Delta Air Lines Retains Top Spot in The Points Guys 2025 Best Airlines List
Delta Air Lines has once again been named the top-ranked airline in The Points Guy's annual Best Airlines Report, securing the top spot for the seventh consecutive year. The carrier topped the 2025 list, which evaluates airlines based on reliability, loyalty programs, cost, reach, and other factors. While Delta fell short in some categories, such as affordable pricing and the reward power of its SkyMiles, it still boasted a winning combination overall.
In the report released on June 19, Delta highlighted its strength across all the categories analyzed, from its consistently strong, on-time operation to the customer experience at the airport and in their seats. "What put Delta over the top in 2025 was its strength in all areas," the company said.
Other carriers also made notable changes in the rankings. United Airlines rose from third place in 2024 to second place behind Delta, thanks to improvements in its reliability and passenger experience. Southwest Airlines came in third, up from fifth place last year, while Hawaiian Airlines jumped two spots from seventh place to fifth.
On the other hand, American Airlines saw the largest decline on the list compared to last year, dropping from fourth place to seventh. The report attributed this fall to the airline trailing top competitors Delta and United in profitability and seemingly being in catch-up mode with those carriers regarding high-end offerings like business-class seats, cabin features, and lounges.
Alaska Airlines also fell from second to fourth place. According to TPG's report, these are the top airlines in the US:
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue
- American Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
Travelers can find the full report here. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].
