I’ve been writing about the airline industry for over 10 years now. I’ve flown well over 1,000,000 miles (most of it within the US), I’ve eaten more than my fair share of questionable airline food, and I think my lower back is permanently tweaked from spending so many hours in uncomfortable economy class seats.
I would like to think that I have earned the credentials necessary to put together a list of the best domestic airlines. The United States version at least.
So let’s do this! The following is my personal ranking of all the US airlines from the best to worst. Of course, this will be my opinion only, based on my own experiences. I mean, if Skytrax can make **** up, why can’t I?
Best domestic airlines (ranked from best to worst)
Full disclosure: I’ve flown every airline in this list (see my flight log for details). Some of them I’ve flown hundreds of times each. Some of them I like, and some of them I don’t. Knowing how often my opinion changes on things, my plan is to update this list every year.
And unlike Skytrax, I refuse to accept bribes which would skew the results of these rankings. Unless it’s a 6 figure bribe. Those are the kinds of bribes I like…
Anyway, here are what I consider to be the best airlines in the ranked US from the best to worst:
1. Delta
It’s really hard to say anything bad about Delta. I like them the most because they have a massive fleet of aircraft covering nearly every corner of the United States. They serve every city on their route map multiple times daily, and they can usually get you to your destination quickly even when things go wrong (cancellations, delays, bad weather, etc.).
They serve really good food in first class, their international business class product is excellent, and it’s the airline I can depend on the most.
2. Southwest
I fully admit that Southwest Airlines isn’t for me. However, since they are so good at what they do, they are fully deserving of being placed in the number 2 spot on this list.
They have an impressive route network, decent fares, and dead nuts reliable service. The planes are clean, the crews are happy, and it’s generally a really good experience. And just like how it is with Delta, this is an airline you can depend on to get you where you need to go.
The only reason why I don’t fly with them very often is because of the non-assigned seating. The lack of a first class product is a turn-off as well.
3. United
United Airlines is very similar to Delta, but slightly more s****y. They have the same impressive route network, clean planes, and good onboard service in all classes (their Polaris business class product is outstanding btw). I also think that they have some of the best hubs in the network.
My problem with United is how “stale” they feel. Their cabin crews always seem tired and burnt out, the food in first class isn’t quite as good as what Delta is serving, and they have been really dragging their feet upgrading the interiors of older airplanes.
4. Alaska Airlines
In my opinion, Alaska Airlines is so close to being the best airline in the US. Their onboard service (especially in first class) is excellent. Alaska Airlines employees tend to be happy, and you can tell that they really enjoy their jobs. Their airplanes are clean, and overall, they run a very reliable operation.
My biggest beef with Alaska Airlines is their limited route network. This is a very western-specific airline, and they don’t have very good coverage of the eastern half of the country (yet).
5. Hawaiian Airlines
If Hawaiian Airlines had a more extensive route network, they would be placed much higher in this list. Long time readers of SANspotter.com already know how much I love this airline.
The onboard service is excellent, and I really appreciate how much effort they put into making everything (food, ambience, uniforms, etc) feel Hawaiian. There’s genuine Hawaiian hospitality in every facet of the services they offer, and it’s hard not to like. A lot.
What I don’t like about Hawaiian is their minimal coverage of the mainland US. The only time you can fly with them is if you’re flying to (or within Hawaii), and that’s a shame. I really think they could put a lot of pressure on other US airlines if there was more route overlap.
6. American Airlines
I know. American Airlines is just as large as Delta and United. They have the same excellent coverage of the United States, and for the most part, their onboard service is just as good. Why are they so far down on this list? Well, it’s because I haven’t been able to depend on them at all for the past year or so, and it’s starting to tick me off.
American Airlines has been notorious for canceling and delaying flights en masse over the past 12 months or so, and I can tell you from personal experience that it’s no fun to get caught up in that mess. I’m at the point now where I only fly American Airlines as a last resort. Until they can get their staffing and scheduling issues sorted out, they will remain in the lower section of this list.
