12 Best US Airlines to Fly With Based on Customer Reviews
When it comes to air travel, your experience can vary greatly depending on the airline you choose.
Choosing the right airline can make all the difference in your travel experience.
To help you make an informed decision, experts from Miss Tourist analyzed customer reviews on Skytrax, considering 16 factors to determine which US-based airlines offer the best overall experience. The factors ranged from seat comfort to cabin crew service, and each was given a weighted score to calculate an overall rating.
1. Alaska Airlines
Topping the list with a final score of 87.82, Alaska Airlines consistently receives high praise from customers. With an average rating of 4.40 out of 5, the airline is known for its comfortable seats, which customers rated at 2.80 out of 5.
The cabin crew’s service, a standout feature, scored 3.02 out of 5. Alaska Airlines strikes the perfect balance between comfort and excellent service, making it a top choice for travelers.
Living near Seattle, where Alaska has it’s hub, this is a common choice for us. When my son was playing college Football in Southern California, we would fly Alaska nearly every weekend, and we’ve not ever had a bad experience with Alaska.
2. Delta Air Lines
In second place, Delta Air Lines boasts a final score of 86.85, with an average customer rating of 3.90 out of 5. Delta shines when it comes to in-flight entertainment, which is the highest rated in the country at 2.93 out of 5.
For those who enjoy staying entertained on long flights, Delta is a fantastic option with a solid overall experience.
3. Hawaiian Airlines
If you’re looking for stellar cabin service, Hawaiian Airlines is your go-to. Ranking third with a final score of 86.08, customers rate its service the highest in the country, at 3.03 out of 5.
The airline also has the highest average customer rating overall, at 4.46 out of 5, making it a favorite for those flying to and from the islands.
If I don’t fly Alaska to Hawaii, I choose Hawaiian. I love the onboard experience, and I always feel like my vacation has started early when I’m with them. Next month will be my longest Hawaiian flight when I fly from Sydney Australia back to Honolulu, I’m interested to see how they measure up on the long haul flights.
4. Southwest Airlines
Known for its value for money, Southwest Airlines scores 82.93 and ranks fourth. Customers gave Southwest an impressive 4.18 out of 5 on average. The airline offers excellent value, with a rating of 2.57 for money spent—the best in the nation.
Southwest also performs well in cabin crew service, receiving 2.97 out of 5, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Also, 2 free bags? LOVE that about Southwest. Although the boarding policy gives me anxiety, so I always pay for early check in when I fly SW.
5. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways lands in fifth place with a final score of 65.26. While it doesn’t rank as highly as some other airlines, its in-flight entertainment is rated the second-highest in the country, at 2.73 out of 5.
Customers appreciate JetBlue’s offerings, giving it an average rating of 3.33 out of 5, making it a great mid-tier option for travelers looking for decent amenities.
6. United Airlines
At number six, United Airlines has a final score of 49.94. Although its overall ratings are somewhat average, the cabin staff service stands out, rated at 2.40 out of 5.
However, WiFi and connectivity seem to be an area where United could improve, with the lowest rating at 1.80 out of 5. Still, United remains a reliable option for many travelers.
This made the list, but it wouldn’t make my list. I avoid flying United whenever possible, I find their customer service to be awful in the airports, but the in flight crew has always been good.
7. Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines comes in seventh with a final score of 48.44. The airline’s cabin crew service is rated at 2.52 out of 5, slightly higher than United’s.
Sun Country also received a higher overall customer rating, at 3.05 out of 5, but suffers in the WiFi and connectivity department, with a low rating of 1.47.
8. Allegiant Air
In eighth place, Allegiant Air struggles in some key areas, particularly in-flight entertainment (1.24 out of 5) and WiFi and connectivity (1.23 out of 5).
Despite these drawbacks, Allegiant’s cabin crew service scores 2.28 out of 5, giving it a final score of 36.04 and making it a reasonable option for budget travelers.
9. American Airlines
Ranking ninth, American Airlines has a final score of 35.54, with an average customer rating of 2.39 out of 5. Its cabin crew service receives a slightly better score of 2.22, but its ground service, rated at 1.68 out of 5, leaves room for improvement.
American Airlines is still a common choice, though customer satisfaction suggests there are better options.
10. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines comes in tenth with a final score of 16.08. While Spirit is known for its low-cost fares, it struggles in customer satisfaction, with an average rating of just 1.82 out of 5.
Its in-flight entertainment and WiFi both scored low, making it a challenging choice for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable flight.
This is a hard no for me. Everytime. No, nope, no.
11. Silver Airways
With a final score of 12.19, Silver Airways ranks eleventh. Like Spirit, Silver Airways is a budget-friendly airline, but its customer ratings reflect a less-than-stellar travel experience. Its WiFi and connectivity are rated 1.12 out of 5, while its cabin crew service, though better, doesn’t stand out compared to top-ranking airlines.
12. Frontier Airlines
Coming in last with a final score of just 4.53, Frontier Airlines is rated the worst US airline to fly with according to customer reviews. The airline struggles across the board, with low scores in ground service (1.36 out of 5) and food and beverages (1.37 out of 5). Despite offering budget fares, customers often find Frontier lacking in both service and amenities, with an overall customer rating of 1.77 out of 5.
We decided to be cheap once and fly a red eye from Seattle to Miami on Frontier, and lets just say, that was our first and last experience with them.
Whats your Favorite?
I’m curious which airlines you love, and don’t love. Let me know in the comments. Oh, and I know you didn’t ask but I LOVE British Air for overseas flights! They are my favorite.
