Best US Airlines 2025: Which One to Choose For Your Next Travel

With over 2.9 million daily passengers flying domestically, choosing the right airline can significantly impact your travel experience. Whether you prioritise reliability, affordability, luxury amenities, or loyalty rewards, understanding which airlines deliver excellence across different metrics is essential. This guide examines the best US airlines 2025, breaking down their strengths and helping you select the perfect carrier for your next journey based on what matters most to you.

Top US Airlines in 2025 For Your Next Travel

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines tops the 2025 Best Airlines Report for the seventh consecutive year. The carrier achieved an 83% on-time arrival rate and maintained its reliability leadership as Cirium's most punctual North American airline. Forbes Travel Guide recognized Delta as the Best U.S. Airline for the second consecutive year, earning five total awards, which is more than any competitor.​ Delta's premium offerings shine the highest in Premium Economy for the third straight year. The airline provides free Delta Sync Wi-Fi to SkyMiles members and enhanced seatback entertainment throughout its domestic fleet. Its comprehensive strength across reliability, customer experience, and operations positions Delta as the go-to choice for travelers prioritizing consistency.​

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines jumped two spots to third place in 2025, earning the lowest cancellation rate at just 0.62%. For the fourth consecutive year, the Dallas-based carrier ranked highest in the economy class customer satisfaction study. Southwest scored first place in six key dimensions with a Net Promoter Score of 48, significantly above the industry average of 33.​

The airline serves 106 domestic and 16 international destinations through its point-to-point model. According to the 2025 Airline Quality Rating, Southwest topped the list by improving every metric between 2022-2024, maintaining the industry's lowest complaint rate at 1.71 per 100,000 passengers. Its Rapid Rewards program offers flexibility that appeals to occasional flyers and frequent travelers alike.​

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue claimed the top spot for first/business class customer satisfaction. The airline's Mint premium experience ranked number one in five of seven evaluation dimensions, including on-board experience, airline staff, and value for price paid. The carrier improved customer satisfaction and reliability, with double-digit Net Promoter Score growth in 2025.​ Despite limited lounge network reach, JetBlue excels with industry-leading legroom, free snacks and beverages, and exceptional in-flight entertainment. The airline ranks sixth, offering the best premium cabin experience at competitive prices compared to legacy carriers.​

United Airlines

United Airlines climbed to second place, improving across reliability and passenger experience. The Chicago-based carrier operates the world's largest fleet with 1,050 aircraft serving 370 destinations globally, 217 domestic and 153 international.​ United once again leads loyalty rankings through comprehensive Premier elite benefits and the Star Alliance partnership network. The carrier is expanding its "Blue Sky" agreement with JetBlue, enhancing connectivity. By 2025, United differentiated its customer experience through new airplane interiors featuring 1:1 overhead bins, seatback entertainment, LED lighting, and next-generation WiFi.​

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines holds fourth place despite slipping from second in 2024. The Seattle-based carrier merged with Hawaiian Airlines in 2025, receiving an FAA single operating certificate, strengthening its combined Pacific presence.  The newly integrated Atmos Rewards program combines Alaska's Mileage Plan with Hawaiian's HawaiianMiles, offering flexible earning across a network connecting 140+ destinations. Alaska is installing Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi fleet-wide with complimentary access for Atmos members. Travel + Leisure readers ranked Hawaiian second and Alaska fourth in their 2025 World's Best Awards.​

American Airlines

American Airlines fell three spots to seventh place in the 2025 rankings, struggling with baggage handling and profitability gaps versus Delta and United. However, the Fort Worth-based carrier is aggressively investing in premium recovery through aircraft reconfigurations.​ The airline recently took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, the first operated by a U.S. airline featuring three-class layouts with Flagship Suite business class. American serves 363 destinations (230 domestic, 133 international) and operates one of the world's largest fleets. The American Airlines AAdvantage was ranked second in a 2025 Airline Loyalty Program Rankings report by Point Me. 

Conclusion

Selecting the best airlines in the US ultimately depends on your priorities. You can choose Delta for consistency and reliability, and you can select Southwest for budget-friendly domestic travel. Moreover, you can consider American if premium cabin investment matters most. Each carrier excels in different areas, ensuring options for every traveler's needs when selecting the best airlines in the US. So, what are you waiting for? Call ExperianAirfare now and book your flight tickets to any of the best airlines in the US.