WalletHub compared the nine largest airlines in the United States, as well as two regional carriers, across 11 factors to determine the best in the business. Factors considered include canceled flights, delays, mishandled baggage, denied boardings, complaints, animal-related incidents, leg room, entertainment options, WiFi, complimentary refreshments and price. Airlines ranked included American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines.

Alaska Airlines was ranked best airline overall.

Spirit Airlines was ranked cheapest overall, only closely competing with Frontier.

Delta Air Lines was named the most reliable airline, with the lowest rates of cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage and denied boardings.

JetBlue Airways was regarded as the most comfortable airline, with its perk-heavy in-flight experience including free amenities such as WiFi and complimentary snacks and beverages.

Hawaiian Airlines was named best airline for pets. No airline could boast zero pet incidents in 2017, but United and American received the highest incident rates.

Southwest Airlines was the least complained-about airline, while Frontier and Spirit received the most complaints.

In terms of overall scores, following Alaska Airlines in descending order are Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, ExpressJetAirlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.