The Top Five Domestic Airlines: A Comparison Guide for Business Travelers

There are a lot of airlines out there. Many of them originate in the U.S; others are foreign-run with hubs in the States. Many airlines are at the top because they have the highest revenue; others are at the top because they offer the best services. But, which U.S.-based airlines are really the best?

Expert Opinions

It all depends on what you seek in your airline. According to Travel+Leisure Magazine, which conducts an annual reader's survey of the top-rated airlines based on cabin comfort, food, in-flight service, customer service and value, readers felt the top-five domestic airlines for 2008 were: 1) Virgin America, 2) Midwest, 3) Jet Blue, 4) Sun Country Airlines and 5) Hawaiian Airlines. That's all well and fine; however, it just may be that where you travel, these airlines don't fly.

But, Travel+ Leisure Magazine isn't the only one in the ratings game. Another group, the national Airline Quality Ratings (AQR), publishes information based on month-by-month quality ratings of the largest domestic airlines.

The AQR top five, as published by RoadandTravel.com, are: 1) Air Tran, 2) Jet Blue, 3) Southwest, 4) Northwest and 5) Frontier. It's important to note that the next five included four of the largest U.S. carriers: Continental (6), United (8), American (9) and Delta (10). Alaska Airlines came in at number seven.

U.S. Airlines with the Biggest Income

According to an August 2008 article by USA Today, the top five U.S. airlines by revenue are: 1) AMR (parent to American Airlines and American Eagle), 2) UAL (parent to United), 3) Delta, 4) Continental and 5) Northwest.

Interestingly enough, traveltruth.com recently rated these five airlines, along with several others. Here's what they had to say:

• American Airlines was given a grade of "C+" because they felt that the overall customer service was on the decline and that the cabin room featured too many seats and not enough legroom. However, they did give kudos to the onboard staff.
• United Airlines, according to traveltruth.com, did not score well in any category that was important to fliers. However, some were willing to overlook poor in-flight service because of United's vast "partner network and pilots who instill a high level of confidence." Their overall grade was a "C."
• With a grade of "C+," Delta is cutting back on unprofitable domestic routes. Also, its European travel has only been rated as "satisfactory," although customer service seems to be improving.
• Even though Continental comes in fourth in revenues, traveltruth.com says they are "currently regarded as the top-rated major U.S. airline." Business and first-class service appears to get the highest ratings. Their overall grade is a "B."
• Northwest Airlines may only be the fifth in revenues and get a "C" rating, but they seem to be improving steadily in service and attitude, although not everyone agrees. Seating in business class got the highest marks.

Airline-Fee Guide

Are you still not sure which carrier to book your next trip with? Here's how the big five compared in airline fees as compiled by smartertravel.com:

Keep in mind that there are other domestic airlines, such as Southwest – rated the most affordable – and Midwest, which didn’t come up in our overview at all.

So, the next time you make travel plans, think about what you want and what you’re willing to pay for it. And, really do some comparison-shopping between what all of the airlines have to offer.