This little-known domestic airline was just voted best in the U.S.
JSX, a public charter airline, just snagged the number one spot as the best domestic carrier, blowing past the stacked competition with a reader score of 92.29 out of 100. For context, the next closest airline, Hawaiian Airlines, scored 79.92. That's not a close race—that's a rout.
So what exactly makes JSX so special? Readers say it starts before you even board. Flying JSX feels a bit like having your own private jet: smaller airports, no crowded terminals and the ability to check in just 20 minutes before takeoff. Security is frictionless, thanks to TSA-approved screening areas that skip the lines. Inside, passengers get free Starlink Wi-Fi, roomy leather seats and business-class vibes without the business-class price tag.
As one T+L reader put it: 'Almost like flying private. Friendly staff, easy check-in, help with boarding, luggage.' That's the charm JSX sells, and clearly, it's working.
JSX mainly serves the western U.S., with a few routes linking to Florida, the East Coast and even Mexico. And while you won't see them at every big-city airport, that's the point—they specialize in point-to-point flights that dodge the chaos of major hubs.
The rest of T+L' s top 10 list includes familiar names like Hawaiian Airlines, Breeze Airways, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines (the only "big four" carrier to crack the top five). But none came close to JSX's sky-high score.
In a world where most domestic flights still feel like a test of patience, JSX shows there's another way, offering smaller crowds, faster boarding and personal service.
The best airlines in the U.S., according to Travel +Leisure readers
JSX
Hawaiian Airlines
Breeze Airways
Alaska Airlines
Delta Air Lines
JetBlue
Southwest
United
American Airlines
Sun Country Airlines.
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