2024 Guide to the Top 10 Airlines in the US
Introduction to the AirAdvisor Airline Rating System
We present our updated system for ranking the premier airlines in the United States using the freshest data from 2022 and 2023. This ensures you have the most recent and relevant information looking ahead into 2024.
To determine our rankings, we considered over 25 different metrics, thoroughly evaluating each airline across several critical aspects:
Reliability: Analyzing 8.4 million flights and 792 million baggage movements, with attention to the 4.7 million mismanagements.
Comfort, Family, and Pet Travel: Considering 13 policies from 10 airlines.
Safety: A thorough review of 72 passenger aircraft incidents reported by IATA during 2022 and 2023.
Cost: Evaluation based on billions of dollars in revenue from public financial statements.
Customer Reputation: Incorporating feedback from 892,726 reviews.
Airline Lounges: Based on 60,612 passenger evaluations.
Professional Reviews: Assessing 17 published rankings in 2023.
Reliability: Analyzing 8.4 million flights and 792 million baggage movements, with attention to the 4.7 million mismanagements.
Comfort, Family, and Pet Travel: Considering 13 policies from 10 airlines.
Safety: A thorough review of 72 passenger aircraft incidents reported by IATA during 2022 and 2023.
Cost: Evaluation based on billions of dollars in revenue from public financial statements.
Customer Reputation: Incorporating feedback from 892,726 reviews.
Airline Lounges: Based on 60,612 passenger evaluations.
Professional Reviews: Assessing 17 published rankings in 2023.
Detailed Review of the Top 5 US Airlines
This section offers a closer look at the industry leaders in aviation within the USA, emphasizing their performance in comfort, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Insight into the Next 5 Highly Rated Airlines
This part explores the airlines ranked 6th to 10th, highlighting their advantages and areas needing enhancement.
Using our meticulously gathered data, we furnish you with insights on why an airline ranks where it does, empowering you to make well-informed travel choices. Here, we present the apex of US aviation for your next travel planning:
- Delta Airlines: Delta leads again in 2024, impressing with its capacity to manage over 200 million passengers yearly. Excelling particularly in comfort and reliability, it totals 68 out of 90 points.
- Alaska Airlines: Scoring 64 points, this airline shines for reputable customer service and reliable performance, especially in accommodating family and pet travel, and servicing over 40 million passengers to more than 100 destinations.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Known for its consistent high-quality service, Hawaiian secures 63 points. It services up to 10 million passengers annually, focusing heavily on maintaining their standard.
- United Airlines: United, ranking fourth with 60 points, is recognized for top professional reviews and excellent family travel experiences.
- American Airlines: Facilitating travel for 200-215 million passengers each year, American Airlines is noted for its high comfort levels, both in-flight and within their lounges, concluding our top five with 53 points.
Detailed Analysis of the Leading Five US Airlines
This section provides a detailed examination of the top five US airlines based on our latest ratings, focusing on aspects such as comfort, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
- Delta Airlines - Leading the Pack: Boasting a history that spans back to 1928, Delta Airlines has grown to become a key player in the airline industry, carrying over 200 million passengers annually. Given its long-standing presence and significant volume of travelers, it’s not surprising that Delta Airlines excels in providing a comfortable and reliable flying experience. Scoring an impressive 68 out of 90, Delta continues to outperform its competitors for the second consecutive year.
- Alaska Airlines - A Reliable and Esteemed Choice: Alaska Airlines emerges as the second-best airline in the US with an accumulated score of 64 points. Although not as large as some of its competitors, Alaska distinguishes itself through exceptional customer service and strong performance in reliability. It is especially recommended for those traveling with pets or family, securing the highest marks in customer reputation among all airlines reviewed.
- Hawaiian Airlines - Consistency Over Volume: Hawaiian Airlines, known for its warm hospitality, ranks third with 63 points. As the premier airline of Hawaii, it offers services to up to 10 million passengers each year. Despite its smaller size compared to giants like Delta, Hawaiian prides itself on consistency and reliability, making it a preferred choice among travelers who value quality and steady service.
- United Airlines - A Top Contender: With 60 points, United Airlines stands fourth in our rankings, showcasing strong performances across several categories. Known for its extensive network, United served over 160 million people at its peak. It fares exceptionally well in professional reviews, and its offerings for family travel are among the best, making it a robust choice for passengers looking for an all-around reliable experience.
- American Airlines - Vast Network with Consistent Reliability: Closing out the top five, American Airlines gathers 53 points overall. As the largest US carrier, the airline handles a huge volume of flights and passengers, which offers both challenges and opportunities. American Airlines scores particularly well in providing comfort both in-flight and within its lounges, making it a preferred airline for both domestic and international travels.
Taken together, these airlines represent the finest in American air travel according to the most recent data from customer feedback, reliability metrics, and professional evaluations. Whether you prioritize comfort, customer service, or reliability, these carriers deliver top-tier experiences that cater to a variety of passenger needs.