7. Spirit
I’m not afraid to admit that I actually like Spirit Airlines. If you’re not checking any bags, and if you can resist purchasing any extras such as snacks or a carry-on bag allowance, it’s actually a really cheap way to fly.
Their planes are clean, flights are generally on time, and I’ve never had a horrible experience flying with them. The reason why I placed them in the lower half of this list is because of their limited route network. They never seem to fly the places I need to go (which is usually hub airports in major cities).
8. JetBlue
Even though JetBlue has what I consider to be the best domestic first class seat, I placed them lower in this list for the same reason I shoved Spirit Airlines way down here as well: a limited route network.
The JetBlue route network is far too limited to be considered useful IMHO, and it’s usually really hard for me to fit them into my itineraries. And that’s a shame, because I really like flying with JetBlue. I would totally fly them more often if they made it easier.
9. Frontier
I’m not as surprised as you are that Frontier Airlines isn’t sitting at the very bottom of this list. Many consider them to be the worst domestic airline, but personally, I’ve never had an issue with them other than slightly inconvenient delays.
Those delays are worth noting though, and that is why I’ve ranked them so low. If they can get their reliability issues sorted out, I would have no problem moving them up in this list in the next update. Frontier Airlines is good IMHO. They offer cheap fares, new airplanes, and a fairly decent route network. They have potential.
10. Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways is another airline that I feel has the potential of being one of the best airlines in the US. They offer really great fares to secondary cities, very clean airplanes, friendly cabin crews, and even a fairly decent (and somewhat competitive) business class product. Seriously – the “Nicest” seats on the Breeze Airways A220-300 are some of the best in the US.
That said, their route network is extremely limited, Not only that, they’ve been horrendously unreliable over the past year, almost to the point that booking a flight with them is taking a huge risk.
They’ve been canceling flights left and right, leaving many passengers stranded without any options. I sincerely hope they get things figured out, because they have the potential is being a really great airline.
11. Avelo Airlines
What can I say about Avelo that I haven’t already? It’s an interesting little airline serving mostly secondary cities on both the western and eastern portions of United States. I quite enjoyed my Avelo airlines experience from Las Vegas to Santa Rosa, and I look forward to flying with them again sometime in the future.
The problem is that they are such a niche carrier that I have no idea when I’ll ever get to fly with them again. If you live in one of the smaller cities that they serve, I can’t recommend them highly enough. However, for the rest of us, their limited route network is almost useless.
12. Sun Country Airlines
In my opinion, Sun Country Airlines has two things going against them. First, they are an ultra low-cost carrier now, meaning that there’s hardly any onboard service to speak of (you have to pay extra for everything).
Second, they have an extremely limited route network. Sun Country is only going to work for you if you live near an airport that they fly to. Otherwise, they are essentially nonexistent (and irrelevant).
13. Allegiant Air
Was it any surprise that Allegiant Air was going to end up at the bottom of my list of the best domestic airlines? Although I can praise them for offering extremely low fares, they have the same annoying problems that Sun Country Airlines has (but worse).
Not only are they obscure and irrelevant to most of the population in the United States, there’s absolutely no onboard service to speak of (if you’re not willing to pay extra for it). Their on-time performance hasn’t been all that great either.
However, at least they’re not cutting corners on aircraft maintenance anymore (it used to be really bad). That tells me that they’re at least trying, and who knows? Maybe they’ll be positioned a little higher up in the next version of the annual SANspotter best domestic airlines list. A 6-figure bribe would certainly get them there…
Peter
Interesting list! Having lived in the US for 5 years, I’ve flown on a good number of airlines. Not as much as you though. I’ll be talking about Economy Class in my ranking btw, since that’s what I mostly flew:
1) JetBlue. Despite their limited route network, they’re great on the routes they serve. The staff is excellent, the snack selection generous for US standards, and the seats quite comfortable and even…spacious. It was also really cool to have IFE screens on every aircraft, even the Embraers.
