5 Airlines That Offer the Most Bang for Your Buck

Sometimes cheaping out on a flight ticket means no legroom or fees for every little amenity. It can be a great way to save money, but I’d personally like to avoid the downsides that come with some budget fares.

A recent analysis can help you make the best choice for your money, though.

WalletHub compiled its latest annual rankings of the best airlines using U.S. Department of Transportation flight data for the nine biggest national airlines as well as one regional carrier. They considered amenities like legroom, in-flight entertainment, free Wi-Fi and complimentary snacks and drinks when determining the ranking for the most comfortable airlines.

The website excluded regional carrier SkyWest from its comfort rankings, though, saying that since the carrier serves other major airlines, those may dictate what amenities it offers.

With that in mind, let’s get into the top five national airlines for amenities and comfort, according to WalletHub.

Southwest Airlines

Overall comfort score for:

• 2024: 4.63 out of 5 points
• 2023: 4.63 out of 5 points

Southwest Airlines was incorporated in 1967 and initially envisioned as a commuter air service traveling between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

Its first flight took off in 1971 out of Love Field in Dallas, prompting the airline to adopt “love” as a theme for its promotions. In the 1970s, its in-flight beverages were even referred to as “love potions.”

American Airlines

Overall comfort score for:

• 2024: 4.63 out of 5 points
• 2023: 4.63 out of 5 points

American Airlines was once Robertson Aircraft and set out on its first mail route in 1926. It was later renamed as American Airlines in 1934.

It’s developed over the years as a merging of about 85 companies.

Alaska Airlines

Overall comfort score for:

• 2024: 4.63 out of 5 points
• 2023: 4.63 out of 5 points

Alaska Airlines can trace its roots back to 1932, first operating in Anchorage as McGee Airways and Star Air Service. It took on its current name in 1944. By the late 1940s, using surplus military aircraft, Alaska Airlines branched into worldwide charter work, including the Berlin Airlift in 1948.

The airline has publicly promised to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

JetBlue Airways

Overall comfort score for:

• 2024: 5 out of 5 points
• 2023: 5 out of 5 points

JetBlue was founded in 1998 with the goal of of providing customers with high-quality travel at a lower cost. Its first flight left from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2000.

On top of JetBlue’s lower costs, it also offers free Wi-Fi and complimentary snacks and beverages.

Delta Airlines

Overall comfort score for:

• 2024: 5 out of 5 points
• 2023: 4.63 out of 5 points

Delta’s foundation as a company began as Huff Daland Dusters, the world’s first aerial crop-dusting company in 1925. It had its first flights as Delta Air Service in 1929.

The airline’s 1940s headquarters are the oldest surviving buildings of the Atlanta airport and are designated as a Historic Aerospace Site.