★☆ (Good for leisure)	★★☆☆☆ (Hawaii-centric)	★★★☆☆ (Hawaii premium)	★★★★☆ (Island hospitality)	★★★☆☆ (HawaiianMiles)
Allegiant Air	★★★☆☆ (75.3%)	★★★☆☆ (78 ACSI)	★★☆☆☆ (Limited, leisure focus)	★★★★★ (Ultra-low base fares)	★★☆☆☆ (No frills)	★★☆☆☆ (Basic)
Spirit Airlines	★★☆☆☆ (67.1%)	★★☆☆☆ (Lowest in surveys)	★★★☆☆ (Growing network)	★★★★★ (Lowest base fares)	★★☆☆☆ (Tight seats, fees for everything)	★★☆☆☆ (Free Spirit)
Frontier Airlines	★★☆☆☆ (68.9%)	★★☆☆☆ (Low satisfaction)	★★★☆☆ (Expanding)	★★★★★ (Very low base fares)	★★☆☆☆ (Basic, no Wi-Fi)	★★☆☆☆ (FRONTIER Miles)

Best US Airlines in 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

Delta Airlines is widely considered the gold standard among U.S. carriers, with a long history of excellence. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta operates a vast global network across 50+ countries and consistently tops industry rankings for overall performance. Delta has been named the best U.S. airline multiple years running by independent analyses, thanks to its strong reliability and customer satisfaction.

With a fleet of roughly 950 mainline aircraft as of 2025, Delta is one of the world’s largest airlines by fleet size and passenger volume. It was founded in 1924 and has grown into a global powerhouse — initially a crop-dusting operation, now a key member of the SkyTeam alliance (partnered with carriers worldwide for extended reach). As of early 2025, Delta’s fleet (average age ~15 years) is a mix of Boeing and Airbus jets, including state-of-the-art models like the A350 and A330neo for long-haul flights. The airline serves 311 destinations in six continents, including major hubs in Atlanta, New York (JFK), Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Los Angeles.

Delta has continuously invested in modernizing its fleet and cabins — recently introducing services like free Wi-Fi for all passengers on most domestic flights and refurbishing interiors to improve comfort. Delta’s international business class (Delta One) and premium economy (Premium Select) are well-regarded, and it was a pioneer in offering premium economy among U.S. carriers.

History: Over nearly a century, Delta has grown through strategic mergers and innovations. Notably, it merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008, expanding its Pacific and Midwest presence. Delta was also the first U.S. airline to implement a comprehensive carbon offset program (in 2020) and has invested heavily in sustainability and tech upgrades. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Delta consistently led U.S. carriers in operational excellence — for example, it achieved the highest on-time arrival rate of any North American airline in 2024 despite industry challenges. This consistency in performance across categories (from punctuality to baggage handling) sets Delta apart.

Routes: Delta boasts a truly global network. It flies to all inhabited continents, offering extensive domestic coverage and international routes to Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. Key international gateways include Atlanta, New York-JFK, and Los Angeles. Delta’s joint ventures with Virgin Atlantic, Air France/KLM, and Aeroméxico further extend its connectivity for passengers. Whether you’re flying from New York to London or Los Angeles to Sydney (via partners), Delta’s network has you covered. Domestically, Delta’s hub-and-spoke system and focus cities ensure convenient connections; its presence is especially strong in the Eastern U.S. and growing on the West Coast.

Vision: Delta’s vision is “To connect the world” while maintaining a people-first approach. The airline emphasizes customer service, aiming to make the travel experience pleasant and hassle-free. This can be seen in initiatives like industry-leading operational reliability (Delta often goes months with 100% mainline flight completion factors, meaning no cancellations) and product improvements. Innovation is part of Delta’s DNA — for instance, it was the first U.S. carrier to launch biometric boarding and is continually upgrading its mobile app for seamless journeys. Sustainability is also a core focus: Delta committed $1 billion toward becoming carbon-neutral and is actively incorporating sustainable aviation fuel and more efficient aircraft into its operations. Overall, Delta strives to lead in customer satisfaction, safety, and environmental responsibility.

United Airlines is a major U.S. carrier based in Chicago, Illinois, known for its comprehensive route network and continual improvements in service. In 2025, United has solidified its position as a top-tier airline, especially for international travel. It operates approximately 900 mainline aircraft (a mix of Boeing 737, 767, 777, 787 and Airbus A320 family jets) and serves 370+ destinations in 60 countries — more worldwide destinations than any other U.S. airline. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, which further extends its connectivity for travelers. After some rocky years in the 2010s, United has made significant strides in operational performance and customer experience, making it a strong contender in 2025.

Founded in 1926 (as a mail carrier under Boeing’s ownership), United has one of the longest histories in aviation. Its growth accelerated through mergers — most notably the merger with Continental Airlines in 2010, which brought together Continental’s strengths (like its Newark and Houston hubs and Pacific routes) with United’s network. The combined airline retained the United name and has since focused on harmonizing its fleet and services. United’s headquarters are in Chicago, with major hub operations in Chicago O’Hare, Newark (NY area), San Francisco, Houston, Washington Dulles, Denver, Los Angeles, and Guam.

