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CBS News
19-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
These are the top airlines in the U.S., according to The Points Guy
Looking to travel this summer but not sure which airline to fly for the best experience? The Points Guy (TPG), an online site dedicated to improving consumers' travel experiences while helping them save money, has revealed its annual ranking of the best airlines in the U.S. Founder and CEO Brian Kelly said the site ranks airlines based on four criteria: a carrier's reliability and performance; passenger experience; its cost and reach; and the quality of its loyalty or rewards program. Recent carrier meltdowns have travelers thinking more carefully about which airline — and through which airports — they want to fly. "This is not just my personal decision," Kelly told CBS Mornings. He also explained how the company weighs each metric. "We have a formula. We use lots of data. This isn't us just sticking our finger up in the air and kind of playing favorites. We look at reliability, first and foremost." "When you buy airfare, you need to get to where you're going, so we give a huge amount — 30% — to reliability," Kelly explained. Some airlines are going the extra mile to make flying more enjoyable for customers, from the minute they step foot in an airport through touchdown. For that reason, TPG assigned a 25% weight to an airline passenger's experience score to determine its overall ranking. An airline's cost and reach — including how expansive its network of destinations is — was assigned a 20% weight. And one-quarter of an airline's score was determined by the quality of its loyalty of rewards program. How the airlines stack up Delta Air Lines topped the list for the seventh year in a row, with its relative strength across all categories earning it the highest ranking, according to TPG. It is the most reliable on-time airline in America. It also provides passengers with free wi-fi, a wide selection of inflight entertainment options and meals from Shake Shack. United came in second place, rising from third place last year, aided by an improved onboard experience. It could continue to climb the rankings next year after announcing a partnership with JetBlue that will expand the airline's reach and improve perks for its loyalty members, TPG said. Weighing on the airline, though, is United's outsized presence at Newark Airport, which is suffering from persistent equipment and staffing issues. Southwest Airlines moved up two spots to earn the No. 3 position. Working in the airline's favor is its low flight cancellation rate, which is the best of any of its competitors. While it scored points in the cost and reach category, recent changes in fee structures could end its reign. It recently ended its popular "bags fly free" policy and offers a new, basic economy fare. Here are the full rankings, according to TPG: Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines Alaska Airlines Hawaiian Airlines JetBlue American Airlines Allegiant Air Spirit Airlines Frontier Airlines
The Sun
19-06-2025
- The Sun
I flew on the best low-cost airline in Northern Europe – the price for a flight is crazy & we slept nearly the whole way
THE best airlines in Europe have been revealed - and I was lucky enough to fly on one of them during a long-haul flight. Norse Atlantic Airways was awarded the Best Low-Cost Airline in Northern Europe by this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards. 3 3 Not only that, but it also came in fifth place for the World's Best Long Haul Low Cost Airlines. And after a recent 11-hour flight with them, I definitely agree. I boarded the budget airline for a flight from London Gatwick to Cape Town. I splashed out on premium economy costing £3,583 - that may sound like a lot but it was nearly £1,500 cheaper than other rival airlines. Doing the long flight with my five-year-old son, it was worth every penny. He slept nearly the whole way from from 10pm to 7am, while I snatched a manageable 5ish hours. It might not have been a full night sleep but it was more than I had ever slept in standard economy. Premium seats also include ear plugs, eye masks, pillows and blankets at the start of the flight, as well as headphones and two meals. I was impressed with the food (after all, plane meals are notoriously hit and miss) with a tasty tortellini and cheesecake. But even the economy flights are pretty good, which we tried on our return home. Budget airline to launch brand new long-haul flights from the UK this year 3 While the seats are slimmer, we booked bulkhead seats which felt just as roomy (even for my 5ft10 self). We were happy with the paid-for snack options too, with hot sandwiches and ready noodle pots. It also felt much easier seeing as it was a day flight, and didn't need the blankets and pillows as much which were extra. Along with friendly staff, I was more than impressed with Norse - and they are next on my list to fly with again to Orlando. Other award-winning airlines include Qatar Airways, named the world's best airline for the ninth time. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey and the Sun's Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski both tried it out. And are some of our other airline reviews, including the airline with the best food.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
List of best airlines in the world revealed
