Flying can feel like a big deal, right? You want an airline that gets you to your destination on time, keeps your bags safe, and maybe even throws in a tasty snack. With so many choices, picking the best US airline carrier can be tricky. If you’re planning a quick trip or a long flight for work, knowing which airlines are reliable, comfy, and worth your money is super important. That’s why we created this guide, ranking the top U.S. airlines from best to worst based on the latest 2025 info. Our goal? To make your next trip smooth and stress-free.
In this blog, we’ll list the rankings, explain what makes each airline awesome or not, and answer your big questions about safety and more. Let’s jump in!
Why Airline Rankings Are a Big Deal?
Choosing an airline isn’t just about finding a cheap ticket. It’s about getting a good mix of reliability, comfort, and value. Recent rankings from places like The Points Guy and Skytrax show how airlines compare in 2025. They use real info, like on-time flights, customer feedback, baggage handling, and rewards programs, to help you pick the right one.
Here’s why this matters:
- Reliability: Nobody wants to wait at the airport because of late flights or cancellations.
- Comfort: Cozy seats, friendly staff, and family-friendly rules make trips better.
- Cost and Destinations: Affordable tickets and lots of flight options are key for saving money.
- Rewards Programs: Frequent flyers love perks that save them cash over time.
Now, let’s check out the rankings of the best US airline carriers for 2025, starting with the top dog.
Top U.S. Airlines Ranked for 2025
Using data from The Points Guy’s 2025 Best Airlines Report and other sources, here’s the list of top U.S. airlines, from best to worst.
1. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is the best US airline carrier for the seventh year straight. Why? Delta nails it in every area. It’s super reliable, with great on-time performance, even after a big tech glitch last year caused tons of cancellations. Delta’s flights feel comfy, with nice cabins, fun in-flight movies, and a solid rewards program called SkyMiles. The rewards aren’t the cheapest, but Delta’s great service and dependability make it a fan favorite.
2. United Airlines
United Airlines moved up to second place in 2025, up from third last year. It’s almost as good as Delta in comfort and rewards. United’s MileagePlus program is awesome, though it’s now tougher to earn elite status. If you fly through hubs like Newark, watch out for occasional plane or staff issues that might delay you. Still, United’s improvements make it a great pick.
3. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines (also called south western airlines or southwestern airlines) climbed two spots to third place. It had the lowest cancellation rate in 2024, which is huge for travelers. Known for its giant network of U.S. flights and low fees, Southwest Airlines is a go-to for budget travelers. Its “bags fly free” deal is ending soon, and its Rapid Rewards program lost some value recently. Even so, its low prices and reach keep it near the top.
4. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines jumped to fourth place from seventh in 2024. With cancellations under 1% in 2024, it’s a trusty choice for trips to or from Hawaii. The onboard experience is great, with friendly staff and a strong rewards program. A new partnership with JetBlue in 2025 might make its perks even better.
5. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines stands out for its awesome travel experience, especially for families. It guarantees seats together and offers early boarding for parents with kids. It also has super low complaint rates, only behind Southwest Airlines. Alaska’s Mileage Plan beats American Airlines Inc’s AAdvantage program, and its merger with Hawaiian Airlines could make rewards even sweeter.
6. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue stays in the middle of the pack, balancing comfort and cost. It offers free Wi-Fi and decent in-flight entertainment, which travelers love. But JetBlue has issues with delays—about 25% of its flights were late in 2024. If you care more about comfort than being on time, JetBlue’s a solid choice.
7. American Airlines
American Airlines (also known as AA Airlines, American Airline, A A American Airlines, or AA Airline) dropped big time, from fourth to seventh in 2025. It falls behind Delta and United in profits and fancy features like business-class seats or lounges. Its baggage handling isn’t great, and it gets more complaints than average. While American Airlines Inc is adding new Flagship Suites to boost its premium seats, it’s still catching up.
8. Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air, a super cheap airline, ranks low because of high extra fees and a weak rewards program. It’s great for saving money, but you might miss out on comfort or reliability. If you want the cheapest tickets and don’t mind a basic experience, Allegiant could work.
9. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines, another budget airline, ranks low due to lots of customer complaints and basic onboard features. It has super low fares, but it also has high cancellation and delay rates, only behind Frontier. It’s a gamble if you need a smooth trip.
10. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is at the bottom. In 2024, it had the highest cancellation rate and a 27.78% delay rate among the 10 biggest U.S. airlines. Like Spirit, Frontier’s super cheap model has downsides: expect extra fees and a no-frills ride. If you’re flexible, you might save money, but don’t expect an easy journey.
Safety: Which Airlines Are the Safest?
Safety is a big deal when you’re flying. According to AirlineRatings.com, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are among the top 25 safest full-service airlines worldwide in 2025, with perfect seven-star safety scores. Southwest Airlines also gets a seven-star rating for budget airlines. Globally, Air New Zealand is the safest airline, thanks to its new planes and perfect safety record.
In the U.S., Delta stands out for its strict safety rules, new planes, and well-trained pilots. While no U.S. airline tops the global safety list, Delta, American Airlines, and United are all super safe choices.
Reliability: Who Gets You There on Time?
Delta is the best for reliability, earning the title of the most on-time U.S. airline. Southwest Airlines is close behind, with the lowest cancellation rate in 2024. On the other hand, Frontier and Spirit have the worst cancellation and delay rates, making them the least reliable. If you need to be somewhere on time, go with Delta or Southwest Airlines for the best shot.
The Big Players: Size and Money
The U.S. airline world is led by the “Big 4”: Delta, United, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines have the biggest fleets and fly to the most places. Delta runs the largest hub at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest in the world. American Airlines Inc and United also have huge networks, while Southwest Airlines focuses on U.S. flights with its budget model.
When it comes to money, Delta and United often do better than American Airlines. It’s hard to say exactly which is the “richest,” but Delta’s smart operations give it a financial edge.
FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Which US airline is the best?
Delta Air Lines is the best US airline carrier for 2025, topping The Points Guy’s rankings for the seventh year in a row due to its reliability, comfort, and great rewards program.
Which is the No. 1 airline?
Globally, Qatar Airways is the No. 1 airline, based on the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. In the U.S., Delta Air Lines is the top pick.
What are the big 4 airlines in the US?
The Big 4 are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They have the biggest fleets and fly to the most places in the U.S.
What are the top 3 largest airlines in the US?
The top three by fleet size and destinations are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
What is the richest airline?
It’s tough to pin down, but Delta Air Lines is often seen as the most financially stable U.S. airline because of its strong profits and smart operations.
What is the safest airline in the US?
Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are among the safest U.S. airlines, with seven-star safety scores from AirlineRatings.com.
Which is the world’s safest airline?
Air New Zealand is the world’s safest airline for 2025, beating Qantas with its newer planes and perfect safety record.
Which is better, Delta or American Airlines?
Delta beats American Airlines in reliability, comfort, and overall rankings. AA Airline struggles with baggage handling and profits, making Delta the better pick for most travelers.
What is the most unreliable airline in the US?
Frontier Airlines is the least reliable, with the highest cancellation and delay rates in 2024. Spirit Airlines is a close second.
Picking the Right Airline for You
Choosing the best US airline carrier depends on what you care about most. If you want reliability and comfort, Delta Air Lines is your best bet. If you’re trying to save money, Southwest Airlines offers low fares and fewer fees (for now). For rewards, United or Alaska are great options. And if you’re hunting for the cheapest tickets, be ready for some bumps with budget airlines like Frontier or Spirit.
At Travelohlic, we get how much a great trip means to you. That’s why we’re here to help you plan every step, from picking the perfect airline to finding awesome deals on flights and hotels. Head to Travelohlic.com to check out our tools and tips for stress-free travel. Plan your next adventure with us and fly with confidence!