Recent Developments: United has been in an expansion mode internationally. In 2022-2024, it announced dozens of new long-haul routes (like direct flights to Johannesburg, Dubai, and new secondary European cities), branding this growth plan “United Next.” It also undertook a massive fleet order for new Boeing and Airbus jets to replace older planes and expand capacity. By 2025, United’s on-time performance has improved significantly — it ranked #2 among North American airlines in 2024 with about 80.9% of flights on-time. United’s customer satisfaction has also been climbing, though it did see a small dip in one index (ACSI) last year.

The airline has put a big emphasis on its Polaris business class product (launched late 2010s) which features lie-flat seats and upgraded amenities on international flights, as well as on premium economy (Premium Plus) cabin rollout on long-haul aircraft.

Routes: United offers one of the broadest networks in the world. It is the leading U.S. carrier to Asia (with hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles feeding flights to China, Japan, Australia, etc.), and also a leading carrier to Europe and Latin America. From Newark and Washington Dulles, United flies to a vast array of European destinations (London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, plus newer additions like Naples, Prague, etc.). Houston and Newark hubs give it a strong footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean as well. Domestically, United serves all 50 states and has a robust transcontinental schedule. The Star Alliance membership means customers can seamlessly connect on partner airlines like Lufthansa, ANA, Air Canada, etc., to reach virtually any destination worldwide.

Service & Vision: In recent years, United’s vision has been to shed its old image and emphasize a more customer-centric approach. CEO Scott Kirby (as of 2025) has prioritized operational reliability and bold growth. United aims to lead in innovation and sustainability — it has invested in futuristic projects like electric vertical aircraft for regional transport and sustainable fuel startups. The airline has pledged to go 100% green by 2050 without reliance on carbon offsets, a sector-leading commitment.

Onboard, United is enhancing the passenger experience: all its mainline aircraft are being retrofitted with seat-back entertainment screens and high-speed Wi-Fi. Its mobile app is one of the best regarded, and it introduced features like bag delivery tracking and connection assistance. United’s MileagePlus loyalty program is also notable — miles no longer expire, and the program was rated one of United’s strong points (especially its global award flight availability).

American Airlines remains one of the largest airlines in the world by any measure — fleet size, passengers carried, and network scope. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas (near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, its mega-hub), American Airlines operates nearly 1,000 mainline aircraft and serves 350+ destinations in 50 countries. It is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, partnering with carriers like British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Qantas to connect travelers worldwide. In 2025, American Airlines offers a comprehensive product that has improved in reliability and continues to innovate, though it sometimes faces mixed customer sentiment due to its sheer size and legacy issues.

American’s history is rich: Founded in 1930 from the merger of numerous small airlines, it grew into a transcontinental carrier and later absorbed icons like Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 2001 and US Airways in 2013. The US Airways merger vaulted American to the #1 spot globally at the time, solidifying its network of hubs across the U.S. Today, American’s major hubs include Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) — its largest, Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Washington National, New York JFK/LaGuardia, and Los Angeles.

Fleet & Innovations: As of 2025, American operates a mix of Airbus A320-family and Boeing 737 series for domestic routes and 777 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft for long-haul international flights. Notably, American has the youngest fleet among U.S. “Big Three” carriers, thanks to aggressive fleet renewal–its average mainline aircraft age is under 14 years. In 2024, American announced orders for 260 new Boeing and Airbus jets (737 MAX 10s and A321neos) and is phasing out older planes. This means passengers will continue to see newer planes with better fuel efficiency and cabin amenities.

American has invested in its premium cabins as well: its flagship First and Business on long-haul routes include lie-flat seats and access to Flagship Lounges at hubs. In 2024, American debuted the “Flagship Suite” on newly delivered 787-9s and A321XLRs — private business class suites with doors — to keep its premium product competitive.

On the tech side, American was the first U.S. airline to offer satellite-based internet fleetwide, and it’s implementing faster Wi-Fi on domestic flights. However, unlike Delta or JetBlue, American does not offer free Wi-Fi; it does provide free messaging and has power outlets on most planes. American’s in-flight entertainment strategy has been mixed: many domestic aircraft forego seat-back screens in favor of BYOD (bring your own device streaming), which some travelers dislike. The airline has indicated that upcoming deliveries (like the A321XLR) will reintroduce seat-back screens for long-haul flights.

Routes: American’s network is a true web across the globe. It dominates in Latin America and the Caribbean via its Miami hub (you can fly American to almost every major city in Central/South America and the Caribbean). It also offers an extensive Transatlantic network, centered on Philadelphia (a primary European gateway) and DFW/Charlotte for connections.

Flights to Asia were scaled down a bit in recent years (American partners with Japan Airlines for Asia via Tokyo, and with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong), but American still flies non-stop from DFW and LAX to key Asian cities. American is also one of the few U.S. airlines to fly to India (Delhi) and has a joint venture with Qatar Airways, giving access to the Middle East/India via Doha. Oneworld alliance membership means an American Airlines passenger can connect virtually anywhere in the world through partners.

Vision: American Airlines’ vision is to be “an industry leader in safety, customer service, and innovation.” The carrier has emphasized making travel seamless and comfortable. This includes investments in technology (like new mobile app features and improved self-service kiosks), and a focus on wellness and cleanliness. American has also committed to environmental goals, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It has started using sustainable aviation fuel on some flights and is updating its fleet to more fuel-efficient models.

