These are the best US airlines for economy class, business class, and first class

It is an unfortunate fact that air travel has generally become a frustrating experience. With shrinking seats, crowded flights, and rising fees for services like checked bags, it's enough to irritate even the savviest traveler. But a select number of airlines still stand out from the rest, with seamless operations and passenger-friendly cabins.

the Recent study Data analysis firm JD Power asked thousands of travelers how satisfied they were with airlines in the United States and Canada, and the results showed that at least two airlines had gained the trust of passengers.

One bright spot in particular? Employees at certain airlines have developed a reputation for providing friendly and helpful customer service. “The most important takeaway from this year’s study is people’s ability to positively impact the overall flying experience,” Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail and customer service at J.D. Power, said in a statement. “Airlines that invest in employee training and hiring find ways to overcome the negative effects of crowded gates and planes by simply being nice to their customers.” The airlines that scored highest with passengers — Delta and Southwest — have made significant investments in “the human side of their businesses,” according to the J.D. Power press release.

In addition to customer service, nearly 10,000 travelers surveyed rated the airlines on ease of travel, level of trust, on-board experience, pre- and post-flight experience, digital tools and value for money.

Delta dominated the premium segment in the survey, earning first place in both first class/business class and premium economy categories. The Atlanta-based carrier has invested in its onboard experience in recent years. In the fall of 2022, it revamped its premium economy product, called Premium Select, adding features such as more comfortable seating and premium amenities packages. At the front of the plane, Delta One's business class seats are popular among travelers due to their lie-flat design, comfortable bedding and fully enclosed doors. The seats have become so popular that Delta is expanding its Delta One offering on its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which operate long-haul flights. Starting this summer, the airline will add eight additional seats to the Premium cabin, for a total of 40 seats in Delta One.

In the economy segment, Southwest Airlines was once again a favorite among budget travelers for the third year in a row, certainly scoring points for perks like two free checked bags, free snacks, an open seating policy, and reasonable fares. To see how the rest of North America's airlines fared in the 2024 survey, see below for the full breakdown by cabin class.

First class and business class

1. Delta Airlines
2. JetBlue Airlines
3. United Airlines
4. Alaska Airlines
5. American Airlines
6. Canadian Aviation

Distinctive economy

1. Delta Airlines
2. Alaska Airlines
3. American Airlines
4. JetBlue Airlines
5. WestJet
6. United Airlines
7. Canadian Aviation

Economics and basic economics

1. Southwest Airlines
2. Delta Airlines
3. Sincere air
4. Alaska Airlines
5. JetBlue Airlines
6. American Airlines
7. WestJet
8. United Airlines
9. Canadian Aviation
10. Spirit Airlines
11. Frontier Airlines