Air carrier review website Skytrax has released its list of the world's best airlines. Qantas, Australia's flagship carrier, was named the 14th-best airline in the world. The news may come as a shock to some travellers following several years of bitter backlash against Qantas - including massive government handouts during Covid, unfairly sacking workers and becoming embroiled in political drama after offering politicians placements in the Chairman's Lounge. Skytrax released its ranking on Tuesday with Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific taking the top three spots. The remaining 10 positions were respectively handed to Emirates, ANA All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Air France , Japan Airlines and Hainan Airlines. Qantas Airways was ranked 14th - beaten by Swiss Int'l Air Lines in 11th, EVA Air in 12th and British Airways in 13th. Qantas received several other awards from Skytrax including Best Airline in Australia/Pacific. 'To be recognised as the Best Airline Australia and Pacific reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering for our customers and is testament to the exceptional work of our people,' Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, said. 'I want to sincerely thank our incredible team of more than 29,000 people around the world, who bring such passion and pride to the work they do every single day. 'This award belongs to them.' In 2024, Qantas was ranked 24th on the world's best airlines list. Qantas again received several 2025 Australia/Pacific awards for its class offerings. Those included Best Economy Class, Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, Best Business Class, Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Premium Economy Class. The airline also claimed awards for the Best Cabin Crew in Australia/Pacific and Cleanest Airline in Australia/Pacific. One of the other top Skytrax awards for Australia was handed to Virgin Australia for the Best Airline Staff Service in Australia/Pacific. The carrier was also awarded Best Regional Airline in Australia/Pacific and Most Family Friendly Airline in Australia/Pacific. Virgin Australia was ranked the second-best regional airline in the world. Jetstar also collected two awards from Skytrax in 2025. Those were Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia/Pacific and Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia. Only two awards for the Australia/Pacific region were awarded to non-Australian companies. Those were Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering awarded to Air New Zealand and Best Business Class Lounge awarded to Air New Zealand – AKL. The remaining top 20 airlines by Skytrax were Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Saudi Arabian Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, Air Canada and Iberia.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
List of best airlines in the world is revealed - and Qantas takes out a surprising spot after a tough few years
Air carrier review website Skytrax has released its list of the world's best airlines. Qantas, Australia's flagship carrier, was named the 14th-best airline in the world. The news may come as a shock to some travellers following several years of bitter backlash against Qantas - including massive government handouts during Covid, unfairly sacking workers and becoming embroiled in political drama after offering politicians placements in the Chairman's Lounge. Skytrax released its ranking on Tuesday with Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific taking the top three spots. The remaining 10 positions were respectively handed to Emirates, ANA All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Air France, Japan Airlines and Hainan Airlines. Qantas Airways was ranked 14th - beaten by Swiss Int'l Air Lines in 11th, EVA Air in 12th and British Airways in 13th. Qantas received several other awards from Skytrax including Best Airline in Australia/Pacific. 'To be recognised as the Best Airline Australia and Pacific reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering for our customers and is testament to the exceptional work of our people,' Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, said. 'I want to sincerely thank our incredible team of more than 29,000 people around the world, who bring such passion and pride to the work they do every single day. 'This award belongs to them.' In 2024, Qantas was ranked 24th on the world's best airlines list. Qantas again received several 2025 Australia/Pacific awards for its class offerings. Those included Best Economy Class, Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, Best Business Class, Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Premium Economy Class. The airline also claimed awards for the Best Cabin Crew in Australia/Pacific and Cleanest Airline in Australia/Pacific. One of the other top Skytrax awards for Australia was handed to Virgin Australia for the Best Airline Staff Service in Australia/Pacific. The carrier was also awarded Best Regional Airline in Australia/Pacific and Most Family Friendly Airline in Australia/Pacific. Virgin Australia was ranked the second-best regional airline in the world. Jetstar also collected two awards from Skytrax in 2025. Those were Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia/Pacific and Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia. Only two awards for the Australia/Pacific region were awarded to non-Australian companies. Those were Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering awarded to Air New Zealand and Best Business Class Lounge awarded to Air New Zealand – AKL. The remaining top 20 airlines by Skytrax were Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Saudi Arabian Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, Air Canada and Iberia.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Best Airlines In America For 2025, According To J.D. Power