=2) Alaska. Like JetBlue, the staff is great and very friendly, and I really like their policies, such as delivering your bags in 20 minutes or else giving you a lot of miles. They seem to have a solid frequent flyer program as well, with lots of partner airlines. They’re also very reliable and on-time. My problem is that everything else (seats, snacks, etc) is rather average and unexceptional.
=2) United. Again, the staff is very friendly most of the time, and I agree that their hubs are among the best in the US. Additionally, the app is excellent. However, the seats aren’t all that great, and their interiors are very inconsistent. But, I do like the direction in which they’re going (mostly), as they seem to be improving a lot.
3) Via Air. They were a very little-known airline that operated 3 E145’s throughout the southern US between 2017-2019. My only flight with them was a BTR-SFB red eye in 2018 that was delayed 3 hours (due to weather). However, I really liked the “niche” feel, and the flight attendants were among the most cheerful and friendly I’ve had on a flight. But I admit that this airline certainly doesn’t get any points for reliability.
4) American. I’ve never had a truly bad flight with AA, and the staff have mostly always been great. However, just like United, their interiors are very inconsistent, and unlike UA, I don’t like the direction in which they’re going with the new Project Oasis/Kodiak interior. Oh, and their on-time record is quite poor.
5) Spirit. A pretty good ULCC, with friendly and cheerful staff and as you say, clean planes. My main complaint is that the seats are uncomfortable, but hey, you get what you pay for. It’s also quite cheap for me, since I only check one bag and eat before the flight.
6) Frontier. Very similar to Spirit, but the staff isn’t as friendly IMO. And as you say, they aren’t very reliable.
Peter
2 questions:
1) What makes Alaska better than Hawaiian if HA has that unique ambience, and if they both have the same flaw? (A limited route network) Is Alaska’s route network better?
2) Similarly, Spirit>jetBlue? Really? jetBlue has a much better product!
Anyway, it was very interesting to read this ranking!
Scott (SANspotter)
Good questions!
1). The problem with Hawaiian (my opinion only) is that they are far too niche of a carrier to be considered competitive with most other US airlines. For flights out the the islands and back, yeah, they are usually the best option. But how often does the average person travel between Hawaii and the mainland? Alaska has much better coverage of the entire US, which makes them more practical, thus earning a higher spot on this list. I can see how some might disagree with me on this, but it’s my list, so I’m standing firm on this. 🙂
2). Cheaper fares + better coverage of the US. JetBlue does offer a better onboard experience without a doubt, but they aren’t all that practical for much of the population. For example, as a resident of San Diego, JetBlue is only an option if I’m headed to the east coast. For anyone who lives in the midwest, they are essentially non-existent.
You’ve made me realize that I placed too much of an emphasis on practicality vs onboard amenities/features when ranking this list. I do believe those onboard amenities/features should carry more weight, and I’ll make the necessary adjustments in the 2023 update.
Peter
Ok, those are good points regarding Alaska vs. Hawaiian and JetBlue vs. Spirit.
And yes, it was surprising to see how much you focused on practicality! I agree that the actual onboard experience matters more, since that’s what you’re paying for: transportation from Point A to Point B. You judge an airline based on what they offer/how they treat you in this form of public transit. Way to de-romanticize air travel, I know. Lol
Scott (SANspotter)
Very interesting observations Peter – thanks for your input! I’ve actually never even heard of Via Air, but now I wish I had the chance to try them. Those niche carriers are usually the most interesting.
Thomas
How long has it been since you flew on Sun Country? The growing pains have been felt by many, yes, but their product has worked most of the kinks out now and I believe they have a very good middle of the road service offering. They have in-seat power, they serve free beverages and even snacks to their priority seats, and they have free in flight entertainment. I think it is worth checking out again if it has been a while since you flew with them!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Thomas – yeah, it’s been a while. I’m going to try them again sometime in early 2023, and I’m looking forward to seeing first hand how much things have changed over the years. Sounds like it’ll be interesting!
