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THE POINTS GUY RELEASES ITS TENTH ANNUAL BEST AIRLINES REPORT RANKING AMERICA'S TOP AIRLINES

Today, The Points Guy (TPG), the trusted media platform helping travelers make the most of every dollar while maximizing their travel experiences, released its tenth annual Best Airlines Report. For the eighth consecutive year, Delta Air Lines earned the top spot. However, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines delivered one of the closest races in the report's history, finishing second and third, respectively. The rankings are based on a weighted analysis of objective data from the previous yea

articleDelta Air Lines, Inc.June 3, 20267/news/the-points-guy-releases-its-tenth-annual-best-airlines-report-ranking-americas-top-airlines
THE POINTS GUY RELEASES ITS TENTH ANNUAL BEST AIRLINES REPORT RANKING AMERICA'S TOP AIRLINES

About this update from Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Delta Retains the Top Spot for the Eighth Consecutive Year as United Closes the Gap in One of the Tightest Races Yet NEW YORK, June 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Points Guy (TPG), the trusted media platform helping travelers make the most of every dollar while maximizing their travel experiences, released its tenth annual Best Airlines Report. For the eighth consecutive year, Delta Air Lines earned the top spot. However, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines delivered one of the closest races in the report's history, finishing second and third, respectively. The rankings are based on a weighted analysis of objective data from the previous year, evaluating every stage of the travel experience from on-time performance and baggage handling to affordability, airplane features, and loyalty. Delta has now topped TPG's airline rankings for the better part of the decade, underscoring the carrier's sustained commitment to delivering a best-in-class travel experience. The airline's continued success reflects the strength and consistency of its operations, from its industry-leading reliability to its elevated onboard amenities. United held onto the No. 2 spot and might have overtaken Delta for the top ranking had it not struggled with a higher rate of mishandled baggage compared to its competitors. Southwest and Alaska (Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines) rounded out the top four, with Southwest earning top honors in the "Cost and Reach" category. American finished fifth overall while leading the "Loyalty" category, and JetBlue placed sixth. Rounding out the rankings, ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant and Frontier landed near the bottom. While Allegiant ranked first in the "Reliability" category for its low cancellation rates, both airlines were weighed down by extensive ancillary fees, less competitive loyalty programs, and fewer onboard amenities than their larger rivals. Spirit was initially included in this year's analysis before its liquidation in May; had it remained in operation, TPG's analysis found it would have ranked just ahead of Frontier. The data also showed Spirit was the second most affordable airline in America, highlighting the significant gap its collapse leaves for budget-conscious travelers. "The aviation industry has gone through one of the most challenging years on record,&quo...

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United AirlinesSouthwest AirlinesDelta Air LinesAlaska Airlinesloyalty programbaggage handlingTPGHawaiian Airlinesloyalty programsSouthwestAmericanFrontier Airlines