Imagine boarding a flight in 2025 and realizing your airline’s Wi-Fi is unreliable, your seat is cramped, or your flight is delayed—again. With air travel becoming increasingly competitive and technology-driven, choosing the best US airlines to fly in 2025 isn’t just about getting from Point A to B; it’s about ensuring safety, comfort, and value for your time and money.
In a year of growing demand for seamless travel, knowing which airlines stand out is more important than ever! Are you a budget-conscious family, a business traveler who values connectivity, or a leisure traveler seeking luxury? At AranGrant, we prioritize both great deals and top-notch service. That’s why we’re highlighting the ranking of airlines that truly shine this year—so you can find the one that suits you best.
In this article, we will explore the 6 best US airlines to fly with in 2025 based on various criteria such as customer satisfaction, on-time performance, comfort & amenities, safety, loyalty programs & pricing, network coverage & connectivity and fleet modernity.
We’ll also reveal what is the safest airline for travelers seeking peace of mind, plus which carriers stand out when the US airlines are ranked best to worst.
Read in this Article:
Overview of the Ranking Approach:
To determine the best US airlines to fly in 2025, we analyzed the industry using a 100-point weighted system across seven key criteria. These metrics reflect what matters most to travelers today—from cutting-edge safety tech to the value of loyalty rewards. Here’s how we broke it down:
- Safety (25%): Accident history, FAA compliance, and investments in 2025 innovations like AI-driven turbulence prediction.
- On-Time Performance (20%): Punctuality tracked via Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) data.
- Customer Satisfaction (15%): J.D. Power ratings, complaint resolution, and cabin comfort.
- Fleet Modernity (10%): Average fleet age, fuel efficiency, and cabin upgrades (e.g., lie-flat seats).
- Network Coverage & Connectivity (10%): Global reach, alliance partnerships (e.g., Star Alliance), and lounge access.
- Comfort & Amenities (10%): Free Wi-Fi, seat pitch, sustainability efforts, and in-flight entertainment.
- Loyalty Program & Pricing (10%): Reward flexibility, business-class affordability, and elite status perks.
By weighting safety and on-time performance most heavily, this ranking prioritizes reliability without overlooking the luxuries (or budget-friendly options) that make travel enjoyable. Let’s dive into the airlines leading the pack in 2025—read on to find out what is the safest airline and which carriers offer the best overall experience.
1. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is expanding its international presence in 2025 with its largest-ever trans-Atlantic summer schedule, adding new routes from Atlanta to Europe, reflecting a major push into the European market. Domestically, it has restored seven US and Latin American leisure routes for its summer 2025 schedule, connecting key hubs like Atlanta to popular destinations. However, the airline also adjusted its summer 2025 routes, cutting services to some Central American destinations while restoring others on the West Coast to optimize its network.
To enhance customer experience, Delta is expanding its lounge portfolio, with plans to open, renovate, or expand eight airport clubs by 2025, improving amenities for travelers. Operationally, the airline operates a modernized fleet of 986 aircraft as of January 2025, emphasizing efficiency and renewal. Additionally, Delta has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, even amid operational challenges like the Toronto crash in early 2025. These efforts align with its strategy to prioritize premium products and experiences to meet rising travel demand in 2025.
Overall Score: 92/100
- Safety (25%): 24/25
Delta Air Lines ranks 4th globally among safest full-service airlines in 2025, praised for its robust safety protocols and FAA compliance. It invests in 2025 innovations like AI-driven turbulence prediction, further enhancing passenger safety. - On-Time Performance (20%): 18/20
Delta maintains a high reliability rate, scoring 81.9% on-time performance in recent studies, though it occasionally faces weather-related delays. - Customer Satisfaction (15%): 14/15
Named the best airline for 2024 by Nerdwallet for its premium service, Delta excels in cabin comfort, crew professionalism, and complaint resolution. - Fleet Modernity (10%): 9/10
Delta’s fleet averages a young age, with fuel-efficient aircraft and premium upgrades like lie-flat seats in business class. - Network Coverage & Connectivity (10%): 10/10
As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta offers extensive global reach, including partnerships with over 20 airlines and access to lounges worldwide. - Comfort & Amenities (10%): 10/10
Free Wi-Fi, extensive in-flight entertainment, and sustainability initiatives (e.g., carbon offset programs) make Delta a leader in comfort. - Loyalty Program & Pricing (10%): 9/10
Delta SkyMiles offers flexible rewards, competitive business-class pricing, and elite perks like priority boarding.
