These names are SOARING HIGH above the rest! Discover the top U.S. airlines of 2024.

The skies are changing, and so are travelers’ expectations for air travel! 

As safety protocols evolve and economic conditions shift, travelers are no longer just looking for the cheapest tickets. Comfort, reliability, and overall service quality have all become crucial factors in choosing the best airlines. 

This year, personal finance company WalletHub has unveiled its highly anticipated ranking of the top airlines in the U.S., providing invaluable insights for both business and leisure travelers.

WalletHub’s comprehensive analysis evaluates the nine largest national airlines and one regional carrier based on a range of criteria, including reliability, safety, comfort, and overall service quality. 

The company’s unique methodology goes beyond affordability to help travelers make informed decisions.

According to WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe:

“Our report is distinct because it considers factors beyond just ticket prices. We prioritize comfort, safety, and overall service quality, which are essential for a pleasant travel experience.”

Using 2023 flight data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, WalletHub’s strategic analysis compared key metrics like cancellations, delays, baggage mishaps, and in-flight comfort. The results are in, and Alaska Airlines has soared to the top as the best airline in the U.S.! It dethroned Delta Air Lines, which held the number one spot in 2023 and 2022. 

Alaska Airlines has a history of excellence, previously topping the list in 2021, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Happe says: 

“Alaska Airlines has regained the top position due to its consistent and remarkable performance across multiple metrics. With ample legroom, a range of entertainment options, and complimentary refreshments, Alaska excels in in-flight comfort. Its robust safety measures and top rankings in safety-related categories further cement its position as a leader in the industry.”

However, it’s worth noting that 2024 has brought challenges for Alaska Airlines, including a January incident with a Boeing 737 Max and a recent tech issue causing a grounding. These events could impact the airline’s future rankings, especially in safety and reliability.

Trailing Alaska Airlines is SkyWest Airlines, followed by the surprising rise of Spirit Airlines in the number three spot! Happe states it’s surprising to see Spirit Airlines ranking so high. 

In her words: 

“Known for budget travel, Spirit has made significant strides in safety and service quality, becoming the safest airline this year, which is increasingly valued by travelers.”

Unfortunately, Southwest Airlines finds itself at the bottom for the third consecutive year. Despite satisfactory performance in some areas, issues with mishandled baggage, denied boardings, and low safety scores have kept Southwest from climbing the ranks. Happe explains Southwest needs to address these issues and improve its safety measures and price competitiveness to enhance its ranking.

Beyond the overall rankings, WalletHub also highlights the most reliable, comfortable, affordable, and safest airlines. 

Delta Air Lines emerges as the most reliable airline for the second year in a row, boasting the lowest rates of cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage, and denied boardings. 

Conversely, Frontier remains the least reliable, plagued by high levels of denied boardings and delays.

Delta Air Lines and JetBlue tie for the most comfortable airlines, offering free amenities such as Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks. 

In contrast, Frontier falls short in this category, lacking many of the benefits provided by its competitors.

When it comes to safety, Spirit Airlines takes the lead, followed by Alaska Airlines. Spirit’s commendable safety record, with no fatalities and minimal injuries, has earned it the top spot. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines maintains a strong safety performance, though slightly behind Spirit.

For affordability, Spirit Airlines is also the clear winner, offering budget-friendly options, while American Airlines is deemed the most expensive, lagging behind in affordability.

Here’s the complete list of WalletHub’s rankings for the top airlines in the U.S. in 2024: 

The Best Airlines in the U.S. for 2024:

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

The Most Reliable Airlines:

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

The Most Comfortable Airlines:

*SkyWest is not represented in this list because it is a regional carrier and serves other major airlines, which may dictate what amenities are provided.

1. Delta Air Lines (tie)
2. JetBlue Airways (tie)
3. Alaska Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Southwest Airlines
6. United Airlines
7. Hawaiian Airlines
8. Spirit Airlines
9. Frontier Airlines

The Safest Airlines:

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

The Most Affordable Airlines:

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

As the airline industry continues to navigate through changes, WalletHub’s rankings provide travelers with a comprehensive guide to making the best choices for their journeys. 

So, whether you’re a business traveler seeking reliability or a leisure traveler prioritizing comfort and safety, these rankings highlight the airlines that truly stand out in 2024.

Are you ready to take flight in these airlines?