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Despite another year of flight delays, cancellations and passenger complaints, no U.S. airline really took off in 2025 — though one airline stood out as the industry’s top performer, while two finished bottom.
The Wall Street Journal published this on Thursday its annual rankings of the best and worst airlines. While certain industry gains were highlighted, overall performance did not improve year over year, even with higher fares and major airline investments.
1. Southwest
By a wide margin, Southwest Airlines rose above its competitors to take the top spot. It’s the first time the airline has been ranked No. 1 since 2020, ending Delta’s four-year winning streak.
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According to the Journal, Southwest had the fewest customer complaints and tarmac delays, with a cancellation rate of just 0.84%. The lowest score was baggage handling.
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The airline has made headlines in recent years for cutting its workforce by 15% and charging for checked baggage.
2. Allegiant
Allegiant Air finished in second place and was praised as a strong performer despite being a low-cost airline.
The airline excelled in three areas: the lowest cancellation rate of 0.55%, the fewest lost bags and the fewest involuntary passenger losses. However, when Allegiant flights are delayed, the delays typically last longer than the industry average.
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3. Delta
Delta Air Lines came in third, dropping from its No. 1 position for the past four years. The airline told the Journal it plans to regain the top spot in 2026, saying: “Delta people are setting the bar high for airline performance as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.”
Although Delta led the industry in on-time arrivals, The Journal noted that the system’s outage in the summer of 2024 – which caused widespread flight disruptions – weighed heavily on its 2025 performance. The airline also saw an increase in delays, cancellations and complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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4. Alaska
Alaska Airlines was recognized as a steady, reliable performer, although it lagged far behind the top three. There was a noticeable divide between Alaska and the airlines below it.
Although not a leader in any major category, Alaska avoided major operational disruptions in 2025. The airline is expected to integrate Hawaiian Airlines’ data following the planned merger in 2026.
5. Spirit
Despite its reputation for no-nonsense service and ongoing financial problems, Spirit Airlines saw the biggest year-over-year improvement.
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It lowered its cancellation rate to 1.42%, down from its 2024 high, and jumped to fourth in on-time arrivals, showing operating gains even as it faced bankruptcy proceedings.
6. United
United Airlines ranks sixth, largely due to its poor performance in baggage handling. The carrier’s mishandled baggage rate was 7.07 per 1,000 – well above the industry average – and the tracking technology did not deliver better results.
7. JetBlue
JetBlue Airways was near the bottom, but avoided last place. It performed relatively well in baggage handling – second only to Allegiant – but struggled with reliability and flight delays.
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8. American, Frontier (tie)
Travelers should beware, as American Airlines and Frontier rank last in The Journal’s rankings. Both companies struggled with reliability and “outside problems,” while passengers paid the price.
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American had the highest cancellation rate of any major airline at 2.2%, rarely ranking higher than sixth in any category. The company blamed the poor performance on weather and hub disruptions. One of its regional jets was also launched in January last year collided with an army helicopter in DC, killing 67 people.
Frontier ranks last in four of the seven categories and is in the bottom spot for the second year in a row. The company’s bid to acquire Spirit was rejected early this year, and CEO Barry Biffle suddenly left Frontier in December.
