Money’s picks the best five airlines for 2023 are here to help you navigate the chaos and make your travel plans as you wish.
Best Airline Reviews
The fewest instances of mishandled baggage and the best on-time performance of all the airlines we reviewed, Delta is best for reliability.
Delta, one of the three major airlines in the United States, holds the record for the highest percentage of flights arrived between November and December 2021 and 2022, with a slight increase of 83%. Additionally, Delta serves over 120 million passengers in 2022, surpassing any other airline. Moreover, it offers flights to more than 275 destinations worldwide.
Additionally, while en route to your destination, you will have the opportunity to enjoy numerous benefits. In the coming year, Delta will introduce free WiFi on most domestic flights during the last month of its domestic fleet. However, in order to access this complimentary service, you must join Delta’s SkyMiles rewards program.
Why we selected it: Alaska is the ideal choice for pet owners due to its extensive pet regulations and comparatively affordable charges.
The airline allows travelers to carry two pets in a single carrier, as long as the seat adjacent to theirs is purchased as a second ticket. The carrier for the pets cannot be larger than 7.5″ x 11″ x 17″ and the cats and dogs must be at least eight weeks old and able to eat solid food. Alaska also allows household birds, rabbits, and cats, but there is a $100 fee per pet for the cabin.
Certain breeds of short-nosed dogs and cats, such as bulldogs and Persian cats, are not permitted to travel in the baggage compartment. However, a wider variety of animals including ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish are allowed in the cargo compartment. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 150 pounds, and there is a fee of $100. Alaska Airlines also permits pets to travel in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartment of their airplanes, unlike some other airlines.
If needed, families have the option to sit together and modify their travel arrangements because Southwest is our top airline. We selected it for this specific reason.
Southwest, the beloved carrier known for its low fares and lack of extra charges, allows you to check two bags for free. Additionally, you can cancel or switch flights without any fees. This is why Southwest has been ranked first in the basic economy and economy categories by J.D. Power’s 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, earning a loyal customer base.
Some travelers may find it inconvenient that Southwest does not assign seats. However, Southwest allows families with young children to board the plane early, which helps facilitate sitting together between the A and B groups.
Southwest Airlines has announced changes to its operations in order to ease the strain on customers affected by flight cancellations. In an effort to rebook passengers unable to do so with other major airlines, Southwest will provide extra rewards points and refunds as compensation. It is important to note that Southwest Airlines does not have a partnership with any other airlines, which is why they were not able to rebook passengers with their competitors. The airline’s cancellation of over 15,000 flights due to a winter storm disruption during the holidays made headlines.
Despite the meltdown last year, we still think the airline is a good choice, especially for families who need to stay flexible while traveling without paying an arm and a leg.
American Airlines is our top airline for incentives as its straightforward rewards system and extensive network make it an excellent option for frequent flyers. The reasons behind our selection are:
At the start of American’s redemption program, members can earn points or miles by spending money with dozens of other partners, including JetBlue, or by flying with American Airlines or its partner airlines. To redeem rewards, a minimum of 10,000 points or miles is required, unlike other programs where points can be redeemed at lower amounts. The number of miles accrued by members is used to determine the points they earn in American’s AAdvantage rewards program.
Last year, American Airlines revamped its rewards program to simplify the elite status path and make it easier for users to figure out how to spend their points on an easy flight. Unlike some other American airlines, American’s rewards program allows users to purchase access to more than 100 airport lounges around the world and also use those points to eventually expire miles and wrinkle their age carefully.
JetBlue emerges as the top airline for customer contentment in a study conducted by J.D. Power due to its highest ranking across several customer satisfaction indicators. The reason behind our selection.
JetBlue, much like Southwest, has a following of loyal customers thanks to its ample legroom, stylish new aircraft, and friendly service. It also ranks first among all major U.S. Carriers in the Index of Customer Satisfaction in the economy and basic category (second only to Southwest) and took the top ranking for premium economy and business class in the 2022 J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study.
Almost all planes (on every seat) allow travelers to access services such as radio and TV satellite, Prime Amazon streaming, and free WiFi on every seat, as well as in-flight entertainment on screens.