On the loyalty front, American innovated by creating the “Loyalty Points” system in its AAdvantage program in 2022, which allows members to earn elite status via credit card spending and other activities, not just flying — this was seen as a forward-thinking move to engage customers (and indeed AAdvantage remains one of the most popular frequent flyer programs). Overall, American’s game plan is to leverage its size while improving the customer experience through modernization.

Alaska Airlines has built a beloved brand centered on friendly service, excellent reliability, and a unique route network along the U.S. West Coast and beyond. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Alaska Airlines is smaller than the three giants above, but it consistently punches above its weight in rankings. Alaska often tops customer satisfaction surveys among traditional airlines and was named the safest U.S. airline (#9 globally) in 2025. With its strong West Coast presence and a growing international reach through the Oneworld alliance, Alaska is a favorite for many travelers. As of 2025, Alaska operates a fleet of ~300 aircraft, primarily Boeing 737s (and some Embraer 175 regional jets), with an average fleet age under 10 years — one of the youngest fleets in the country.

Founded in 1932, Alaska began as a regional carrier in the state of Alaska and later expanded to the mainland U.S. Over the decades, it grew steadily, and a transformative moment came with the acquisition of Virgin America in 2016. That merger expanded Alaska’s footprint in California and brought in a fleet of Airbus A320 family jets (though Alaska has since transitioned back to an all-Boeing mainline fleet for efficiency). Today, Alaska’s primary hubs are Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), and Anchorage (ANC), with focus cities in San Diego and Boise. This network makes it a dominant player for West Coast travel, and it also has valuable routes to Hawaii, Mexico and transcontinental flights to the East Coast.

Network & Alliances: In March 2021, Alaska Airlines joined the Oneworld alliance, partnering with American Airlines and others, which greatly expanded its global reach for customers. Now an Alaska flyer can earn and redeem miles on partners like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and more. Alaska has code-sharing arrangements that funnel its West Coast customers into partner long-haul flights.

A major development occurred in 2024: Alaska Air Group completed the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024. This merger is set to reshape Alaska’s network, giving it access to Hawaiian’s routes to Asia and the South Pacific and inter-island operations in Hawaii. For now, Hawaiian remains a separate brand, but integration plans are underway — a significant expansion of Alaska’s reach to the Pacific.

Service and Reputation: Alaska Airlines has a sterling reputation for treating passengers well. It regularly scored #1 in J.D. Power satisfaction among traditional carriers for over a decade. The airline’s culture of hospitality — employees are known for friendliness — and its customer-friendly policies (for instance, a generous 20-minute baggage guarantee: if your checked bag isn’t at baggage claim 20 minutes after arrival, you get compensation) set it apart.

Operationally, Alaska is very strong: it ranks near the top for on-time performance and fewest cancellations most years. In 2024, it maintained about a 79% on-time arrival rate. Alaska offers a more “boutique” experience than the big three: for example, its aircraft have the most legroom in standard economy of any U.S. carrier. It doesn’t offer seat-back screens on most jets, but it provides free streaming entertainment to personal devices and, notably, most Alaska flights now offer free messaging and free Wi-Fi for T-Mobile customers, with reasonably priced Wi-Fi for others.

Routes: Domestically, Alaska is the go-to airline for West Coast travel. If you’re flying between West Coast cities (say Seattle to San Francisco or LA to Portland) or from the West Coast to Hawaii/Alaska, you’ll likely end up on Alaska or its competitor, Southwest. It also flies transcontinental routes (e.g., Seattle/Portland/San Francisco to New York, Boston, Washington DC, etc.), often with aircraft equipped with extra amenities for long flights.

Internationally, Alaska’s own flights concentrate on leisure destinations: Mexico (cities like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and Cancun), Costa Rica, and seasonal service to Belize, plus the short-haul hops to Canada. For Hawaii, Alaska is a big player — it flies from multiple West Coast cities to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, etc. With Hawaiian Airlines joining forces, Alaska’s customers will have even more options to get to Hawaii and beyond to Asia-Pacific.

Vision: Alaska Airlines’ vision centers on providing exceptional service with a personal touch, maintaining its track record of reliability, and growing sustainably. Despite its growth, Alaska often emphasizes that it hasn’t lost sight of its “small airline” roots in terms of customer care. Innovation is on the radar too: Alaska has been a leader in environmental initiatives — it was one of the first to recycle onboard waste and test biofuels on flights. The company set a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, ahead of many competitors. Going forward, with the Hawaiian acquisition and alliance memberships, Alaska aims to be a truly nationwide and international carrier while keeping its signature customer-focused approach.

Southwest Airlines is often in a category of its own: a low-cost carrier by design, yet a full-service experience in many ways. As the largest domestic airline in the U.S. by passengers carried, Southwest has a legendary reputation for low fares, friendly service, and customer-friendly policies. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Southwest’s focus is predominantly domestic U.S. flying (plus near-international routes in the Americas). It operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet of about 800 aircraft — making it the world’s largest operator of 737s. For 2025, Southwest continues to rank among the best U.S. airlines for customer satisfaction (especially among economy travelers) and safety, although its lack of long-haul international service places it slightly lower in this “full-service” ranking which favors global network reach. Still, for U.S. travel, Southwest remains a top choice for many.

Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King, Southwest began service in 1971 within Texas. It famously used a low-cost, point-to-point model with a quirky, fun-loving culture that disrupted the industry. Today, Southwest’s route map covers over 100 destinations across the United States and nearby countries (Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America). Uniquely, Southwest does not use the traditional hub-and-spoke system; instead, it operates many point-to-point flights and focuses on convenience and frequency. Major Southwest operations include Dallas Love Field, Chicago Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Baltimore, Atlanta, Houston Hobby, Los Angeles, and others — effectively, it has multiple “focus cities” rather than a few dominant hubs. This allows for lots of direct flights (avoiding layovers) between midsize markets that other airlines might not serve nonstop.

Customer Experience & Policies: Southwest is known for doing things differently. It has open seating — no assigned seats. Instead, passengers board in groups (A, B, C) determined by check-in time or status and pick any open seat. Southwest also allows two free checked bags for every passenger — a hugely differentiating policy in an era when most airlines charge ~$30 for the first bag. It also doesn’t charge change fees if you need to modify your ticket (you just pay any fare difference), which is very flexible. These generous policies have long endeared Southwest to leisure travelers and even some business travelers.

In-flight, Southwest’s offering is straightforward: all economy seating, with a free carry-on, free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and no big frills. However, it has been upgrading its experience; for example, Southwest now offers Wi-Fi on most flights (at a flat $8 per day rate) and free onboard streaming entertainment (TV, movies, and messaging). The airline is in the process of refurbishing its cabins with newer, more comfortable seats and larger overhead bins (a project called “Heart Interior”). While you won’t find seat-back screens or business class cabins, Southwest’s simplicity and the generally cheerful attitude of its crew often make for a pleasant experience.

Performance: Southwest had a tough moment in December 2022 with a highly publicized operational meltdown due to a winter storm and outdated crew-scheduling software, which led to thousands of cancellations. The airline invested over a billion dollars in 2023 into system upgrades and winter equipment to prevent a recurrence. The good news is, by 2024 Southwest bounced back — it achieved the #1 ranking for economy-class customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2024 study and maintained solid on-time performance (~77.8% in 2024, about equal to American Airlines). This resilience demonstrated Southwest’s commitment to reliability. Safety-wise, Southwest has an excellent record, and it was again listed among the world’s safest low-cost carriers in 2025.

Routes: Southwest’s bread-and-butter is domestic U.S. short-haul flights, often between secondary airports or less-congested hubs. For example, instead of Newark or JFK in New York, Southwest flies to LaGuardia and Islip; in the Bay Area, it uses Oakland and San Jose in addition to San Francisco. This strategy often means easier airport experiences and quick turnarounds. Southwest has also grown into longer flights — coast-to-coast routes like Boston to San Diego, or New York to Austin are common.

Internationally, Southwest’s operations are limited to North America. It flies to destinations in Mexico (Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, etc.), Central America (Belize, Costa Rica), and the Caribbean (Nassau, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Aruba, etc.). These are generally leisure routes and use Southwest’s 737s fitted with life rafts. Southwest does not fly to Canada or across the Atlantic/Pacific.

Vision: Southwest’s vision remains true to its origins: keep fares low and the flying experience enjoyable so that air travel is accessible to as many people as possible. Their slogan “Transfarency” emphasizes no hidden fees — what you see is what you pay. Culturally, Southwest is proud of its employee-centric model; a happy workforce is believed to translate to happy customers. The airline consistently appears on lists of best places to work, and this tends to reduce labor unrest and service issues. Moving forward, Southwest is heavily focused on modernizing its technology and fleet renewal — it has hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order to replace older 737-700 models, which will improve fuel efficiency and reliability.

JetBlue Airways is a carrier that blurs the line between low-cost and full-service, carving out a niche as a passenger-favorite thanks to its roomy seats, free amenities, and innovative spirit. Founded in 1998 and based in New York City, JetBlue grew from a small disruptor into the sixth-largest U.S. airline. It is known for its affordable fares and quality service — offering perks like free Wi-Fi, live TV at every seat, and generous legroom that many larger airlines don’t match. In 2025, JetBlue faces some headwinds (operational challenges and a now-blocked merger attempt with Spirit Airlines), but it continues to rank highly in customer satisfaction and has even expanded into transatlantic flights, bringing a bit of its unique flair to international travel.

JetBlue’s primary base is New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), and it has major focus cities at Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Los Angeles (LAX), and San Juan, PR. The airline operates about 280+ aircraft, mainly Airbus A320/A321 variants and the smaller Embraer E190/E195 (which are being gradually replaced by new Airbus A220-300 jets). Its average fleet age is around 12 years. Notably, JetBlue introduced the A321neo with a premium sub-fleet called JetBlue Mint, which offers a full business class with lie-flat suites on select routes — a first for a low-cost airline. This has allowed JetBlue to venture into long-haul markets and attract premium customers while still maintaining low fares in economy.

