Top 10 Most Popular U.S. Airlines to Fly in 2025

Choosing the right airline in 2025 feels more important than ever—because even short flights can feel like mini adventures or miserable delays, depending on what airline you choose.

And if you’re browsing “top 10 best airlines in the world” lists or following reviews from The Points Guy or J.D. Power, one thing is clear: Delta continues to dominate the charts, followed closely by United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and the rest.

The menu of options—American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways—is huge. But what really makes a brand one of the most popular U.S. airlines to fly is a delicate mix of reliability, comfort, loyalty perks, and value. So here’s a deep dive into the numbers and what they mean for your next trip.

🏆 How “Popularity” Is Measured in 2025 Rankings?

When people say “popular,” it’s easy to assume they just mean passenger numbers. But in airline rankings, the definition goes much deeper. These lists often factor in several metrics:

• Reliability – Tracks on-time airline operation, cancellation rates, baggage handling
• Passenger experience – How airlines score on comfort, staff friendliness, inflight entertainment, and premium economy options
• Loyalty programs – Mileage Plan, SkyMiles, and elite program perks play big roles here
• Value and affordability – Economy and basic economy pricing, loyalty value, cost versus service

Most of the top rankings rely on data from North America Airline Satisfaction Study, J.D. Power, Skytrax World Airline Awards, and reports from The Points Guy.

If you’re curious how they break the data down, check out that guide on how airline ratings really work—understanding on-time performance and cancellation rates makes you more informed when booking.

1. Delta Air Lines – Reigning Star for the Seventh Straight Year

If you’ve flown more than a few times over the past couple of years, you’ve probably already guessed it—Delta Air Lines tops nearly every major ranking in 2025.

From casual travelers to frequent flyers chasing loyalty status, Delta has kind of become the safe choice. It’s not perfect… but it consistently delivers on what matters most: reliability, solid customer service, and fewer “oh no” travel moments.

J.D. Power and The Points Guy both rate Delta as the most popular airline in the US this year. Why? It’s the full package. The airline scores high in both premium economy and economy class, especially when it comes to on-time arrivals, helpful flight crews, and those little comforts that take the edge off long hauls.

It’s also earned its place among the top 10 best airlines in the world—not just within North America. With network reach that spans domestic and international route networks, and a loyalty program (SkyMiles) that still holds decent value, Delta is the one many travelers default to.

Highlights of the Delta Experience:

• Free onboard Wi-Fi (no catches)
• Delta One Lounge access if you’re flying premium
• Consistently solid baggage handling
• Strong customer service reputation
• Delta Shake Shack meals on select routes (yes, really)

Pro Tip: Delta’s app is one of the most reliable out there. If you’re flying with them, use it for seat changes, bag tracking, even food orders mid-flight. It makes a difference—especially during delays.

 2. United Airlines – Climbing with Loyalty & Reliability

United Airlines is having a bit of a glow-up moment in 2025. While it’s long been one of the top 10 largest airlines in the US by size and fleet, it’s now climbing the charts in passenger satisfaction too—especially with business travelers and international flyers.

It moved up to #2 on several lists, including those tracking most popular airlines in the world. Why the rise? Improvements in route flexibility, loyalty perks, and fewer cancellations have helped it regain trust. United’s MileagePlus program is still one of the more valuable options out there, and their global reach is huge, making them a solid choice for those planning trips to and from North America.

That said… it’s not flawless. Baggage handling at Newark still raises eyebrows. Some regional operations under SkyWest Airlines can be inconsistent. But if you’re looking for solid global access, particularly for business-class or long-haul routes, United is a strong contender.

Frequent flyers who book often with MileagePlus already know the drill — especially if you’re trying to snag a seat bump. The United upgrade waitlist can be hit or miss, but when it works, it’s a sweet surprise at the gate.

Where United Stands Out:

• Massive international network, including Asia and Europe
• Upgraded lounges in key cities (Chicago, San Francisco, etc.)
• In-flight upgrades and mileage redemption are finally competitive again
• Expanding partnerships with Air Canada and other global airlines

Pro Tip: If you’re booking a transcontinental or international flight and have elite status with another Star Alliance carrier (like Lufthansa or Air Canada), United might give you better perks than you’d expect—even in basic economy.

3. Southwest Airlines – Economy Favorite with No-Bag Perks (Well, Used To Be)

You know how some airlines just feel like flying with an old friend? That’s kind of what Southwest Airlines has been for years. It’s casual, approachable, and refreshingly no-frills… but in a good way. For a long time, travelers loved it because of the simplicity—open seating, no change fees, and that famous two-free-bags policy.