Other Air Carriers to Take into Account.
Additionally, it is reasonable for airlines to consider the circumstances you are in. However, it is important to recognize that there is no single ideal option for everyone when it comes to air travel.
When comparing flight prices, make sure to take into account those additional features, so passengers should anticipate additional costs for nearly everything else, from hand luggage and refreshments to choosing your seat, but a few of them offer remarkably affordable prices.
United Airlines
Houston or Washington D.C. Could be the perfect choice for those who live near a city hub, especially for true United Airlines enthusiasts. This program offers robust rewards and a large network, making it a great option after American and Delta, the third largest domestic carriers.
United attained the third spot in the Air Travel Consumer Report for punctuality in 2022, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Why we didn’t select it: United falls behind the majority of other prominent airlines in terms of customer satisfaction.
Frontier
Assistance is needed for travelers who want to avoid the cost burden of additional fees. Frontier Airlines offers a range of add-ons, such as flexibility in flight changes and priority boarding, for a fee. They have a variety of add-ons to choose from, while still providing low fares. Frontier Airlines flies to over 100 destinations, primarily in the U.S., But also in the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico.
In the most recent Air Travel Consumer Report from the Department of Transportation (DOT), Frontier received the highest quantity of consumer grievances per 100,000 travelers (42.13), significantly surpassing the 8.99 complaints of the next ranked airline on the list: the reasons for not selecting them.
Spirit
Spirit Airlines also advises travelers to check in online or at self-service kiosks to avoid the $25 fee for printing boarding passes. To raise the overall cost of the trip, Spirit also suggests that travelers pay extra to sit together. Spirit does not guarantee adjacent seats for adults accompanying children under 13. Additionally, Spirit Airlines offers flights to domestic destinations in the U.S., As well as to the Caribbean, South America, and Central America.
Why didn’t we choose Frontier Airlines, which offers more international routes than other budget airlines do and has more limited domestic routes?
Allegiant
To go abroad or have a connecting choice, you’ll need to search elsewhere. Allegiant outperformed major competitors such as American and Alaska Airlines in the Economy/Basic Economy category according to J.D. Power’s 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study. Individuals traveling within the country should take into account that Allegiant provides flights from 117 airports across 13 distinct states.
We didn’t choose Allegiant because they are the lowest-ranked airline carrier for on-time arrivals among the top 10 domestic carriers available in the DOT’s Consumer Travel Air Report for 2023.
Best Airlines Guide
When you want to visit one of the best places to travel anywhere else, you need to know the requirements of the destination. The first part of the logistics of taking a trip by air is only booking a flight and selecting an airline.
The benefits you will receive from the flights, the situations in which you can cancel or modify your ticket, and any specifications for your luggage (and your animals, if you are bringing any with you).
Here is a comprehensive guide to these subjects, including information on vaccination and mask requirements for air travel.
Baggage policies and restrictions
However, these policies and restrictions are generally quite similar among all major domestic airlines.
Carry on luggage
Generally, airlines allow fliers to bring a carry-on item and a personal item on board. The size of the personal item can be the size of a laptop bag, briefcase, or purse. However, not all airlines provide specific restrictions on the size of personal items below the seat in front of you.
To ensure that you comply with airline regulations, we suggest double-checking your measurements. While most luggage sets may include a small suitcase, it is important to note that most airlines require carry-on bags to fit in the overhead compartment, including handles and wheels, with a maximum dimension of 9″ x 14″ x 22″.
Checked luggage
Most airlines do not charge fees for checked baggage, with Southwest being a notable exception. These policies apply to average-sized bags that fall under the specified weight limit of 50 pounds. Additionally, the first two bags you bring will not incur any charges.
Moreover, it is typically more economically beneficial to inspect two suitcases weighing under 50 pounds each instead of a single suitcase that exceeds the weight limit.
Airlines’ cancellation policies
You will need to submit an application to the airline, but the process of refund varies depending on the airline when travelers experience significant flight cancellations or delays, as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to refund their passengers.