Service & Amenities: JetBlue has always put emphasis on the customer experience. Even in regular economy (“Core”), you get amenities often only seen on full-service carriers: a comfortable leather seat with above-average legroom (JetBlue’s standard seat pitch of 32-34 inches is one of the most spacious in U.S. coach service), a personal seat-back screen with free live TV and movies, free high-speed Wi-Fi (Fly-Fi) on most planes, and complimentary snacks and soft drinks. It was the first airline to offer free Wi-Fi on all flights gate-to-gate. These touches make JetBlue very popular, especially for longer domestic flights.

In 2023, JetBlue added a new onboard experience on its A321neo LR (long range) aircraft: an updated Mint business class with private suites and even a small walk-up social space, plus redesigned economy seats with adjustable headrests and in-seat power — all very well received.

Network: JetBlue’s network historically centered on East Coast to Florida and Caribbean flying (e.g., lots of service from the Northeast to Florida and from Florida to the Caribbean). It still dominates in those markets — for instance, it’s a leading carrier in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean leisure spots. Out of Boston and JFK, it also operates many transcontinental flights to the West Coast (often with Mint service, making it a competitor to the legacy airlines’ premium transcon routes).

In 2021, JetBlue made a bold move: it launched transatlantic flights from New York and Boston to London, and later to Paris (2023) — bringing its low fares and Mint premium product into direct competition with British Airways, Delta, etc. The response has been positive: JetBlue’s London flights have offered much cheaper premium fares and a solid experience, shaking up the market. Looking ahead, JetBlue has secured slots to start service to Amsterdam in 2025, further expanding its European footprint.

However, JetBlue does not belong to a global alliance, and its international offerings beyond London/Paris are limited. It relies on partnerships for broader connectivity — for example, it had a partnership (the “Northeast Alliance”) with American Airlines to feed traffic in NYC and Boston, but that was terminated in 2023 due to an antitrust ruling. JetBlue also has smaller interline partnerships with foreign carriers like Emirates, TAP Portugal, and Qatar Airways to help customers connect globally, but these are not as seamless as an alliance membership.

Recent Changes: In 2022, JetBlue announced a plan to merge with Spirit Airlines to become the fifth-largest airline. After much regulatory scrutiny, that $3.8B merger was blocked by a federal judge in early 2024 due to competition concerns. JetBlue subsequently terminated the merger agreement. Meanwhile, Spirit’s financial troubles landed it in Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2024, adding complexity to JetBlue’s competitive landscape.

JetBlue has expressed that even without Spirit, it intends to grow its fleet and reach. It has dozens of A220s and A321LR/XLRs on order which will allow new routes. On the customer front, JetBlue tweaked its TrueBlue loyalty program in 2023, introducing new elite tiers Mosaic 1-4, which offer perks like upgrade certificates for Mint and extra bonus points for top spenders.

Hawaiian Airlines is a boutique full-service carrier based in Honolulu, Hawaii, specializing in connecting the Hawaiian Islands with the mainland U.S. and the Pacific region. For travelers headed to Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines offers a unique blend of island hospitality, with touches like complimentary meals on flights and a warm cultural vibe. It has been renowned for its industry-leading punctuality (holding the title of most on-time U.S. airline for 18 straight years up to 2021) and an excellent safety record. In 2025, Hawaiian Airlines enters a new chapter as it was acquired by Alaska Air Group in late 2024. While it continues to operate under its own brand for now, this partnership is poised to boost its network and resources. Hawaiian’s relatively small size and niche focus put it lower in the overall top 10 ranking, but it remains the standout carrier for service to, from, and within Hawaii.

Background: Founded in 1929 as Inter-Island Airways, Hawaiian has a long history in the islands. It rebranded to Hawaiian Airlines in 1941 and has never had a fatal accident in the jet era, underscoring its strong safety reputation. The airline’s main hub is Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu, with a secondary hub in Kahului, Maui (OGG). It operates a fleet of about 60-70 aircraft, including Airbus A330-200s for long-haul flights, Airbus A321neos for West Coast U.S. routes, and Boeing 717s for the high-frequency inter-island flights. In late 2023, Hawaiian finally took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with more on order, to gradually replace the A330s and expand its capabilities.

Network: Hawaiian Airlines’ network is laser-focused: it flies from Hawaii to 9 mainland U.S. cities (including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Boston, and New York), and to several destinations in Asia and Oceania. These international routes include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), Australia (Sydney, Brisbane), New Zealand (Auckland), and occasionally other Pacific islands (e.g., Tahiti). It also has a robust inter-island network shuttling between Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii’s Big Island — carrying locals, tourists, and cargo.

Now, being under Alaska Air Group, we can expect closer integration with Alaska Airlines and possibly joining Oneworld in the future. On many mainland routes, Hawaiian faces competition from larger U.S. airlines and even Southwest (which started Hawaii flights in 2019). To differentiate, Hawaiian emphasizes the authentic Hawaiian experience: flight attendants wear island-inspired uniforms, the in-flight announcements and entertainment are in Hawaiian language and music, and even the meals (in certain cabins) feature local flavors. It’s a point of pride that your vacation “starts the moment you step on board a Hawaiian flight.”

