Contents

• What to consider when choosing an airline
• Top 7 US airlines for domestic and international travel
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue
• Southwest
• Frontier
• Plan your next vacation with ZenHotels

What to consider when choosing an airline

There’s an airline for all types of travelers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or taking your first flight, there’s an American carrier for you.

Photo: Jaromir Chalabala/ Shutterstock.com

There are several factors to consider when choosing which airline to book:

• What is the carry-on baggage allowance? If you’re not planning to check a bag, you may need to pay extra to bring a larger carry-on bag on board.
• Are there flexible ticket options available in the event of cancellations?
• Does the airline offer a points or rewards system for frequent flyers?
• What add-ons are an additional cost? Will a business class ticket help you skip lines at check-in and security?

Use platforms like FlightRadar24 and your local airport website to compare data metrics like delays and cancellations. 

Top 7 US airlines for domestic and international travel

Almost 160 million American passengers traveled on airlines in spring 2023, an average of over 2.5 million every day. More of us are traveling than ever before, whether for work or vacation. Before booking your next flight, do your research on the best airline for your travel needs. 

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We’re considering route options, pricing, flexibility, and customer service for our ranking of the best airlines in the US:

1. Delta Airlines

Delta was named the safest airline in a survey by WalletHub in spring 2024. Research shows Delta has the lowest number of reports for delays, cancellations, and mishandled luggage. While you can expect to pay more for a Delta flight, you can expect the security of a higher likelihood of your flight being on time and avoiding delays during boarding. 

Delta performs consistently well across all metrics and offers economy, premium select, and first-class tickets for most routes. Its “Premium Select” cabin is a great option for those who want an elevated flying experience without the price tag of a business class flight. 

Photo: delta.com

2. United Airlines

United Airlines has a highly rated frequent flyer program, great for those who are always on the go or travel for work. It has one of the largest route networks among all American airlines, including domestic and international routes. United is one of the go-to airlines for frequent flyers and those who like to earn points through credit cards to fund their travel plans. 

3. Alaska Airlines

If you’re traveling with your family, you’ll want to consider everyone’s needs. Alaska is rated as one of the top family-friendly airlines in the US with a low number of cancellations. The airline has several domestic lounges available at major airlines with its members given access to lounges from other airlines, including American Airlines and United at select airports.

Photo: Yaroslav Astakhov/ Shutterstock.com

WalletHub recently named Alaska Airlines as the best US airline overall. Alaska sits at a mid-tier price point as a more affordable option to Delta and United Airlines, but more expensive than budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier. The airline is a member of the Oneworld Alliance and offers special perks, like complimentary Starbucks in-flight. 

4. Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines specializes in offering non-stop flights from Hawaii to the U.S. and international destinations. Unfortunately, this airline isn’t suitable for everyone as it has a limited route network. If you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii, it’s likely this is the best American airline to fly with. 

Hawaiian Airlines was named the best domestic airline for its timeliness and general customer service. If it’s an option for your vacation, it’s hard to beat!

Photo: Francois Seuret/ Shutterstock.com

5. JetBlue

WalletHub jointly named JetBlue and Delta as the most comfortable airline among American carriers. JetBlue is a great option if you’re located on the East Coast or looking for flights in that region. It offers the most legroom of any airline in its economy cabin with free wi-fi and live TV.

6. Southwest

Southwest is an affordable airline that ticks all the boxes, making it ideal for budget travelers or shorter flights. Although its route network is not as extensive as major carriers like Delta and United Airlines, it flies to most domestic cities. It has a wider network than comparable budget carriers, such as Frontier and Spirit. What makes Southwest stand out in our ranking is its offer of two free checked bags per passenger, an add-on that can save hundreds of dollars for your flights. 

Photo: Billion Photos/ Shutterstock.com

7. Frontier

Frontier is an alternative option to Southwest and comes in at a similar price point. It’s rated in the top 3 safest airlines in the US and the second most affordable after Spirit. Frontier flies to over 120 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It offers the lowest fares for families with kids under 14 being able to travel for free on qualifying flights. 

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