These Are the Airlines With the Most Satisfied Customers, According to a New Report Delta Airlines had a very successful 2024.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

From rising ticket prices to extraneous fees, flying is increasingly becoming an unsavory experience. But while some airlines have missed the mark on what it takes to keep customers happy, others have succeeded in tough times.

Related: These Are the Worst and Best US Airlines of 2024: Report

J.D. Power released its annual rankings of the top-performing airlines in North America based on customer satisfaction across several areas, including airline staff, digital tools, ease of travel, level of trust, pre-flight experience, onboard experience, and overall value given price.

The study was separated into three areas — first/business class, premium economy, and then economy/basic economy, and airlines were awarded points with a possible high score of 1,000.

Delta Airlines stole the show, ranking first in the first/business class sector with a score of 743 and the premium economy tier with a score of 716.

For the economy/basic economy level, Southwest Airlines came in first place with a score of 685, with Delta not far behind in second place with a score of 651.

"The big takeaway from this year's study is the power of people to positively influence the overall flight experience," said Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail, and customer service in a release for JD Power. "Airlines that are investing in staff training and recruitment are finding ways to overcome the negative effects of crowded gates and planes simply by being nice to their customers."

Here are the top five in each category:

First class/Business:

Delta Air Lines (743)

JetBlue Airways (736)

United Airlines (698)

Alaska Airlines (695)

American Airlines (676)

Premium:

Delta Air Lines (716)

Alaska Airlines (687)

American Airlines (684)

JetBlue Airways (667)

WestJet (664)

Economy/Basic economy:

Southwest Airlines (685)

Delta Air Lines (651)

Allegiant Air (633)

Alaska Airlines (630)

JetBlue Airways (630)

You can find the entire study here.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Here's When the New Apple iPhone 17 and MacBooks Are Being Released

Apple also has a home device in the works. Here's when to expect a new lineup of Apple products.

Growing a Business

The Best Domains Are Gone — But Here's How Savvy Founders Still Snag Them

Why do so many founders fail to land premium domains? Because the best ones are already taken, priced sky-high and nearly impossible to secure — unless you know how to play the game.

Leadership

How to Recover from a Bad Business Decision (and Rebuild Trust)

When you're the one calling the shots, you're going to get things wrong now and then. Thankfully, getting it wrong can be just as instructive as getting it right.

Business Ideas

What My First Failed Startup Taught Me — and How I Finally Got It Right 20 Years Later

Launching a startup two decades after a failed first attempt brought clarity, humility, and a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a sustainable business.

Business News

Here's How Much Google Software Engineers, Product Managers, and Data Scientists Make in a Year

Data revealed in federal filings shows how much Google is compensating its employees.

Health & Wellness

Nobody Was Talking About Nasal Breathing for Sleep Until This Former NFL Player Built a Brand Around It: 'You Feel So Much Better'

Todd Anderson had no entrepreneurial experience, but he had a nose for a good business idea.