Service & Cabin: Hawaiian offers a two-class service on most aircraft: Economy and First/Business. Its A330s and 787s have lie-flat seats in First (often branded as Business or First Class depending on route) arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration (787s will have 1-2-1 with direct aisle access). In Economy, Hawaiian’s seating is fairly standard (~31-inch pitch on long-haul jets), but what stands out is that Hawaiian still provides free hot meals in Economy on all transpacific flights — a rarity for U.S. airlines. Passengers also get a taste of island hospitality with a complimentary tropical juice drink service and snack. Personal entertainment screens are available on A330s and 787s; the A321neo has streaming entertainment to devices.

On inter-island flights (operated by 717 jets), it’s a quick 30-minute hop so only juice or water is served, but those flights are known for beautiful views and efficient turnarounds. The airline’s onboard crew are often praised for their friendliness. Hawaiian culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality (ho’okipa), and that translates to courteous, warm service on the plane. It consistently ranks well in customer surveys for long-haul leisure travel — many travelers find flying Hawaiian more pleasant than the big mainland carriers for their Hawaii trips.

Recent Developments: The big news of course is the merger with Alaska Airlines, completed in September 2024 after regulatory approval. This merger is touted to benefit both airlines’ customers — Hawaiian gains access to Alaska’s strong mainland network and customer base, and Alaska gains wide-body aircraft and Pacific routes. In practical terms, we could see smoother connections for people flying beyond Hawaii. There’s likely to be alignment of frequent flyer programs (for now, Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles and Alaska’s Mileage Plan are separate, but we might see integration or reciprocal benefits soon).

Another development: Hawaiian invested in new Starlink satellite internet, planning to offer free Wi-Fi on transpacific flights. In 2022, it announced a partnership with SpaceX Starlink to equip its A330 and A321neo fleet with high-speed internet, potentially starting in 2024. This would leapfrog Hawaiian from no Wi-Fi to one of the best Wi-Fi offerings if fully realized.

Allegiant Air is a unique U.S. airline focusing on ultra-low-cost leisure travel. Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant’s business model is to fly infrequently from smaller U.S. cities to vacation destinations (Florida, Vegas, California, etc.) at rock-bottom fares. It’s not a traditional full-service carrier by any means — it’s a no-frills, ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) — but we include it here as it’s one of the nation’s largest airlines and often ranks relatively well in value and even customer satisfaction for the niche it serves. In 2025, Allegiant continues to quietly expand its network of point-to-point routes while maintaining a solid safety record and improving operational reliability. It doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of bigger airlines, but for budget-conscious travelers with flexible schedules, Allegiant can be a convenient option.

Overview: Allegiant was founded in 1997 and reinvented itself in the 2000s under CEO Maurice Gallagher with a focus on secondary airports. It operates around 120 aircraft (all Airbus A320 family jets) and serves roughly 130 destinations, primarily in the continental U.S. Unlike other airlines that fly daily or multiple times daily on a route, Allegiant typically flies only 2-3 times per week on a given route. It targets leisure travelers who can adjust to Allegiant’s schedule and are attracted by low ticket prices.

For example, Allegiant might fly from Des Moines, Iowa to Orlando Sanford (a secondary Orlando airport) twice weekly — providing a direct connection that no other airline offers, at a very low fare (perhaps $59 one-way). This “pop-up” flying in underserved markets has proven profitable for Allegiant.

Allegiant’s network is heavily oriented toward Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Punta Gorda, etc.), Las Vegas (its headquarters and a major base), Phoenix/Mesa, Los Angeles, and more recently some mid-America vacation spots (like Nashville, Savannah, New Orleans). It also serves several smaller cities near popular areas. Many of the cities Allegiant flies from are not served by any other low-cost carriers nonstop. It does limited international flying (just a few routes to Mexico and the Caribbean on occasion).

Service Model: As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Allegiant charges for everything beyond the seat. The base fare gets you a seat and one personal item (like a small backpack). Want to carry on a larger bag or check luggage? That’s an extra fee. Want to choose your seat in advance? Fee. Want a soda or snack on board? Buy it with a credit card (Allegiant has no free drinks except water). There is no in-flight entertainment, and Allegiant’s planes do not offer Wi-Fi. Seats are the slim, non-reclining type to save weight, and seat pitch is typically 30″ or less. There’s no first class or extra-legroom section, though Allegiant does offer some “Giant Seats” on a few planes — basically two front-row seats with more pitch that you can pay extra for.

The airline’s focus is strictly transportation from A to B at the lowest cost; don’t expect amenities. However, Allegiant does things to make the leisure travel experience smoother: it packages hotel and car rental deals on its website (the company is actually called Allegiant Travel Company, emphasizing vacation packages). Often, you can bundle a flight+hotel in Las Vegas for very cheap through Allegiant. The airline tends to use smaller airports or less congested terminals, which can mean quick boarding and deplaning and often cheaper parking for passengers.

Performance: Allegiant has made strides in operational performance. It used to be known for occasional lengthy delays (due to its fewer frequencies — if one plane went tech, it had no backup and passengers waited long for next flight). But in recent years, Allegiant climbed in customer satisfaction indexes — notably, ACSI 2024 showed Allegiant’s customer satisfaction score jumping up to 78, which was better than other ULCCs and even above some mainline carriers. This suggests that those who fly Allegiant feel they get good value for what they pay. Allegiant also ranked 3rd among economy carriers in J.D. Power’s 2024 study, behind Southwest and Delta, which is quite impressive.