Why It Ranks #1: Delta’s combination of safety, reliability, and global connectivity makes it the best overall airline in 2025.
2. Southwest Airlines
Southwest introduced its first redeye flights in February 2025 and began offering assigned seating, marking a significant shift from its traditional open seating policy. These changes aim to enhance flexibility for travelers, particularly those seeking overnight flights and structured seating options. The airline announced plans to roll out new premium seats in late 2025, allowing travelers to purchase tickets for these upgraded options starting late next year.
Southwest is aggressively expanding its routes in 2025, adding 13 new nonstop services such as Austin to Milwaukee, Nashville to Indianapolis, and Sacramento to Tucson, starting March 6, 2025. Additionally, it launched 33 overnight flights and 13 new Redeye services across its network to capitalize on rising travel demand.
The airline is overhauling its technology infrastructure, updating over 60 systems to improve operations and the customer experience, including enhanced booking and check-in processes.
These upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernize its digital capabilities. Southwest extended its flight schedule through November 1, 2025, ensuring continuity for travelers planning trips later in the year. However, it also adjusted its summer 2025 routes, cutting some Central American services while restoring others on the West Coast to optimize efficiency.
Overall Score: 89/100
- Safety (25%): 23/25
Southwest is ranked safest low-cost airline in 2025, with FAA certifications, a 4-star Skytrax rating, and a stellar safety record. - On-Time Performance (20%): 19/20
Southwest consistently leads in punctuality, with minimal delays and a strong on-time performance track record. - Customer Satisfaction (15%): 13/15
Known for budget-friendly fares and friendly service, Southwest scores highly in traveler reviews for its no-frills efficiency and transparency. - Fleet Modernity (10%): 8/10
Southwest’s fleet is modern and fuel-efficient, though cabin upgrades are minimal compared to full-service carriers. - Network Coverage & Connectivity (10%): 8/10
Focuses on domestic routes with limited alliances, but its extensive US network covers major hubs and secondary cities. - Comfort & Amenities (10%): 9/10
Offers free Wi-Fi, ample legroom, and eco-friendly practices, though in-flight entertainment is limited. - Loyalty Program & Pricing (10%): 10/10
Rapid Rewards provides flexible redemption options and competitive pricing for last-minute bookings.
Why It Ranks #2: Southwest’s unbeatable combination of safety, affordability, and punctuality makes it a standout choice for budget travelers.
3. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is introducing enhanced benefits for its Mileage Plan program in 2025, including new ways to earn elite status faster and access to more frequent perks, such as lounge access and complimentary upgrades. The airline also launched a new daily nonstop flight between Portland, Oregon, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), starting May 15, 2025, expanding its West Coast connectivity.
To modernize its fleet, Alaska Airlines will take delivery of 17 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2025, including the longer-range 737-8 and 737-10 models, which will support expanded transcontinental and international routes. As part of its “Alaska Accelerate” three-year plan, the airline is adding new nonstop flights to Asian markets from Seattle in 2025, targeting both leisure and business travelers.
Alaska Airlines retained its position as the safest major US airline in 2025, ranking ninth globally in safety according to a recent report, reflecting its strong compliance with FAA standards and safety protocols. Despite fleet modernization efforts, the airline is keeping its older Boeing 737-700 aircraft in service while gradually retiring older 737-900 models to balance operational needs and cost efficiency.
Overall Score: 87/100
- Safety (25%): 25/25
Alaska Airlines maintains a strong safety record, though it isn’t ranked among the top safest airlines globally. It prioritizes FAA compliance and modern safety tech. - On-Time Performance (20%): 17/20
Known for reliability, especially in West Coast operations, Alaska scores well in punctuality but occasionally lags in inclement weather. - Customer Satisfaction (15%): 13/15
Tops WalletHub’s 2024 airline rankings for customer service, with excellent cabin comfort and crew responsiveness. - Fleet Modernity (10%): 8/10
Fleet features premium seating (e.g., Premium Select seats) and fuel-efficient aircraft. - Network Coverage & Connectivity (10%): 7/10
Strong presence in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, but limited global alliances compared to Delta or United. - Comfort & Amenities (10%): 9/10
Offers free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and sustainability initiatives like biofuel use. - Loyalty Program & Pricing (10%): 8/10
Alaska Mileage Plan rewards flexibility, but its alliance network is smaller than competitors’.
Why It Ranks #3: Alaska’s exceptional customer service and comfort make it ideal for West Coast travelers seeking a premium experience.
4. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue announced five new destinations for 2025, including Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Traverse City, Michigan; Norfolk, Virginia; Wilmington, North Carolina; and San Pedro Sula, Honduras, along with several resumed and new US routes. These expansions aim to strengthen its East Coast network and international reach, particularly from its Boston hub.
To address delays in new aircraft deliveries, JetBlue reintroduced 11 Airbus A320 aircraft with original “classic” interiors into service as of January 2025, ensuring operational continuity. JetBlue is canceling eight major routes, including its popular New York to London service, as part of a network reshaping effort to focus on high-demand markets and improve efficiency.
Starting in spring 2025, JetBlue introduced new beverage offerings, menu changes for its Mint premium cabin, and updated seatback entertainment categories to elevate the passenger experience.
JetBlue CFO Ursula Hurley confirmed the airline expects to take delivery of 24 aircraft in 2025, supporting its expansion plans and fleet modernization.
Overall Score: 85/100
- Safety (25%): 21/25
JetBlue isn’t ranked among the safest full-service airlines but maintains a solid safety record with FAA compliance and modern safety protocols. - On-Time Performance (20%): 16/20
Punctuality is strong, but it occasionally faces delays in high-traffic hubs like New York. - Customer Satisfaction (15%): 14/15
Praised for innovative services like free Wi-Fi and live TV, JetBlue scores highly in traveler satisfaction. - Fleet Modernity (10%): 8/10
Fleet includes newer aircraft with advanced entertainment systems, though average age is slightly higher than Delta or Alaska. - Network Coverage & Connectivity (10%): 8/10
Focuses on East Coast and Florida routes, with partnerships that expand its reach. - Comfort & Amenities (10%): 10/10
Industry-leading entertainment options, free snacks, and spacious seating make JetBlue a comfort standout. - Loyalty Program & Pricing (10%): 8/10
TrueBlue rewards offer flexibility, but business-class pricing is less competitive.
Why It Ranks #4: JetBlue’s combination of affordability, comfort, and innovation makes it a top choice for leisure travelers.
5. American Airlines
American Airlines is introducing new business-class widebody suites and will debut its Flagship Suites in 2025, along with improved Wi-Fi onboard, enhancing the premium travel experience. The airline also expects the arrival of its first Airbus A321XLR, a long-range aircraft that will expand its international route options.
The airline is adding nine new destinations from Chicago O’Hare, including nonstop service to Honolulu, and increasing daily departures by 22% to improve connectivity to international and domestic locations. Additionally, it is modifying its Summer 2025 long-haul schedule with new routes, extended seasonal services, and aircraft upgrades to serve travelers better.
The AAdvantage® program is receiving updates in 2025, including more time to use systemwide upgrades, easier online tools, and new ways to redeem miles, aiming to streamline the travel journey for members. Despite reporting record fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 revenue ($13.7 billion and $54.2 billion, respectively), American Airlines faces a disappointing 2025 outlook, lagging behind competitors in profitability.
American Airlines is reconfiguring its fleet to include more first-class seats on Airbus A320 aircraft and optimizing its international schedule with modifications to long-haul routes, balancing growth with operational efficiency.
Overall Score: 82/100
- Safety (25%): 19/25
Not explicitly ranked among the safest airlines in 2025, but maintains compliance with FAA standards and modern safety practices. - On-Time Performance (20%): 15/20
Reliability varies; American faces delays due to its large fleet and complex hub-and-spoke system. - Customer Satisfaction (15%): 12/15
Scores moderately in customer service, with mixed reviews on cabin comfort and crew responsiveness. - Fleet Modernity (10%): 7/10
Fleet includes both newer and older aircraft, with uneven upgrades across its network. - Network Coverage & Connectivity (10%): 10/10
As part of the Oneworld alliance, American offers vast global reach and partnerships with premium airlines. - Comfort & Amenities (10%): 7/10
Offers basic amenities but lags behind competitors in premium seating and in-flight entertainment. - Loyalty Program & Pricing (10%): 9/10
AAdvantage provides robust rewards and elite status perks, but pricing can be inconsistent.
Why It Ranks #5: American’s extensive global network and loyalty program make it a strong choice for frequent travelers, despite mixed customer satisfaction.
6. United Airlines
United Airlines is undergoing its largest international flight expansion in history, adding eight new airports abroad by summer 2025, including unique destinations like Greenland, Mongolia, Senegal, and Puerto Escondido, Mexico (the first US airline to serve this Mexican destination).
The airline will operate over 760 weekly services to Europe from the US during summer 2025, connecting to more than 40 European destinations, with a focus on its Newark/New York hub. Starting April 2025, United launched nonstop service from Houston to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, and introduced new short-haul international routes between February and May 2025, further diversifying its global network. United became the world’s largest airline in 2025 with a fleet of 1,000 aircraft and expects to strengthen its lead with deliveries of new models like the Airbus A321neo, A321XLR, and Boeing 787 variants, enabling expanded long-haul routes.
Despite its growth, United faces supply chain delays affecting aircraft deliveries and engine manufacturing, which could impact its ability to execute its ambitious 2025 expansion plans fully.
Overall Score: 78/100
- Safety (25%): 15/25
Ranked 23rd safest full-service airline in 2025, with concerns about its safety record compared to peers. - On-Time Performance (20%): 14/20
Struggles with punctuality due to operational challenges and weather-related delays. - Customer Satisfaction (15%): 11/15
Scores moderately in traveler reviews, with criticism over baggage handling and customer service responsiveness. - Fleet Modernity (10%): 6/10
Fleet includes older aircraft in some regions, though newer models are being phased in. - Network Coverage & Connectivity (10%): 9/10
Member of the Star Alliance, offering broad global coverage and lounge access. - Comfort & Amenities (10%): 8/10
Offers free Wi-Fi and premium seating, but sustainability efforts lag behind competitors. - Loyalty Program & Pricing (10%): 10/10
MileagePlus rewards are highly flexible, with competitive elite status perks and partnerships.Delta SkyMiles offers flexible rewards, competitive business-class pricing, and elite perks like priority boarding.
Why It Ranks #6: Despite safety and punctuality challenges, United’s loyalty program and route network keep it competitive for travelers who prioritize rewards flexibility.
How AranGrant Enhances Your Travel Experience
At AranGrant, we understand that finding the right airline is just the first step. As a trusted travel resource, we complement these insights by:
- Curating Deals: Access exclusive discounts on top-ranked airlines like Delta and Southwest.
- Simplifying Bookings: Use our platform to compare loyalty programs, pricing, and routes tailored to your priorities.
- Prioritizing Safety: Our tools highlight carriers with the strongest FAA compliance and safety innovations.
Whether you’re chasing elite status or planning a family vacation, AranGrant bridges the gap between research and action—ensuring you fly smarter, safer, and within budget.
Conclusion
In 2025, there is no single “best” airline for everyone—your choice depends on what matters most to you. If safety and global reach top your priority list, Delta Air Lines remains a standout with consistently high marks across the board. Southwest Airlines suits travelers who value budget-friendly fares and excellent on-time performance, while Alaska Airlines is ideal for those prioritizing customer service and West Coast connectivity. For a comfortable onboard experience with free Wi-Fi and extra legroom, JetBlue Airways leads the way, especially for leisure travelers. American Airlines offers a broad route network and a robust loyalty program for frequent flyers, though it struggles with punctuality at times. Lastly, United Airlines has a vast global footprint and flexible rewards, making it a solid option if you want far-reaching international connections despite room for improvement in on-time performance and safety rankings.
By weighing criteria like safety, on-time performance, comfort, and pricing against your personal travel needs, you’ll find the best US airlines to fly in 2025—ensuring peace of mind, reliable schedules, and the perks that matter most to you. Safe travels!
By weighing factors like safety, on-time performance, comfort, and pricing against your personal needs, you’ll find the best US airlines to fly in 2025—ensuring peace of mind, reliable schedules, and the perks that matter most to you. Whether you’re wondering about the safest airlines in the US in 2025, curious about US airlines ranked best to worst, or simply want to know what is the safest airline for your next trip, this list will guide you toward the right decision. Safe travels with AranGrant!
