Staff Reports
Every year, travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers eagerly await the results of the airline rankings, and this year is no exception. In 2025, Southwest Airlines soared above the competition, clinching the title of the best airline. With the fewest customer complaints and minimal tarmac delays, Southwest proved that its commitment to customer satisfaction and efficient service is no mere marketing tactic—it’s a reality that passengers can count on.
The runners-up, Allegiant and Delta, each brought their own strengths to the table. Allegiant, known for its budget-friendly fares, managed to snag the second spot. The airline has certainly found its niche by catering to budget-conscious travelers without skimping on quality. Meanwhile, Delta hit a bit of turbulence this year, dropping from its four-year winning streak to a still-respectable third place. Unfortunately for Delta, factors such as flight cancellations and tarmac delays chipped away at its reputation, reminding everyone that even the most established airlines can have off days.
As we descend into the middle of the rankings, we find Alaska Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Though they both sit at different ends of the reputation spectrum, they have a wide enough gap between them that it’s clear who’s navigating the skies more smoothly. Coming in sixth is United Airlines—another airline that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. It seems that none of the airlines are immune to the occasional mishap, but these mid-tier players are still working to prove their worth.
The final rankings reveal JetBlue in seventh place and an unfortunate tie between American Airlines and Frontier at the bottom. American Airlines faced a troubling increase in cancellations, with their rate jumping significantly from 1.27% in 2024 to an astonishing 2.2% in 2025. This means that no other airline even came close to that cancellation figure, which understandably left passengers feeling disappointed. On the other hand, Frontier Airlines managed to land in last place in four out of seven categories. It seems that Frontier has a lot of work to do if it hopes to rise through the ranks any time soon.
At the end of the day, these rankings are based on objective operational measures—factors like on-time arrivals and having passengers’ luggage where it belongs. So, whether travelers are looking for budget deals or simply want the most reliable experience, they now have a clear guide to help them make informed decisions. In a world where flying can sometimes feel like a gamble, knowing which airlines consistently perform well can take a little of the stress out of travel. Whether it’s Southwest’s stellar service or Allegiant’s wallet-friendly fares, travelers now have the scoop on which airlines are ready to take them to their destination without a hitch.