In terms of safety, Allegiant had some negative publicity in 2018 from a “60 Minutes” report questioning its maintenance. The FAA, however, stood by Allegiant’s safety standards, and since then Allegiant retired its old MD-80 fleet entirely, now flying only modern Airbus jets. It has had no fatal accidents in its history and was included in the 2025 Top 25 Safest LCCs list.

Spirit Airlines is perhaps the most well-known ultra-low-cost carrier in the U.S., infamous at times for its no-frills service and fees, but also responsible for making air travel affordable for many. Based in Miramar, Florida (near Fort Lauderdale), Spirit operates a dense network in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean with its bright yellow planes. In 2025, Spirit finds itself at a crossroads: after a turbulent 2022-2024 (including a thwarted merger with JetBlue and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in late 2024), Spirit is reorganizing but still flying and serving millions of customers. It remains the budget airline of choice for many young and cost-conscious travelers, offering generally reliable transportation at the lowest fares if you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort and pay for extras.

Network & Operations: Spirit’s network spans over 80 destinations. It has a major presence in cities like Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Las Vegas, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta, and Detroit, among others. It connects these hubs to lots of secondary cities and vacation spots. Internationally, Spirit flies to places like Cancun, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and more — primarily from Florida. It runs a point-to-point network but with some focus cities that have banks of flights.

Spirit’s fleet is one of the youngest and most uniform: about 200 aircraft, all Airbus A320-family (A319/A320/A321 and new A320neo/A321neo). The bright yellow livery with black “Spirit” lettering makes its planes very recognizable. Seating is tight: Spirit crams 178 seats on an A320 (where legacy airlines might have ~150-160). Seats don’t recline and tray tables are tiny. This maximizes efficiency and lowers fares. There is no free food or drink — everything is buy-on-board. However, Spirit has invested in some improvements: most of its fleet now has high-speed Wi-Fi available for purchase, and some newer planes feature updated seats with thicker cushioning.

Spirit’s hallmark is its low base fares and the menu of additional charges. Passengers can choose to pay for carry-on or checked bags, seat assignments, priority boarding, etc., or choose none of those to travel ultra-light and cheap. This can lead to incredible deals (e.g., $50 cross-country flights) for those who travel with just a personal item. Spirit also offers the Spirit Saver Club for an annual fee, which gives access to even lower fares and discounts on bags/seats — a sort of subscription model for frequent Spirit users.

Performance & Reputation: Spirit’s reputation historically has been rough — many recall jokes about fees to use the bathroom (not true) or the airline’s no-frills nature. It had a period of high complaint rates about a decade ago. However, Spirit worked to improve in the late 2010s: it upgraded its technology and operations and actually had a stretch of being one of the more punctual airlines. Still, during the summer 2021 travel rebound, Spirit suffered a major operational meltdown (cancelling ~30% of its flights over several days due to weather and scheduling issues). That exposed some fragility in their network.

By 2024, Spirit’s on-time performance was among the lowest in the industry (only ~67% of flights on time) and it had one of the highest cancellation rates. It also ranked dead last in J.D. Power’s economy customer satisfaction (507 points) and ACSI (67, lowest of all airlines). These figures show that while Spirit may deliver on price, it often disappoints in other areas. Crowded planes, delays, and minimal service can lead to frustration, especially for those not mentally prepared for the ULCC model.

A significant event: Spirit’s board agreed to be acquired by JetBlue in 2022, which led to much uncertainty and possibly underinvestment in the interim. After legal battles, that merger was blocked in Jan 2024, and Spirit subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Nov 2024 to restructure. The bankruptcy is aimed at reducing debt and lease costs; Spirit continues to operate flights normally during this process. The outcome could potentially leave Spirit as a more streamlined standalone carrier.

Loyalty Program: Spirit’s Free Spirit program was overhauled in 2021. It’s now points-based (points don’t expire as long as you earn every 12 months), and you can earn status (Silver or Gold) that actually gives meaningful perks like free bags and seat selection. A Spirit Gold member, for example, essentially gets a experience closer to a legacy airline — free carry-on and checked bag, free seat selection (including exit rows), priority boarding, drinks and snacks, and no change fees. Of course, very few travelers attain Gold (it requires either a lot of flying or credit card spend), but it’s interesting that Spirit has these tiers now. Free Spirit points can be redeemed for any flight (much like Southwest’s program) with no blackout dates, though the point requirements vary with the fare price.

Frontier Airlines is another prominent ultra-low-cost carrier in the U.S., known for its distinctive animal-themed plane tails and its cheeky marketing campaigns about being “America’s Greenest Airline.” Based in Denver, Colorado, Frontier operates a similar model to Spirit (in fact, the two planned to merge in 2022 before JetBlue’s bid scuttled that). Frontier’s 2025 status is that of an expanding ULCC that, like Spirit, trades comfort for cost savings. It has been aggressively adding routes — even transborder flights to the Caribbean and Central America — and promoting an unlimited flight subscription pass. However, Frontier struggles with operational reliability and customer satisfaction, frequently placing at the bottom of rankings. It’s an airline best for those who prioritize price and are willing to put up with spartan service and potential headaches along the way.

