Top 10 Best Airlines in the US 2024

The list of the top 10 best airlines in the US for 2024 reveals a familiar tailfin as the top choice, based on factors like cost, availability, reliability, and frequent flyer perks. The list includes airlines with the most reliable, comfortable, affordable, and safest services, sourced from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Delta Air Lines topped the list for the second year in a row, thanks to factors like no denied boardings, animal-related incidents, and no fatal injuries in aviation accidents. Spirit Airlines came in second with a small number of mishandled baggage reports and high safety ranking.

Southwest Airlines ranked last on the list for the second consecutive year due to a holiday meltdown and low safety ratings. The airline had the second largest share of canceled flights and registered at least one fatal injury in aviation accidents over the past five years.

Top 10 Best Airlines in the US for 2024

1. Delta Air Lines
2. Spirit
3. SkyWest
4. United
5. Alaska
6. Hawaiian
7. JetBlue
8. Envoy
9. American
10. Frontier
11. Southwest
12. Allegiant

1. Delta Air Lines

Delta Airlines has been ranked the top airline in the US for the second consecutive year, thanks to its low cancellation rates, delays, lost luggage, and denied boardings. With over 5,400 daily flights and routes to over 325 destinations across 52 countries, Delta has hubs in eight cities and serves over 120 million passengers.

Delta is part of SkyTeam, an alliance offering codeshare flights and airport lounges for other major international carriers. It is one of the “big three” airlines in the US. Delta’s success is attributed to its low cancellation rates, delays, lost luggage, and denied boardings.

Delta is a reliable airline with the best on-time performance and few mishandled baggage incidents. It has free WiFi on most domestic flights and hubs in major cities across the U.S.

Recommended: Top 20 Safest Airlines in the World 2023

2. Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is one of the best in the US, and won the Most Affordable title for 2023, thanks to its discounted tickets and lower baggage mishandling. Originally founded as a trucking company in 1964, Spirit Airlines entered the airline business in 1992 and has since gone on to become the seventh-largest passenger carrier in North America and the largest low-cost carrier in the region.

It has avoided a takeover by JetBlue and has also partnered with competitor Frontier Airlines, which also ranks as one of the most affordable airlines.

3. SkyWest Airlines

headquartered in St. George, Utah, it is the largest regional airline in North America, operating over 2,400 daily flights to 240 cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Its extensive network connects passengers between smaller airports and partner airlines’ hubs.

4. United Airlines

United Airlines, the third of the “big three” domestic airlines, has a broad network and a strong rewards program, making it a good option for people who live close to hub cities. It is a less appealing option because it performs poorly in comparison to major airlines when it comes to customer satisfaction.

It is still considered to be among the best in the US for 2023 in spite of this.

5. Alaska Airlines

Alaska is the best for pets thanks to its broad pet policies and relatively low fees. It offers a wide range of pet policies with affordable fees, including a Flight Pass subscription service for up to 24 round trips per year to specific destinations. Pets can travel in the cabin for $100 per pet, with a maximum capacity of 150 pounds.

They must be at least eight weeks old, able to eat solid food, and have a carrier size of 17″ x 11″ x 7.5. Alaska also allows pets to travel in climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments.

6. Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is the largest operator of commercial flights to and from Hawaii, the tenth-largest in the US. Based in Honolulu, the airline operates from its main hub at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oʻahu and a secondary hub at Kahului Airport on Maui.

It also has a crew base at Los Angeles International Airport. Hawaiian Airlines flies up to 10 million passengers per year, significantly less than Delta. Despite its low volume, Hawaiian consistently offers a positive experience with an AirAdvisor Airline Score above average.

It is the oldest American carrier without fatal accidents or hull losses and frequently tops the on-time carrier list in the US. It is ranked as one of the best airlines in the US for 2023.

Despite its limited network of 30 destinations, including Hawaii and popular Asian and U.S. cities, Hawaiian is a reliable choice for travelers seeking a high-class airline experience.

7. JetBlue

JetBlue is one of the best and the most comfortable airlines in the U.S. due to its extensive legroom, in-flight entertainment, free Wi-Fi, and business class options. The JetBlue Mint product offers sliding door suites, full lie-flat seating, and elevated dining.

Originally a budget airline in 1999, JetBlue now serves as a median option for travelers looking to save without feeling like they’re flying Spirit or Frontier. It operates over 1,000 daily flights and manages routes to 100 destinations across the U.S. and international locations, including Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Read Also: Top 10 Busiest Airports in the World in 2023

8. Envoy Air

Envoy Air is a regional carrier for American Airlines (AA). Apart from being one of the best in the US, Wallethub recognizes it as the most affordable airline in 2023. It has a five-year history without fatalities and fewer than 15 injuries, has been in operation for less than 10 years since its inception in 2014.

Located in Irving, Texas, Envoy Air operates Embraer jets and offers over 1,000 daily flights to over 150 destinations across North America, the Caribbean, and South America. The concept of an AA subsidiary is not new, as Envoy Air’s livery carries the American Eagle brand.

9. American Airlines

American Airlines is a popular choice for frequent travelers due to its simple rewards structure and large network. The airline offers a simple rewards program with a large network, allowing members to earn points based on miles earned flying with or spending with partner airlines.

Redeeming rewards starts at 7,500 points, and a user-friendly rewards map allows easy access to over 100 airport lounges worldwide.

10. Frontier Airlines

Frontier a low-cost airline, operates to over 100 destinations, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. However, they offer add-ons like carry-on baggage, priority boarding, flight flexibility, and check-in assistance, which can add up quickly.

The airline has the highest number of consumer complaints per 100,000 passengers in the latest DOT Air Travel Consumer Report (42.13).

Read Also: 20 Highest Paying Airlines in the World for Pilots

11. Southwest Airlines

Southwest is a top US airline known for its low fares and no extra charges, making it a popular choice for families. It ranks first in the economy and basic economy category in J.D. Power’s 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.

Families can sit together and change their travel plans if necessary, and Southwest does not assign seats to travelers. This allows families with young children to board the plane early between groups A and B.

12. Allegiant Airlines

In 13 different states, Allegiant operates flights out of 117 airports. Domestic passengers should be aware that in the Economy/Basic Economy category of J.D. Power’s 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, Allegiant placed higher than major airlines like American and Alaska Airlines.

However, if you want a transfer option or want to travel abroad, you’ll need to search elsewhere.

Bonus…

The Safest Airlines in the U.S.

1. Envoy Air
2. Spirit
3. Frontier
4. JetBlue
5. Alaska
6. SkyWest
7. Hawaiian
8. American
9. Delta Air
10. United
11. Southwest

The Most Affordable Airlines in the U.S.

1. Spirit
2. Frontier
3. SkyWest
4. JetBlue
5. Hawaiian
6. Alaska
7. Southwest
8. United
9. Delta Air
10. American
11. Envoy

The Most Reliable Airlines in the U.S.

1. Delta
2. United
3. SkyWest
4. Hawaiian
5. Spirit
6. Alaska
7. JetBlue
8. American
9. Envoy Air
10. Southwest
11. Frontier