The Top 10 U.S. Airlines in 2024, According to a New Study
Choosing the right flight can feel like a puzzle, especially with so many factors to consider. There’s ticket prices, the airline’s reputation, onboard WiFi, baggage handling, and whether they actually arrive on time! A recent report compared domestic airlines across three key areas: baggage and departures, in-flight comfort, and safety.
It might sound weird, but one of the most fun parts of traveling for me is the planning. It just excites me to map out the ultimate itinerary and daydream for weeks before my departure about the fun adventures I’ll have and the sights I’ll see. But I’ll admit, the worst part is getting there…I’m not the biggest fan of flying.
Want to know which airlines are the best for your next trip? You won’t know what suits you until you give them a try!
Best Airline Overall: Alaska Airlines
If I’m flying within the U.S., I usually check Alaska flights first since they’re affordable and comfortable. With stellar on-time arrivals and top-notch customer satisfaction, it’s no wonder travelers rave about their clean, spacious planes and fantastic baggage handling. You’ll love the first-class experience, featuring plush RECARO leather seats that recline generously and offer plenty of legroom, plus power outlets for your devices!
When it comes to safety, Alaska Airlines doesn’t cut corners. They rank at the top for safety measures, boasting the lowest number of injuries in aviation incidents.
Best Regional Airline: SkyWest Airlines
If SkyWest doesn’t sound familiar to you, it may be because they usually partner with big names like United, Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines. Even if some pilots look young, don’t worry—SkyWest has a solid safety record and follows strict regulations for training. Every month, they safely fly around 2.5 million people across North America.
Passengers can expect comfy seats with decent legroom, along with complimentary snacks and drinks. Plus, they’ve built a reputation for being on time, and their friendly flight attendants make the journey even more pleasant.
Safest and Most Affordable Airline: Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines have made a name for themselves with low fares and no-frills flights, but don’t let those dramatic TikTok videos scare you! Despite the jokes poking fun at this airline, Spirit can be a good budget option for travelers who want to save money. Spirit is FAA-certified, just like the pricier airlines, so you’re flying safely. Oh, and Spirit is surprisingly punctual! Plus, their flight attendants are fun, sometimes playing games where you can win 1,000 free air miles.
Pro tip: Pack light, and you won’t have to worry about extra baggage fees. If you do need an extra bag, buy it online when booking for the best deal!
Most Comfortable Airline: Delta Air Lines
You can count on two things with Delta: reliability and professionalism. You’ll enjoy fast, free WiFi even on domestic U.S. flights, plus 1,000+ hours of free entertainment on your seatback, including live TV, new movies, and premium shows. If you’re hungry, they have chef-inspired meals, healthy snacks, craft beer, and Starbucks coffee to keep you happy in the air.
Their planes are serviced with top-quality jet engine parts, prioritizing safety. Canceling or changing your flight prior to departure is so easy (though I doubt you will). No wonder its commitment to safety and premium customer service won the 2024 Airline of the Year.
United Airlines
Many Americans trust United for their flights, and booking with them is super easy. You can reserve online, via their app, through sites like Expedia or Kayak, by phone, or even at the airport. One cool perk? United is part of the Star Alliance, so you can earn and use miles with other big airlines like Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, and Swiss Air Lines.
If you’re flying United’s Polaris business class, expect lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and even a sundae cart! In other cabins, you can stream entertainment on your device, though space might be a bit tighter.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue practically has a devoted fan club. If you know anyone who flies to New York often, you’ve probably heard them sing the praises of this airline. JetBlue has been New York’s “cheap chic” airline since 2000. With free, high-speed WiFi at every seat and the most legroom for a domestic airline, your flight experience is hard to beat. They even offer free snacks and drinks on every flight, and if you’re on one of their Mint planes, you can raid the pantry for as many goodies as you want—free of charge!
The cabins have one of the best interiors, with blue mood lighting and stylish lavatories that are always clean. Their 7 out of 7 safety rating speaks for itself.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is your go-to for a relaxed getaway, delivering reliable service and friendly staff from the moment you board. You’ll be transported to paradise with their delicious, island-inspired meals that make you feel like you’re already on vacation. They are even committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050!
When it comes to safety, you can fly with peace of mind. As one of the oldest airlines in the U.S., Hawaiian has an impressive track record—never having a fatal accident involving a passenger aircraft.
American Airlines
American Airlines is a good choice for travelers, no matter your budget. Known for its safety and great mileage redemption options, it connects you to destinations all over the globe with various ticket types to suit your needs.
No matter what ticket you choose, you can enjoy WiFi with a free library of movies, music, and TV shows to stream on your device. For a little extra comfort, opt for a Main Cabin Extra seat with up to 39 inches of legroom. Just a heads-up, though: they’re still working on improving their on-time performance and baggage handling.
Frontier Airlines
I get it—there are plenty of terrible stories out there about flying with Frontier, but there are good reasons it’s on the list of best airlines. For starters, who doesn’t love easy and affordable flights? If you’re familiar with the rules, you can dodge most of the common complaints.
The planes are clean, even the bathrooms, and the flight attendants are super friendly. While delays and cancellations can happen, most travelers report only minor hiccups.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a flexible and budget-friendly choice, landing it a spot in the top 10 best airlines—and it’s often cheaper than the bigger names! With a fantastic flexible ticket policy and free checked bags, you won’t find those annoying fees that other airlines love to charge.
Of course, in-flight entertainment is free! If you fly often, check out the Companion Pass—it lets someone you choose fly almost for free for the rest of the year and into the next.
Source: WalletHub
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