Thomas
I am interested to see your thoughts! I would recommend trying both their “best” seats and the standard seats they have for sale – just to see the differences in the product. Personally, I think their service these days is a very good middle of the road approach.
I am a frequent Delta flyer myself, and a Delta cardmember, so I have to agree with placing them at the top of this list as well. As someone who flies in and out of MSP quite a few times a year, I definitely do not mind booking with Sun Country though, especially if I am flying with family.
Scott (SANspotter)
Definitely! I’ll most likely try both types of seats whenever I get around to flying them again.
Peter
Thanks, and you’re welcome for the input! Yeah, I agree that niche carriers are the most interesting. Via Air felt like a nice change of pace from the mega-corporate feel of American and United.
Msjan
This is a great list. I would also rank Delta (so glad they came into and are expanding in the Alaska market) at #1. Now I can fly straight through out of the country on the same airline. I live in Anchorage so I would list Alaska Air at #2. Our direct and cheap flights to Hawaii every winter come in CLUTCH! We usually fly to HNL and then hop on Hawaiian the next day to Kona because Alaska only flies direct to KOA 3 times per week. I love Hawaiian and wish I had the opportunity to fly them more than an hour between islands. JetBlue came into the Alaskan market for only a couple of years before pulling out. I only managed to ride them once to Seattle, but would love to try those Mint seats. I’ve flown a few of the rest of the list once I got to the lower 48 and really don’t have much of an opinion either way.
Scott (SANspotter)
Yeah, I’d probably rank Alaska Airlines higher if they had better coverage of the US. They do an excellent job serving the Pacific Northwest (and the west coast in general) though! And yes, Delta is really hard to beat. They were starting to lose their way during the pandemic, but they’ve kicked things into gear again and they hold the #1 spot by a fairly wide margin IMHO.
B.I Jenkins
I have to disagree with delta as the number 1 pick. For the problem lies simply with their Atlanta hub which while efficient is always overcrowded and IMO lacks a good variety of shops.
I also have to disagree with downgrading B6,AS,HA for their small(er) route network. Each has their beach in which they match or even beat any of the big 3.
Especially AS has been amazing throughout the pandemic and is my first choice when AA innevitably screws something up.
Being BA Gold I don’t really have much of choice beyond AA but always try to use AS whenever possible
Scott (SANspotter)
All good points! Although I really think Delta deserves the top spot overall for the robustness of their operation, I’ll put less of an emphasis on route networks for the 2023 update. Unless anything significant changes between now and then, JetBlue, Hawaiian, and Alaska will probably move up.
MB
Thank you for the reviews. One thing though – when flying somewhere we usually don’t go over the list of the airlines in the order of preference and check if they fly where we need to go. We use some booking service that offers a list of options depending on the route, so at this point it doesn’t matter what else those airlines cover. What would be nice at this point is a ranking that doesn’t count coverage at all – to choose the best option on the list of flights 🙂
Mary
Thank you for your comments, I have to go to Fargo in a quick pinch and was going to book on
FRONTIER and the site is not working :-(. The Yogi the Bear Icon is just spinning and spinning
with no end in site. I have tired last night and again today . Geesh 🙁
I too am a frequest flyer but have not tired all the airlines like you have so bravely done. I am a 2Million Miler on Delta and a 1 Million on Alaska so that tells you where my butt has sat for the last 20 years.
I say with pride ALL DOMESTIC MILES AS WELL! 🙂 Think I might just cash in some of those Frequent Flyer Miles and GET MY BUSINESS DONE !! No thanks to Frontier ! LOL !!! (my mom said,”if they dont mind their business and make sure their on line ticket site works do you trust their planes? ” I guess not !
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Mary! 3 million miles (all domestic) is an insane amount of flying – you most certainly deserve to spend those miles on first class upgrades. Life is too short to spend it waiting on a spinning Yogi the Bear icon!