A recent comprehensive study conducted by ThePointsGuy.com produced a list of the best and worst U.S. airlines, with Alaska Airlines taking the top spot as best.
The in-depth study considers 10 objective, wide-ranging factors, as follows: airfare, route networks, bag/change fees, cabin comfort, customer satisfaction, frequent-flyer programs, on-time arrivals, lost baggage, domestic lounges and involuntary bumps.
Alaska Airlines earned top honors in the frequent-flyer program category and placed second in customer satisfaction and on-time arrivals. Its main drawback is its average route network, but the recent merger with Virgin America will likely improve the network.
United Airlines came in second, in large part due to its comfortable cabins and lounges. Ranking third overall, Virgin America topped lists for cabin comfort and bag loss, but ranked poorly for its route network and expensive bag change fees.
Spirit Airlines received the lowest ranking of the 10 major carriers included in the report. It took the lowest ranking for cabin comfort, customer satisfaction, frequent-flyer perks and on-time arrivals, plus it does not offer lounges. It did, however, earn the top score for inexpensive fares.
Frontier ranked similarly to Spirit, listed toward the bottom of every classification except airfare, where it ranked second-best.
What factors impact your opinions on airlines? Do you have a favorite and least favorite airline? Email us and let us know. Please include your full name and location with your email.
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