But in 2025, that last part might be changing, and folks are watching closely. The possible shift away from free checked bags has stirred some concern, especially among loyal flyers who built their routines around it. Still, despite this, Southwest is hanging onto its place as one of the most popular US airlines and is consistently praised for on-time airline operation and general affordability.

It’s not part of the big airline alliances, so you won’t find global route networks here—but if you’re flying within North America, it covers most major cities and vacation destinations with surprisingly solid frequency. Also, no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.

Why People Still Love Southwest:

• Often lowest prices on domestic flights
• Friendly staff with a good sense of humor (usually…)
• Great performance in economy class per the North America Airline Satisfaction Study
• Still rated high among low-cost airlines despite recent changes

Pro Tip:
Want the best seat? Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. There’s no assigned seating, so early check-in gives you first dibs. You can also pay a little extra for EarlyBird Check-In… which, honestly, might be worth it on full flights.

 4. Alaska Airlines – Strong Reputation in West Coast Markets

Alaska Airlines doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it absolutely deserves a seat at the table—especially if you’re flying to or from the western US. It’s consistently among the top 10 most popular U.S. airlines to fly in 2025, and for good reason. It blends the reliability of a legacy carrier with some of the charm and flexibility of a smaller one.

Alaska’s Mileage Plan remains one of the best frequent flyer programs out there, especially if you’re savvy with airline miles. They’ve built a reputation for solid customer experience, with a focus on dependable service, decent legroom, and timely flights.

And for travelers planning vacations in the Pacific Northwest or heading to Alaska itself… well, this airline is a no-brainer. Bonus? They’ve recently announced deeper integration with Hawaiian Airlines, aiming to connect the West Coast and Pacific routes more seamlessly.

Where Alaska Airlines Stands Out:

• Excellent on-time performance across most hubs
• Cozy lounges in cities like Seattle and Portland
• Good family travel perks (early boarding, helpful crew)
• Strong performance in premium economy and economy class

Pro Tip: Flying from a cold-weather region to the islands or back? Alaska Airlines often has better flight timing and connection reliability compared to larger carriers, especially during peak holiday travel. If you’re planning a winter escape, it’s worth comparing them before defaulting to the big names.

 5. Hawaiian Airlines – Paradise Connections & Reliable Service

If there were ever an airline that felt like a vacation the moment you stepped on board, it might be Hawaiian Airlines.

There’s something about the way they blend island hospitality with solid, dependable service that keeps passengers coming back — not just for the beaches, but for the whole flying experience. In 2025, Hawaiian holds firm in the top 10 most popular U.S. airlines to fly, especially for anyone eyeing a trans-Pacific getaway.

While it’s not one of the top 10 largest airlines in the US by sheer fleet size, its niche is clear — and it dominates it well. Flights between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii are their bread and butter, but it also offers international routes across the Pacific, including to Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Passenger satisfaction has improved steadily over the last couple of years. People are noticing better on-time performance, smoother baggage handling, and overall customer experience that’s calm and welcoming. Especially compared to some of the high-pressure mega carriers.

And here’s the thing — Hawaiian Airlines might not offer the flashiest loyalty program or business class lounges everywhere, but it makes up for that with thoughtful touches. Think island-inspired meals, friendly staff, and a genuine aloha spirit that somehow makes red-eye flights a little more bearable.

Why Hawaiian Stays Popular in 2025:

• Consistently ranks well for reliability and friendly service
• Especially great for West Coast travelers heading to the islands
• Improved economy class seating and premium options like lie-flat beds on long-hauls
• Known for strong safety records and low delay rates

Pro Tip: If you’re planning multi-island travel, book inter-island flights early. They can fill up fast — especially during peak seasons like spring break and the holidays. Hawaiian’s island-to-island flights are frequent but not always cheap at the last minute.

6. JetBlue – Cabin Comfort Champion

JetBlue Airways has carved out a reputation that’s… well, a bit different from the rest. It doesn’t have the biggest fleet or the most global destinations, but what it does have is a fiercely loyal following. And most of that comes down to the in-flight experience.

Think of it this way: if you’ve ever been wedged into a cramped seat on a transcontinental flight, you know how much a few extra inches of legroom or seatback entertainment can mean. JetBlue gets that. Their focus on comfort — even in basic economy — has helped them earn top scores in both the premium economy class and first/business categories in recent airline satisfaction surveys.

