Choosing an airline can feel like a gamble, especially when you are carrying bags, medications and a few grandkid snacks. Luckily, passengers have been sharing their experiences with researchers. The American Customer Satisfaction Index, known as ACSI, surveyed 14,910 travelers between April 2025 and March 2026 and scored major airlines on a 100 point scale, as reported by Clark.com. The industry average was 76, up 3 percent from the year before. We have listed all eight airlines in score order, and added findings from the J.D. Power 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study. Remember that every airline scored within a narrow range, and your own experience can differ.
1. Delta Air Lines ranked best by ACSI
Delta led the ACSI study with a score of 79, up 3 percent from the year before, according to Clark.com. That is above the industry average of 76.
Passengers in the J.D. Power study also rated Delta highly. Fox 9 reports Delta came in second overall, only three points behind the leader, and TravelPulse lists it second in first and business class with a score of 750 and first in premium economy with 736. In economy and basic economy, Delta was second with 667. If you value a smoother trip, Delta’s consistent showing is encouraging. Still, check the details of your fare, since basic economy tickets often come with limits on seats and changes. Call or look up the rules before you buy.
2. American Airlines tied for second
American Airlines tied for second place in ACSI with a score of 78, according to Clark.com. It also posted the largest gain of any airline in the study, up 7 percent from the year before.
That is a hopeful sign for travelers who had a rough flight in the past. In the J.D. Power study, Fox 9 lists American fifth in first and business class and fifth in premium economy. So the picture is mixed, and passengers in different parts of the cabin seem to have different experiences. If you fly American often, signing up for flight alerts and checking in early can help. A rising score tells us the airline is moving in the right direction, but it is still smart to pack patience and a good book.
3. JetBlue Airways also tied for second
JetBlue shares second place in ACSI with a score of 78, up 1 percent, per Clark.com.
In the J.D. Power study, TravelPulse reports JetBlue ranked first in first and business class with a score of 759, third in premium economy at 701 and third in economy at 655. Fox 9 also lists JetBlue at the top of the first and business class ranking. That makes it a popular choice for passengers who want a bit more comfort. JetBlue does not fly everywhere, so check whether it serves your home airport and your destination. If it does, compare the total price, including bags and seat choices, with other airlines before you decide. The cheapest ticket is not always the best value.
4. Southwest Airlines ranked fourth by ACSI
Southwest scored 77 in ACSI, down 4 percent from last year, according to Clark.com. That puts it fourth, still above the industry average of 76.
Interestingly, the J.D. Power study tells a more positive story. Fox 9 reports Southwest ranked No. 1 overall, with Delta only three points behind, and TravelPulse lists it first in economy and basic economy with a score of 670. Two respected surveys can reach different conclusions because they ask different questions of different groups. If you like to fly Southwest, check the current policies on seating and bags, since airlines change their rules from time to time. Reading the airline’s own website before booking will help you avoid surprises at the gate.
5. Alaska Airlines tied for fifth
Alaska Airlines scored 75 in ACSI, down 1 percent, tying for fifth place with United, as reported by Clark.com. That is just one point under the industry average of 76, so it is ranked lower by ACSI rather than doing poorly in any dramatic way.
The J.D. Power study paints a better picture in the cabin. TravelPulse lists Alaska third in first and business class with a score of 720 and second in premium economy with 720. If you are flying on the West Coast, Alaska may be worth a look. As always, read the fare rules before you buy and think about how much leg room and flexibility matter to you. A small difference in a survey score can feel big on a long flight, or hardly at all.
6. United Airlines tied for fifth
United also scored 75 in ACSI, which was up 3 percent from the previous year, according to Clark.com. Like Alaska, it sits one point below the industry average.
In the J.D. Power study, Fox 9 lists United fourth in both first and business class and premium economy. A rising score is a good sign, and many travelers rely on United for its wide route network, which can matter if you live near a smaller airport and need a connection. If you do plan a connecting trip, leave plenty of time between flights, since a tight layover can be stressful. Ask the airline about assistance if you need it. Being ranked lower in a survey does not mean you will have a bad trip, but a bit of planning makes any journey smoother.
7. Frontier Airlines ranked second lowest
Frontier scored 69 in ACSI, which is second lowest among the eight airlines, though it improved 6 percent over the previous year, according to Clark.com.
In the J.D. Power study, Fox 9 reports Frontier ranked last overall. The reports we read did not detail specific complaints, so we cannot say what drove the scores. Frontier is a budget carrier, and fares from budget carriers often leave extras for the passenger to add. If you are tempted by a low fare, add up the cost of bags, seats and any other extras before you decide. Sometimes the bargain ticket ends up costing about the same as a regular fare. An improving score is encouraging, and some travelers happily fly Frontier for the savings.
8. Spirit Airlines ranked lowest by ACSI
Spirit came in last in the ACSI study with a score of 66, down 4 percent from the year before, as reported by Clark.com. That is ten points under the industry average of 76.
The article we read did not detail what passengers disliked most, so we will not guess. What we can say is that Spirit is a budget carrier, and travelers who choose these airlines often trade extras for a lower base fare. If you are considering Spirit, read the fine print on baggage and seat fees, and pack light if you can. Compare the final total with other airlines before you buy. A low price can be a great deal for a short trip, but make sure the rules fit your needs, especially if you travel with medical items or mobility aids.
