DALLAS – The 2025 World’s Best Awards survey revealed a clear winner among the most popular airlines in the US, as one carrier stood out from both legacy and low-cost competitors to become the most loved by travelers.
Based on Travel and Leisure’s nearly 180,000 reader responses, the results reflected a clear preference for comfort, service, and efficiency over network size or brand familiarity.
Major players like Delta Air Lines (DL) and JetBlue Airways (B6) performed well, but the top-ranked carrier’s ability to simplify the airport process and offer business-class-style service on short routes allowed it to surpass all competitors by a wide margin.

Most Popular Airlines in the US of 2025
Here are the 10 best airlines in the US that won the 2025 World’s Best Awards by Travel and Leisure:

10. Sun Country Airlines (SY)
Sun Country Airlines finished tenth with a score of 66.81, offering value-driven travel from its base in Minneapolis (MSP). Travelers found its seasonal and charter-heavy operations useful for leisure routes, though its limited onboard amenities and narrow domestic footprint kept it at the lower end of the rankings.
Despite that, Sun Country’s affordable fares, vacation-friendly destinations, and hybrid business model appealed to budget-conscious passengers seeking simple and direct service.

9. American Airlines (AA)
American Airlines (AA) ranked ninth with a reader score of 67.86, trailing its legacy peers. Flyers appreciated its extensive domestic network from hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), and Charlotte (CLT), but pointed to inconsistent service and cabin quality as drawbacks.
Still, efforts to modernize the fleet and enhance the AAdvantage program earned recognition, suggesting a gradual improvement in customer experience.

8. United Airlines (UA)
United Airlines (UA) placed eighth with a 70.66 score, showing modest gains in customer satisfaction. Travelers noted improvements in premium cabins, Wi-Fi availability, and upgraded onboard services on flights departing major hubs such as Chicago (ORD) and Newark (EWR).
However, service consistency across routes remained a concern, keeping United behind its competitors in overall value and passenger satisfaction.

7. Southwest Airlines (WN)
Southwest Airlines (WN) ranked seventh with a score of 74.63, maintaining a solid reputation for transparency and flexibility. Flyers valued the airline’s no-change-fee policy and two free checked bags, which provided reliable value across its expansive network.
Despite lacking assigned seating or a traditional first-class cabin, Southwest’s approachable staff and efficient boarding process continued to earn traveler loyalty.

6. JetBlue Airways (B6)
JetBlue Airways (B6) secured sixth place with a 75.91 rating, remaining popular among travelers looking for comfort at a reasonable price. The airline’s generous legroom, free Wi-Fi, and seat-back entertainment consistently impressed passengers, especially on routes like New York (JFK) to Boston (BOS).
Mint, JetBlue’s premium cabin product, also helped raise the airline’s profile among both leisure and business travelers.

5. Delta Air Lines (DL)
Delta Air Lines (DL) landed in fifth place with a score of 77.34, leading the “big four” US carriers in customer satisfaction. Passengers highlighted the airline’s strong reliability, helpful gate agents, and digital tools that made domestic flying more convenient.
Operating from key hubs like Atlanta (ATL) and Minneapolis (MSP), Delta maintained a balance of service quality and extensive connectivity, earning praise for its loyalty benefits and entertainment options.

4. Alaska Airlines (AS)
Alaska Airlines (AS) surprisingly came in fourth with a 77.77 score, with travelers praising its punctuality, consistent service, and customer-centric policies. The airline performed especially well on West Coast routes from Seattle (SEA) and San Francisco (SFO).
Flyers appreciated the airline’s commitment to comfort, reliability, and value, as well as the flexibility of its Mileage Plan rewards program.

3. Breeze Airways (MX)
Breeze Airways (MX) ranked third with a score of 78.63, quickly gaining traction among travelers in smaller markets. Passengers liked the airline’s direct routes, clean cabins, and simplified booking options that made domestic flying easier and more affordable.
With modern aircraft and a focus on underserved cities, Breeze offered an appealing blend of value and comfort to a growing segment of US travelers.

2. Hawaiian Airlines (HA)
Hawaiian Airlines (HA) earned second place with a score of 79.92, thanks to its authentic in-flight experience and strong customer satisfaction. Flyers enjoyed the warm hospitality, smooth connections between the mainland and the islands, and a relaxing cabin atmosphere.
The airline extended its signature service across routes from Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), and San Francisco (SFO), giving travelers a seamless start or end to their Hawaiian vacations.

1. JSX (XE)
JSX (XE) claimed the top spot with a standout reader score of 92.29, far surpassing all other US airlines of 2025.
The public charter carrier sets itself apart by operating from private terminals at smaller airports, allowing passengers to check in just 20 minutes before departure and skip traditional TSA lines.
Though headquartered in Dallas, Texas, JSX doesn’t use a central hub like legacy airlines. Instead, it runs a point-to-point network with strong operational presence at Dallas Love Field (DAL), Hollywood Burbank (BUR), and Las Vegas (LAS), along with regular service in Austin (AUS) and Phoenix (PHX).
Onboard, flyers enjoy business-class-style seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and attentive service. Its consistently high marks in comfort, customer experience, and time savings helped it outscore every competitor by a wide margin.

JSX Outperforms Legacy US Airlines
JSX redefined expectations by delivering a high-end travel experience without the hassle of conventional airport operations. Unlike legacy US airlines operating from crowded terminals, JSX uses private facilities and streamlined security procedures, allowing travelers to check in closer to departure and avoid long wait times.
Passengers consistently praised JSX for its streamlined experience and elevated onboard service. One traveler likened it to a private jet journey, noting the warm staff, hassle-free boarding, and short check-in time. The addition of complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi and spacious seating further reinforced its premium appeal.
Legacy carriers like Delta and Alaska still attracted loyal passengers with strong route networks and reliable service, but JSX’s innovative model proved more aligned with evolving traveler preferences. Other rising carriers like Breeze and JetBlue also gained momentum by focusing on comfort and efficiency, yet JSX remained the most distinctive among them.

Survey Methodology and Rating Criteria
The Travel and Leisure 2025 World’s Best Awards survey invited nearly 180,000 readers to rate their travel experiences. Voters cast more than 657,000 ballots across categories like hotels, airlines, and cruise lines.
Participants evaluated four specific criteria that included cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, and overall value. Respondents rated each aspect on a five-point scale from poor to excellent, and final scores reflected the average across all categories.
This year’s rankings offered clear insight into what domestic travelers value most: not just route coverage or loyalty perks, but convenience, comfort, and thoughtful service throughout the entire journey.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Top 10 Highest Revenue Domestic Routes for the US Airlines in 2025
The post Most Popular Airlines in the US of 2025, No.1 Will Surprise You!! appeared first on Aviation A2Z.