It’s not surprising to see JetBlue consistently ranking in the top half of most lists of popular US airlines. Their Mint service (a kind of boutique business class) has been especially popular on coast-to-coast flights. You get lie-flat seats, decent food, and a stylish experience that doesn’t feel overly corporate.

JetBlue Strengths in 2025:

• Free Wi-Fi on most flights
• More legroom in economy than many full-service airlines
• Solid customer service and good baggage handling
• Strong performer in J.D. Power’s airline satisfaction ratings

Now, JetBlue hasn’t been immune to challenges — there were merger talks, route shakeups, and more scrutiny around pricing transparency. But it’s still a go-to for people who prioritize comfort, especially for domestic routes and select international flights into the Caribbean or South America.

Pro Tip: Flying JetBlue Mint? Check if your airport has access to the new lounges being rolled out in major hubs. They’re a work in progress, but already making a difference for frequent flyers who want a calm space before boarding.

7. American Airlines – Network Power with Service Challenges

American Airlines is a bit of a paradox. It’s one of the top 10 most popular U.S. airlines to fly in 2025… and yet, depending on who you ask, it can be both loved and loathed.

On paper, it’s a giant — part of the top 10 largest airlines in the US, with the most extensive daily flight schedule, one of the biggest fleets, and routes that connect nearly every corner of North America, plus major international hubs. That kind of network reach is tough to beat.

Where it struggles, though, is consistency. Some passengers rave about their upgraded cabins, improved lounges, and better food in premium cabins. Others? Not so much — citing delays, clunky boarding, and baggage issues as common headaches.

Customer experience is improving, slowly. In recent airline satisfaction ratings, American has started to climb back up the list, but it’s still a mixed bag. Frequent flyers using their loyalty program tend to be more forgiving, especially those earning elite perks. But for the average traveler booking economy or basic economy, it can feel hit or miss.

Still, for many people, it remains their go-to airline simply because it goes where they need to go — and often at a competitive price. If you’re chasing airline miles, particularly for international route networks or alliance benefits, American Airlines has its appeal.

Reasons American Airlines Stays in the Top 10:

• Most extensive route network among U.S. airlines
• Improvements in inflight amenities and cabin upgrades
• Access to international lounges and codeshare partners
• Large selection of travel packages and mileage redemption options

Pro Tip: When flying American, double-check aircraft type before booking. Some planes have upgraded interiors with better screens and power outlets — others don’t. It can make a big difference on longer flights.

8–10. Budget Carriers: Allegiant, Spirit & Frontier

Now let’s talk about the wild card section of this list — the ultra low-cost carriers. Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier Airlines round out the top 10, not necessarily for passenger satisfaction, but for sheer volume of travelers and budget appeal. Whether you love them or avoid them, these airlines are part of the 2025 travel landscape in a big way.

Spirit Airlines, for example, has become one of the fastest-growing U.S. airlines by offering barebones fares that appeal to younger travelers, weekend warriors, and anyone trying to fly across the country without draining their wallet. Frontier Airlines follows a similar model, while Allegiant focuses on point-to-point routes from smaller regional airports to sunny or touristy destinations.

Are they popular? Yes — especially for those seeking the lowest price. Are they comfortable or relaxing? That… depends. You’ll pay extra for nearly everything: bags, seats, snacks, even a printed boarding pass in some cases. But they’re still among the most popular US airlines by passenger numbers.

Budget Airline Realities in 2025:

J.D. Power and The Points Guy both rank these carriers near the bottom in passenger satisfaction — but they do recognize their affordability. If your expectations are clear (and your bag is small), these can be perfectly fine for short trips.

Pro Tip: Budget airlines can be ideal for flexible travelers. Book early, travel light, and keep an eye out for flash sales or mistake fares — just read the fine print before confirming anything.

📊 Airline Satisfaction Snapshot (J.D. Power Insights)

When people say a U.S. airline is “popular,” they often mean different things. Sometimes it’s just the airline they fly the most because it’s available. Other times, it’s about actual airline satisfaction — comfort, perks, staff friendliness, the whole deal. And then there’s the loyalty factor… folks tend to stick with what they know, even if it’s not perfect.

J.D. Power’s annual North America Airline Satisfaction Study sheds some light on how travelers actually feel when they fly. And it’s not just about first class anymore. From economy to premium economy and all the way up to business class lounges, people care about the full experience.