Depending on the circumstances, they could make a sense of refund, but you are not required to accept those offers. Instead, airlines will often offer a flight voucher or the option to rebook.
During the COVID pandemic, many carriers have maintained more lenient policies regarding cancellation and changes, allowing travelers to make or cancel changes without incurring a fee, even for the cheapest economy class tickets. However, if there is a difference in fare for your new flight, you will need to pay that, although you can still make or cancel changes without any penalty.
Below are the links to the cancellation policies of the airlines that have been included in our list:
Alaska, Southwest, American, and JetBlue are all airlines that serve the Delta region.
Airlines that fly dogs
Here’s what you can anticipate. You should make certain to verify the regulations prior to arranging your trip with your dog, as pet guidelines differ greatly among airlines.
Which airlines allow dogs in the cabin?
In order to secure a spot, it is crucial to get in touch with the airline ahead of time as airlines enforce restrictions on the quantity of pets that can accompany passengers in the aircraft cabin during every flight. Besides the fare for your own ticket, it should be noted that bringing a canine companion in the cabin will incur an expense ranging from $100 to $125 per trip, depending on the airline. The majority of prominent airlines in the United States permit small dogs to journey in a carrier within the aircraft cabin.
Which airlines allow dogs in the cargo hold?
Generally, airlines do not allow certain types of short-nosed dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs, to travel in the cargo hold due to the risks associated with their breathing. However, some carriers, including American and Alaska Airlines, do allow larger dogs to travel in the cargo hold.
Business Class vs. First Class
If you’re considering opting for a premium travel experience, there are a few things you should know before paying for an upgrade on your miles.
There are notable differences in how each option compares amenities and seating options here, but particularly noteworthy are the boarding and check-in priority, which include premium cabin seats and complimentary options.
Airline loyalty programs
The best airline rewards programs allow frequent travelers to earn points not only with partner hotels and travel credit cards, but also with the airline itself. These points can be exchanged for perks like free flights or access to airport lounges, as well as seat upgrades. Every major airline has a rewards program that allows travelers to earn points based on the amount of money they spend or the number of miles they fly.
Frequent flier miles
Regular flyer miles or points programs are created to compensate travelers and motivate them to become repeat customers of the airline.
Customers earn miles by booking eligible flights operated by the airline or its partners, with a small percentage of every purchase granting points that can be used as a way to earn miles. In this case, miles are awarded per flown mile or per dollar spent.
As travelers accumulate miles, they gain access to a range of rewards, such as booking award flights, upgrading their seating, or redeeming them for hotel stays, among other advantages.
Airport lounges
Airport lounges, serving as an escape from the usual waiting areas in airport terminals, are private and generally peaceful environments provided by airlines or other entities like credit card companies. In these areas, customers can enjoy various advantages such as cozy seating, charging stations, and complimentary drinks.
As a bonus, individuals are provided with a credit card that grants entry. Moreover, access can be obtained through frequent flier status or membership in lounge programs. Additionally, travelers with premium cabin tickets can enjoy complimentary access to these lounges.
First class upgrades
Passengers with a first-class ticket also get access to lounges, sometimes even receiving beverage service and premium meals. Getting an upgrade to first class doesn’t just mean getting a better seat, but also comes with priority boarding.
However, passengers can upgrade their tickets to make their journey more enjoyable and comfortable, provided they have enough points. It is important to keep in mind that these upgrades are subject to specific airline policies and seat availability.
How We Evaluated the Best Airlines of 2023
The aim of our evaluation is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the airlines that are based in the United States. We understand that there is no single best airline for every traveler on every trip, so we have made our picks with this understanding in mind. Money used a wide range of criteria to assess the major carriers and compile our list of the best airlines.
We used the 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report from the Department of Transportation to compare the airlines and the information provided below.
Customer satisfaction. To assess this key attribute we analyzed data from multiple sources, including J.D. Power’s 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.
We consider other factors as well, such as flight delays caused by passengers accommodating each other, airlines’ pledges to accommodate pets, and the features of their programs and rewards, including any agreements with other carriers and the size of each airline’s route network.