The 7 Best U.S. Airlines

WalletHub recently released its rankings of the United States’ largest airlines and regional carriers, comparing them across 15 metrics including cancellation rates, in-flight comfort and costs. Did your favorite airline make the top spot? © Mvogel | Dreamstime.com

In seventh place, United Airlines performed well across the board, but just shy of its competition. Additionally, United Airlines’ reliability dropped since last year, with more cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage and/or denied boardings. © Richair | Dreamstime.com

Hawaiian Airlines takes sixth, but next year’s rankings could tell a different story. According to the data, the airline’s cost of airfare in cents per mile dropped over the last year, from $13.09 in 2018 to $12.36 in 2019. © Dejjf82 | Dreamstime.com

Next is ExpressJet Airlines. If the name isn’t familiar, it’s because ExpressJet currently operates as United Express. Specializing in regional routes and small aircraft, ExpressJet ranked for its pet friendliness, with no incidents this year. © Tom Samworth | Dreamstime.com

In fourth place, Spirit Airlines is one of the best for budget flyers, coming in second to Frontier Airlines in cost of airfare in cents per miles. Spirit Airlines flights are, on average, $5.13 per mile. © Ken Wolter | Dreamstime.com

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In second place, Delta Air Lines earns high marks for its reliability, with the lowest rate of cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage and denied boardings. It ties with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines for overall comfort. © Studioportosabbia | Dreamstime.com

Taking the top spot for the best U.S. airline, Alaska Airlines is the safest in the United States, with additional nods for pet friendliness, relative affordability, comfort and reliability. © Valentin Armianu | Dreamstime.com