Here’s a quick glance at how things rank right now across different cabin types:

JetBlue Airways continues to win hearts in the premium space, especially in their Mint service. Delta still dominates premium economy — they’ve poured serious investment into Delta One Lounge areas and onboard upgrades. Meanwhile, Southwest’s free-bag policy and reliable on-time airline operation keep it at the top in economy class… though that may change if bag fees return.

What’s interesting is how the definition of “good” varies. Some folks care more about inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi, while others just want a clean seat, courteous flight attendants, and their bags to arrive. It’s a spectrum — not a checklist.

Pro Tip:
If you’re on the fence between two carriers, check the latest satisfaction scores for the specific cabin class you’ll fly. Economy experiences can differ drastically even between major airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines.

🌐 Popularity vs. Network Size: What Travelers Need to Know

Here’s something that often surprises people — the most popular airlines in the U.S. aren’t always the biggest or the best internationally. While airlines like Delta, United, and American are massive players in North America, only Delta Air Lines cracks the top 25 of the most popular airlines in the world rankings from Skytrax or airline safety studies.

Network size is a whole different beast. The top 10 largest airlines in the US are measured by available seat miles, fleet size, and frequency of routes… not just passenger satisfaction. So, when choosing who to fly with, it’s helpful to think about your actual travel goals.

Maybe you’re looking for low-cost airlines for domestic weekend hops. Or you’re collecting airline miles through loyalty programs and need international route networks. Or perhaps you’re flying with family and just want predictable delays (as weird as that sounds, some airlines are at least consistently 15–30 minutes late… which some travelers actually plan for).

The point is, “best” can mean safest, comfiest, cheapest, or most connected — and rarely do you get all of that in one package.

Quick Breakdown:

💬 Choosing the Right Airline for You

So, which airline should you book in 2025? Honestly… it depends. There isn’t a universal “best” airline because what makes an airline good is personal. Some people chase airline miles and loyalty perks. Others are laser-focused on budget, even if it means flying with less legroom and no frills.

If you’re someone who cares deeply about premium economy options, Delta Airlines and JetBlue Airways are solid bets. They’ve nailed the balance of comfort and service. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines keeps showing up in satisfaction rankings thanks to good customer service, smart route networks, and their Mileage Plan — which still gives pretty decent value per mile, unlike many watered-down loyalty programs out there.

For travelers who want to keep things simple and low-cost? Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines (yeah, they catch flak, but they’ve found their crowd) are still among the most popular US airlines for budget-conscious flyers. That said, don’t forget the add-on fees… a “cheap” fare can double quickly with baggage, seat selection, or even carry-ons.

United Airlines is another wildcard. It’s not always loved, but it’s got massive reach — both across the U.S. and into international destinations. If you care about global access, you’ll appreciate United’s extensive international route networks.

Here’s a breakdown by traveler type:

Pro Tip: Use tools like The Points Guy or J.D. Power’s Airline Satisfaction Survey to compare recent data. Airline reputations shift more often than you think. The most popular airlines in the world today might slip tomorrow if customer experience dips or new policies roll out.

And don’t forget… a lot can also depend on the specific airport you’re flying from. Some airports are hubs for certain carriers (like American Airlines at DFW or Delta at ATL), which usually means more flight options, shorter layovers, and better lounge access.

📝 Conclusion: What Flying in 2025 Really Looks Like

Air travel in 2025 isn’t just about getting from point A to B anymore… it’s about how you feel when you land. Whether you’re booking a last-minute economy seat with Southwest Airlines or planning a business class lounge escape with Delta Air Lines, your choice shapes the whole vibe of your trip.

Delta still stands tall across the board. But depending on your budget or priorities, airlines like JetBlue, United, or even Hawaiian Airlines might feel more “you.” And honestly, if all you need is a quick hop to Vegas with carry-on only, Frontier Airlines or Spirit might just be enough.

The truth is, this list of the 10 most popular U.S. airlines to fly in 2025 isn’t about naming winners and losers. It’s more like a guide… a nudge in the right direction depending on where you’re heading and what you need along the way. Each airline has its strong points — and a few quirks.

So pick your carrier with care, pack a little patience, and try not to judge your airline just by one bad flight delay or inflight snack. And hey, don’t forget to download your airline app — they’re way more helpful now than they used to be.

Have a go-to airline? Maybe a travel hack for getting the best seat or using your airline miles right? Share it in the comments — we’d honestly love to hear your take.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions