Social media is increasingly filled with stories of travelers venting their frustration with airlines. Whether they’re facing hours-long delays, overbooked flights, or ever-shrinking legroom and amenities, travelers are putting up with more and more, all while paying record-high airfares and fees. But airlines are doing at least a few things right in 2026, according to the folks at JD Power. The consumer research firm polled travelers to award a satisfaction score to each of the major North American carriers. Find out which airlines came out on top. 

About the 2026 Study

One of the key takeaways of the 2026 study — perhaps a surprising one — is that, on the whole, passenger satisfaction with airlines is growing. Airlines fared eight points better, on average, than in the 2025 study, but the biggest increases in satisfaction ratings came from the front of the plane. Those who could afford to splurge for first or business class reported a 17-point increase in satisfaction year over year.

“Despite many challenges, the airlines returned to basics of passenger communication, friendly service, and providing slightly better value for money compared to past years,” Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail, and customer service at JD Power, said in a statement. 

However, an important question for travelers is how long airlines can keep that momentum going. “With airfare prices for some routes tripling over the past few weeks and baggage fees increasing to cover rising fuel costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult for airlines to continue to drive the high levels of customer satisfaction in this year’s study,” Taylor said. 

Overall, more than 10,000 passengers were polled for JD Power’s North America Airline Satisfaction Study, which measured passenger satisfaction in seven key areas: airline staff; digital tools; ease of travel; level of trust; onboard experience; pre/post-flight experience; and value for price paid. Participants answered questions about various factors related to each topic and were required to have flown on a major U.S. airline within the past month. The study was also divided into three segments: first and business class, premium economy, and economy and basic economy.

Best Airlines: Economy and Basic Economy Class

For the fifth consecutive year, Southwest Airlines took the crown for economy class in the JD Power study — but the gap is shrinking. Thanks to recent changes like assigned seats and charging for checked bags for the first time, Southwest scored only three points ahead of the No. 2 airline, Delta. 

• Southwest Airlines (670 out 1,000 points)
• Delta Air Lines (667)
• JetBlue Airways (655)
• Alaska Airlines (648)
• Allegiant Air (630)

Best Airlines: Premium Economy

Premium economy has quickly become one of the most popular options for travelers who are looking for an upgraded experience. In the JD Power study, this segment included extra-legroom economy-class seats, which are located toward the front of the economy cabin and often offer extra perks like free drinks, as well as what’s traditionally referred to as premium economy, a separate cabin that offers wider seats with more legroom and recline, plus elevated amenities and perks. Airlines retrofitted upwards of 85% more planes with these cabins from 2017 to 2022, according to the industry research group Cirium.

As for satisfaction with the product, Delta took the lead with its Premium Select offering, found on wide-body aircraft serving long-haul flights to destinations throughout Asia, Europe, and South America. 

• Delta Air Lines (736 out of 1,000 points)
• Alaska Airlines (720)
• JetBlue Airways (701)
• United Airlines (665)
• American Airlines (657)

Best Airlines: First and Business

First- and business-class seats used to be occupied mostly by business travelers paying exorbitant last-minute fares (or who scored free upgrades), but as of late, leisure travelers are getting in on the action, too. 

With surging demand, airlines are in a tight race to woo these lucrative travelers with the most cutting-edge product. A seat that converts into a fully flat bed is standard, and doors are becoming the norm, too. The airport experience is now more exclusive than ever, with premium lounges offering dedicated security screening lanes, sit-down meals, spa services, and more. 

Leading the pack in North America, according to the JD Power survey, is JetBlue, which calls its business class “Mint.” The airline recently opened a new lounge at its home airport, New York’s JFK, and offers hand-shaken craft cocktails and small plates from New York City hot spots Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones to Mint passengers on board.

• JetBlue Airways (759 out of 1,000 points)
• Delta Air Lines (750)
• Alaska Airlines (720)
• United Airlines (700)
• American Airlines (698)

Featured image credit: Image courtesy of Delta Air Lines