This Is Frugal Travelers’ Favorite Airline in 2025

Just about everyone is trying to save a buck these days. And for travelers looking for a bargain fare, one airline stands above the rest, according to J.D. Power’s latest annual North America Airline Satisfaction Study.

For the latest study, J.D. Power asked more than 10,200 passengers to rate their satisfaction with airlines on a “poor-to-perfect” six-point scale, which was based on:

• Airline staff
• Digital tools
• Ease of travel
• Level of trust
• On-board experience
• Pre/post-flight experience
• Value for price paid

In a summary of the findings, Michael Taylor — senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail and customer service for J.D. Power — says:

“Throughout our one-year study period, we’ve seen a slight decline in both ticket prices and passenger volume, which has helped keep overall passenger satisfaction levels high.”

Here are the highest-rated North American airlines in three categories — starting with the top airline among flyers who prefer to purchase economy/basic economy class seats.

Economy/basic economy class

The average customer satisfaction score among airlines offering economy/basic economy class — also called coach — is 621 on a 1,000-point scale. Airlines that exceed that score are:

• Southwest Airlines: 694
• JetBlue Airways: 663
• Delta Air Lines: 662
• Alaska Airlines: 645
• Allegiant Air: 636

Airlines that score below average are:

• United Airlines: 603
• American Airlines: 597
• Air Canada: 561
• WestJet: 537
• Spirit Airlines: 526
• Frontier Airlines: 520

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Premium economy class

The average customer satisfaction score among airlines offering premium economy class is 668 out of 1,000 points. Airlines that exceed that score are:

• Delta Air Lines: 717
• JetBlue Airways: 699
• Alaska Airlines: 691

Airlines that score below average are:

• United Airlines: 652
• American Airlines: 650
• Air Canada: 616
• WestJet: 614

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First/business class

The average customer satisfaction score among airlines offering first/business class is 700 out of 1,000. Airlines that exceed that score are:

• JetBlue Airways: 738
• Delta Air Lines: 724
• Alaska Airlines: 709

Airlines that score below average are:

• United Airlines: 690
• Air Canada: 686
• American Airlines: 684

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