A new report ranks the best airlines in America, including the U.S. and Canada. getty What are the best airlines to fly in 2025? After recent turbulence in the airline industry—including high-profile crashes, economic troubles, industry shakeups and more—a new report from J.D. Power reveals which carriers in the U.S. and Canada are still winning over passengers. J.D. Power—an expert in consumer insights, data and analytics—has been tracking the state of the airline industry since 1993 and ranking the carriers. In 2022, J.D. Power started breaking down its annual North America Airline Satisfaction Study by cabin class: first/business class, premium economy and economy/basic economy. The 2025 report reflects the feedback from more than 10,000 travelers and evaluates the airlines across several key dimensions, from onboard service and ease of travel to value for money. But the study doesn't just name winners—it also tracks the trends that are shaping air travel. So what is the state of air travel in 2025? 'I'd describe it as a 'come down from the sugar high of the past few years,' Michael Taylor, travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power, told me in an interview. 'Post-pandemic travel demand was stronger than anyone anticipated, but as with all things; what can't go on forever, won't.' With travel demand softening, concerns around tariffs and issues like pilot shortages, travel in the coming year will be a regression to the mean, says Talor. 'There are still systemic issues that prevent most airlines from maximizing their revenues: aircraft deliveries, pilot availability, stalling domestic demand and uncertainty about peoples' reactions to tariffs and how that will affect their travel decisions,' says Taylor. Still, this year's report still has a bit of good news: Overall satisfaction with the airlines is up six points over 2024. The Best Airline For First/Business Class This year, JetBlue Airways—which also ranked first in 2023—rose to the top of the first/business class rankings, thanks to its Mint experience. This section offers lie-flat seats, elevated dining and a sleek design. 'Their Mint product is very well-received by upper class cabin flyers,' says Taylor. The airline's staff has also helped propel JetBlue to the top. 'Over the years, J.D. Power has noted that the airlines that can create a positive emotional attachment among crew and flyers do very well in creating satisfaction and loyalty,' says Taylor. 'Although physical attributes within the aircraft are important to first- and business-class flyers, JetBlue has put a lot of effort into 'people skills' to create an even more positive experience in that cabin class.' Delta comes in second place for first/business, followed by Alaska Airlines. American Airlines ranks last place. The Best Airline For Premium Economy Delta, meanwhile, tops the premium economy category for a third year in a row. The reason? 'Basically, the same reason that JetBlue does well in Mint,' says Taylor. 'Delta has spent years and millions of dollars training in-flight personnel to create a 'one-on-one' experience. Delta's people skills have improved over the past seven to eight years and it has paid off in a perception that Delta is more 'customer-focused' than 'bottom-line focused.' And even though the airlines don't have an international-style premium product, JetBlue and Alaska follow close behind at number two and three—indicating that passengers may value legroom and consistency as much as seat width and recline. WestJet ranks last for premium economy. The Best Airline For Economy/Basic Economy This year, Southwest once again dominated the economy rankings—taking the top spot for the fourth year in a row. Its customer-friendly policies (two free checked bags, no change fees, open seating) have long set the airline apart, though changes are on the way. Starting May 28, the airline will roll out new baggage fees, assigned seating and more—which could impact the airline's rankings, predicts Taylor. 'For some time now, Southwest has been top-rated in both 'value for price paid' and 'airline staff' for the economy cabin. These are their chief strengths,' says Taylor. 'However, with the introduction of bag fees and coming changes to boarding procedures, it might be difficult for Southwest to dominate the economy category as it has been doing for years.' JetBlue comes in second in the economy rankings, followed by Delta in the third spot. At the other end of the spectrum is ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier, which finishes last—despite rolling out product updates aimed at wooing more mainstream customers. Trends In Airline Travel So why are satisfaction scores rising in 2025—especially in a year when public anxiety around crashes and software issues is high? 'A slight increase in 'value for price paid' overall, some increase in trust that airlines will be on-time and deliver the in-flight experience,' says Taylor. 'Both of these are the result of a little less tumult in the industry overall, accidents and other software-related issues notwithstanding.' Looking ahead, airlines face a delicate balancing act. 'If cabin load factors slide, we're likely to see higher satisfaction with the airline experience if the ticket pricing remains the same,' says Taylor. 'After all, who doesn't like to have that middle seat empty on a flight? If prices rise, it will be harder for airlines to create loyalty and maintain satisfaction levels.' And what about safety? 'Safety is the major 'given' for the airline experience,' says Taylor. 'No one will step on to an unsafe aircraft, and what's more, no pilot will fly in unsafe conditions. The flying public has a very short memory and the public trusts the airlines will only operate if they can safely deliver passengers to their destinations. Aviation's overall safety record is still something to be admired.' Keep reading for the full lists of the best airlines in North America. The Best Airlines In America: First/Business Class Numbers listed here are the J.D. Power score out of 1,000 points. Delta Air Lines – 724 Alaska Airlines – 709 United Airlines – 690 Air Canada – 686 American Airlines – 684 The Best Airlines In America: Premium Economy Delta Air Lines – 717 JetBlue Airways – 699 Alaska Airlines – 691 United Airlines – 652 American Airlines – 650 Air Canada – 616 WestJet – 614 The Best Airlines In America: Economy/Basic Economy Southwest Airlines – 694 JetBlue Airways – 663 Delta Air Lines – 662 Alaska Airlines – 645 Allegiant Air – 636 United Airlines – 603 American Airlines – 597 Air Canada – 561 WestJet – 537 Spirit Airlines – 526 Frontier Airlines – 520
