The state of air travel at the moment is, in a word rough. Ticket prices are soaring due to rising fuel costs amid the conflict in the Middle East, airlines are raising baggage fees, and TSA lines are snaking around airports. If you still have to fly, though, there are smart choices to be made. WalletHub recently released its list of the best U.S. airlines to fly in 2026 — and honestly, we’re kind of surprised at the No. 1 pick.
The publication looked at 11 of the largest U.S. airlines (including two regional carriers) and scored them according to 16 metrics. Read on to find out which airlines you should be considering for your next flight.
The Metrics
Before we get into the airlines that rose to the top, here are the metrics that WalletHub used to rank their fleet:
- Canceled Flights
- Delays
- Mishandled Baggage Reports
- Denied Boardings
- Animal Related Incidents
- Leg Room
- Entertainment Options
- Wi-Fi Availability
- Complimentary Refreshments
- Price
- Fatal Injuries in Aviation Accidents
- Injuries in Aviation Incidents & Accidents
- Aviation Incidents & Accidents
- Fleet Age
- Civil Penalties Number FAA
- Civil Penalties Amount FAA
Each metric was given a max score (for example, the max score for “Price” was 10, while the max score for “Denied Boardings” was 15). Airlines were then ranked by their final score.
The Results
After totaling up each airlines’ final score, here is WalletHub’s ranked list of the best airlines in 2026:
1. Spirit (74.3/100)
Yes, the Spirit Airlines. Not only was Spirit named the Best Airline Overall, but it also came out on top as the Most Affordable Airline and Most Reliable Airline. Ok, WalletHub. If you say so.
2. Southwest Airlines (64.44/100)
Ah, good ol’ Southwest. The Dallas, Texas-headquarted airline was also named one of the Most Comfortable Airlines. As a Southwest fan, I’d also nominate them for the friendliest flight attendants.
3. SkyWest Airlines (63.58/100)
One of the U.S.’s leading regional airlines, SkyWest is contracted by larger airlines and often helps connect passengers between larger and smaller airports. In WalletHub’s report, it was named one of the Best Airlines for Pets.
4. Alaska Airlines (59.48/100)
Alaska Airlines, headquarted in SeaTac, Washington, is the fifth largest airline in North America.
5. Hawaiian Airlines (57.95/100)
Hawaiian Airlines scored a 4 out of 18 for delays, which is good enough for me.
6. JetBlue Airways (55.46/100)
I’m honestly surprised JetBlue isn’t a little bit higher, but it is what it is. WalletHub also dubbed JetBlue one of the Most Comfortable Airlines.
7. Delta Air Lines (52.01/100)
Delta had one of the lowest scores (a good thing!) for delayed flights, which is one of the most crucial metrics. Thanks for sticking to the clock, Delta!
8. American Airlines (50.92/100)
American Airlines was also called out as one of the Most Comfortable Airlines, scoring a 2 out of 2 on leg room and a 1 out of 1 in entertainment options.
9. Frontier Airlines (45.37/100)
Known for its poor customer service and frequent delays, it’s understandable that Frontier is at the bottom of this list. Still, the airline was named the Safest Airline by WalletHub, and safety certainly counts for something.
10. United Airlines (44.81/100)
United Airlines recently raised its checked baggage fees by $10, so we don’t feel too bad that it ended up at No. 10.
11. Envoy Air (44.46/100)
Envoy is a regional air carrier owned by American Airlines, and operates under the American Eagle brand.
Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments!
