The Top 5 Domestic U.S. Airlines

Just like aircraft seating preferences– window seats are for sound sleeping, aisles for simple bathroom gain access to– airline obligations are carefully calculated. For Travel + Leisure readers, whatever from bag fees to flight attendant interactions make some airline companies significantly more enticing than others.

Every year for our World’s Finest Awards study, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the world– to share their viewpoints on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise liner, day spas, airlines, and more. In the airline companies category, readers ranked carriers on cabin comfort, service, food, customer care, and worth.

Absent from the list of best domestic airlines in 2015, but sturdily No. 5 this year, is Delta. “For U.S.-based airline companies, Delta is the king,” one reader wrote. “Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Southern hospitality is woven into the material of this airline company.” The airline company released a brand-new effort in May called “Reclaim Your Status,” which permits Delta Medallion passengers to inform the company of life situations that have actually affected their travel strategies, such as ending up being a brand-new moms and dad, getting a brand-new task, or contracting an illness, and keep their frequent flier tier. It’s implied to inject more empathy into travel, according to the CEO of Delta Vacations.

Readers consistently applauded Hawaiian Airlines (No. 4) for providing the best flying experience– ever. “The finest first-rate experience we’ve ever had, with genuine Ohana mindset service, and real Aloha,” one reader chimed in. Southwest, on the other hand, at No. 3, was commended for being bargain-friendly. No bag costs are a huge plus for lots of, as is the airline company’s attentiveness to nervous fliers. The very same was stated about Alaska Airlines (No. 2), which was explained with words like constant and trustworthy. “I have never ever fulfilled an unfriendly Alaska Airlines flight attendant,” somebody stated.

Wondering what No. 1 could be? Continue reading to find out and browse the full list of the top domestic airline companies.

5. Delta Air Lines

Rating: 72.37

4. Hawaiian Airlines

Score: 76.90

3. Southwest Airlines

Rating: 78.17

2. Alaska Airlines

Rating: 78.21

1. JetBlue Airways

Score: 79.72

Protecting the No. 2 spot for ten years in a row, JetBlue leapt ahead to No. 1 this year as the company continues to grow. In addition to a slew of brand-new paths– JetBlue revealed in April that it will introduce flights to London in 2021, its very first foray into Europe– the airline company has actually also devoted to revamping the feel and look of its cabins over the next year. Numerous T+L readers are already fans of JetBlue’s onboard experience, discussing they offer the very best cabin area for tall individuals. Others praise the overall smooth flying experience, from check-in to landing. “Never dissatisfied in JetBlue; love their workers and flight staff, their airplanes and everything,” one reader wrote. “In this day and age where flight is so stressful, they continue to be the best in the air and on the ground!”