The United States has several airlines that offer excellent services. Photo: Semana
There are several factors to consider when planning long-term trips to the United States.. One of the most important is what **airline** will take you to your destination. Although many airlines can take you where you want to go, the **travel experience** can change significantly in aspects such as **boarding processes, amenities, and baggage policies**.
**WalletHub** recently published a ranking of the best airlines in the **USA**. The site compared the nine largest domestic airlines, plus one regional airline, using 13 parameters in three main categories:
- Baggage and departure flights
- Comfort and price of the flight
- Security
**Which US airline dethroned Delta Air Lines from the top spot?**
**Alaska Airlines** achieved the highest score in WalletHub’s analysis, with 68.07 points out of a possible 100. Although Delta Air Lines took the top spot in 2022 and 2023, Alaska Airlines was number one from 2017 to 2019 and once more in 2021. In this ranking, Alaska was also recognized as the third most reliable and comfortable airline, and the fourth most affordable.
**Alaska Airlines offers its customers free Starbucks coffee during the flight** and has operations centers along the northwest coast of the United States. As a member of the alliance **Oneworld**, which includes 13 airlines such as American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and British Airways, Alaska Airlines can provide special benefits to its passengers, including the option to change one flight for another within the same alliance when necessary.
In early 2024, **NerdWallet** ranked Alaska as the best airline and best airline rewards program.
Alaska Airlines is the best airline in the United States. Photo: Alaska
**The Best Airlines in the United States, According to WalletHub**
- Alaska Airlines (68.07 points)
- SkyWest Airlines (65.96 points)
- Spirit Airlines (65.69 points)
- Delta Air Lines (61.56 points)
- United Airlines (51.96 puntos)
- JetBlue Airways (51.6 points)
- Hawaiian Airlines (48.3 puntos)
- American Airlines (46.52 points)
- Frontier Airlines (43.57 points)
- Southwest Airlines (36.03 puntos)
**How were US airlines evaluated?**
Airlines were evaluated on several parameters, including the number of reports of mishandled baggage, the frequency of flight cancellations, the availability of free refreshments, and the frequency of delays. Each company received a maximum score of 100 points.
After holding the top spot for two years, Delta Air Lines fell to fourth place, behind new number one Alaska Airlines, as well as SkyWest and Spirit.
Despite losing its leadership position, Delta remains the most reliable airline due to its low rate of cancellations, delays, mishandled baggage, and denied boarding. It was also ranked as one of the most comfortable in terms of the flying experience.
** What are the cheapest airlines in the United States? **
The cheapest airline to fly within the United States is **Frontier Airlines**, according to the Skyscanner portal.
Frontier Airlines is the cheapest airline to fly to in the United States. Photo: Frontier
Best Airlines in the United States: Alaska Takes the Lead
Planning a trip to the United States? One of the most important decisions you’ll make is which airline to fly with. While many airlines can get you to your destination, your overall travel experience can vary significantly based on factors like boarding procedures, amenities, and baggage policies.
WalletHub recently released a comprehensive ranking of the best airlines in the US. They compared nine of the largest domestic airlines, alongside one regional airline, across 13 key parameters in three main categories:
- Baggage and Departure Flights
- Comfort and Flight Price
- Safety and Security
Alaska Airlines Takes the Top Spot
Alaska Airlines emerged as the top performer in WalletHub’s analysis, scoring a remarkable 68.07 points out of a possible 100. While Delta Air Lines held the top spot in 2022 and 2023, Alaska Airlines previously reigned supreme from 2017 to 2019 and once more in 2021. In this latest ranking, Alaska also stood out as the third most reliable and comfortable airline, and the fourth most affordable.
Alaska Airlines is known for offering its passengers complimentary Starbucks coffee during flights. The airline operates flight centers predominantly along the northwest coast of the United States. As a member of the Oneworld alliance, which includes 13 other airlines like American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and British Airways, Alaska Airlines provides special benefits to its passengers, such as the ability to switch flights within the same alliance when needed.
In early 2024, **NerdWallet** named Alaska Airlines both the best airline overall and the best airline rewards program.
Alaska Airlines boasts a reputation for excellent service and customer satisfaction. Photo: Alaska
Top US Airlines According to WalletHub
- Alaska Airlines (68.07 points)
- SkyWest Airlines (65.96 points)
- Spirit Airlines (65.69 points)
- Delta Air Lines (61.56 points)
- United Airlines (51.96 points)
- JetBlue Airways (51.6 points)
- Hawaiian Airlines (48.3 points)
- American Airlines (46.52 points)
- Frontier Airlines (43.57 points)
- Southwest Airlines (36.03 points)
Evaluating the Airlines: Key Metrics Used
Each airline was evaluated across several critical parameters, including:
- Mishandled baggage reports
- Flight cancellation frequency
- Availability of free refreshments
- Delay frequency
Each airline received a maximum score of 100 points based on their performance in each of these areas.
While losing its top position, Delta Air Lines remained the most reliable airline, boasting the lowest rates of flight cancellations, delays, mishandled baggage, and denied boarding. It also ranked among the most comfortable airlines in terms of the overall flight experience.
Cheapest Option for US Domestic Flights: Frontier Airlines
According to the travel search platform Skyscanner, the most affordable airline for domestic US flights is Frontier Airlines.
Frontier Airlines is known for its budget-friendly fares. Photo: Frontier
When choosing an airline, it’s essential to consider your priorities. Do you value affordability, on-time performance, or personalized amenities? By carefully reviewing these rankings and factors, you can make an informed decision regarding which airline best suits your travel needs and preferences.
