These U.S. Airlines Have the Highest Customer Satisfaction

With rising airfare costs and long lines expected for the 2023 summer travel season, it doesn't always feel like the best time to be an airline passenger. Still, some airlines stand above the rest when it comes to delivering service and value for its customers. 

A new study from J.D. Power took an objective look at customer satisfaction for all U.S. and Canadian airlines, assigning each a score out of 1,000 for First/Business, Premium Economy, and Basic Economy classes. The results show which airlines have the highest customer satisfaction ratings.

Overall, the company found declining passenger satisfaction ratings almost across the board. This was particularly true for low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier Airlines, where rising ticket prices hit their cost-conscious consumers the most. Those two airlines landed at the very bottom of the Basic Economy Class rankings with low customer satisfaction rates.

First Class passengers bucked the trend, however, delivering improved scores compared to 2022. Scores for food and beverage service also improved for all classes, likely due to airlines reinstating services cut during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Whether you're planning to escape to the western backcountry, hit the beaches of Miami, or take in the sights of New York City, check out the rankings below and learn more about what went into the full study here:

First/Business Class:

1. Jet Blue Airways (893/1000)
2. Delta Air Lines (865/1000)
3. United Airlines (848/1000)

Premium Economy Class:

1. Delta Air Lines (848/1000)
2. JetBlue Airways (840/1000)
3. Alaska Airlines (823/1000)

Economy/Basic Economy Class:

1. Southwest Airlines (827/1000)
2. Delta Air Lines (801/1000)
3. JetBlue Airways (800/1000)