Network: Frontier has grown from a Denver-centric carrier to a nationwide player with multiple mini-hubs. Denver is still its largest base, but it also has sizable operations in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago O’Hare, among others. Frontier flies to around 100 destinations across the U.S., plus international points like Cancun, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico City. It often follows a seasonal approach — ramping up flights to sun destinations in winter and to northern cooler spots in summer.

Frontier’s network strategy is fluid; it tries routes and if they aren’t profitable, it will cut them quickly. This means lots of new destinations are announced each year, but also many discontinued ones. One notable product Frontier launched is the “GoWild! Pass” — an all-you-can-fly annual subscription (excluding taxes/fees) that has garnered attention. It allows pass holders to book any Frontier flight (domestic) the day before departure for free (plus taxes) or international flights starting 10 days before. This is a novel concept aimed at filling seats and generating upfront revenue, though the pass comes with many restrictions and Frontier’s reliability issues can make it a gamble.

Fleet: Frontier, like Spirit and Allegiant, operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet, about 125 aircraft, with orders for many new A321neo jets. Frontier’s average fleet age is very young, around 5 years, which is one of the youngest of any airline. This gives Frontier a fuel efficiency edge. They famously claim to be “greener” due to very high seat density (so fuel burn per seat is low) and modern engines. Of course, that “green” advantage comes at the expense of comfort — Frontier packs seats tightly (often 180 seats in an A320, similar to Spirit, and 230 in their new A321neos). No seat-back entertainment or Wi-Fi is available on Frontier as of 2025 (they’ve talked about adding Wi-Fi eventually but haven’t yet).

Service Model: Very much like Spirit: low base fare, everything else costs extra. Frontier even charges for carry-on bags and advance seat assignments. One difference: Frontier has a Discount Den program (now rebranded to the “Frontier Miles Elite 20k” for those who earn status, but Discount Den remains as a paid membership for fare deals) which for an annual fee gives access to discounted fares and perks like allowing kids to fly free on certain flights (with a paying adult). They are also heavily promoting their co-branded credit card as a way to get priority boarding and free bags (if you spend enough to reach Elite status).

Onboard, Frontier has no free snacks or drinks — you pay for everything. The crew often have to work the cabin selling credit cards or collecting payments, which some travelers find off-putting. Frontier’s seats are the slimline “pre-recline” seats with tiny tray tables (can barely hold a tablet). Essentially, the in-flight experience is about the same as Spirit’s, but without Wi-Fi (so perhaps a bit worse for those who like connectivity). Frontier’s branding with the animals and the focus on being environmentally friendly is an attempt to soften the image, but ultimately, it’s a bare-bones flight.

Performance: Frontier often has the worst on-time performance among U.S. airlines. In 2024, Frontier’s on-time arrival rate was under 69%, placing it at the bottom alongside Canada’s WestJet. It also had one of the highest complaint rates and poor J.D. Power scores. Part of the reason: Frontier tends to operate with very tight schedules and not a lot of spare capacity. They also prioritize cost-saving over operational padding. If a flight is delayed, there might not be another crew or plane readily available.

On a positive note, Frontier’s safety record is strong (no fatal accidents since its 1994 reboot, and it ranked #5 among the safest low-cost airlines globally in 2025). And being headquartered in Denver, they have expertise in dealing with winter operations at a challenging hub. But customer service, especially during irregular operations, is a sore point — Frontier infamously eliminated its customer service phone line in late 2022, moving to fully online/chat support to save costs. This means if you have an issue, you can’t call someone; you have to chat or use their app.

Best Airlines for Specific Travel Needs

💰 Budget Travelers

💼 Business Travelers

👪 Family Travelers

Bottom Line: The U.S. airline industry in 2025 offers a wide spectrum — from the globally connected giants like Delta, United, and American, to the high-quality niche player Alaska, to the customer-friendly Southwest and JetBlue, and finally the ultra-low-cost disruptors Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier. Every airline has its own strengths and ideal customer profile. For instance, United has surged in international prowess and on-time improvements, American boasts an unparalleled network and young fleet, and Alaska and Hawaiian excel in satisfaction and safety.

For travelers, the choice often comes down to what you value most: If you want luxury and reach, stick with the top legacy carriers or JetBlue Mint on select routes. If you want reliability and friendly service, Delta, Alaska, or Southwest shine. For budget-conscious flying, the ultra-low-cost carriers can save you a bundle — just be prepared to adjust expectations accordingly. The good news is that competition has pushed all airlines to improve in some way, be it through new planes, better tech, or new product offerings.

Ultimately, “best” depends on what you value — be it price, comfort, loyalty perks, or network reach. A business traveler might find Delta or Alaska as the best due to reliability and service, a family going to Disney World might love Southwest for the free bags and flexibility, an island-hopper will choose Hawaiian, and a backpacker on a budget could opt for Spirit or Frontier to save a buck. Before booking, consider what matters most to you: if you need safety and consistency, the legacy and established carriers have the edge. For customer service and comfort, the mid-size airlines often shine. If cost is king, the ULCCs can’t be beat — just go in with eyes open.

Safe travels in 2025! No matter which airline you choose, may your journeys be smooth and your experiences rewarding. ✈️