USA Today unveiled the winners of its highly anticipated 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the best airlines on Thursday. These airlines, chosen by the outlet’s expert panel and voted the best by its readers, strive to improve the flyer experience with newer planes, better connectivity, and greater food and entertainment.

The top 10 list

This year’s list includes some of the most popular airlines in the United States and throughout the world. Here’s a quick look at this year’s top 10 airlines ranked (in order):

  1. Southwest Airlines
  2. Delta Air Lines
  3. Air New Zealand
  4. Cathay Pacific
  5. American Airlines
  6. United Airlines
  7. Alaska Airlines
  8. Singapore Airlines
  9. JetBlue
  10. Emirates

Southwest taking the top

First place went to Southwest Airlines
, which is well-known for its inexpensive flights and free checked luggage policy. Passengers praised the pleasant service and easy-to-use booking system. Compared to its competitors, Southwest provides affordable prices, free baggage allowance, no penalties for flight changes or cancellations, and relatively large seats.

Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Southwest does not provide first-class seats or luxury airport lounges, but its innovative boarding process and customer-first practices have won over millions of domestic passengers. Southwest’s open seating arrangement, in which customers select their seats upon boarding, has long been a defining characteristic.

However, the airline has made a big change from its conventional strategy by announcing plans to use assigned seats. Travelers and industry experts alike are interested in seeing how passengers react to this shift and how it will influence the airline’s strong customer loyalty and reputation for ease.

Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER "The Spirit of Seattle" (N809DN).
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

Delta Air Lines
won second place. Delta is one of the most highly rated U.S.-based carriers because of its on-time performance, extensive route offers, and comprehensive frequent flyer program. Delta is well-known for its timeliness and high-quality in-flight entertainment. More than 850 airplanes have seatback TVs to keep passengers entertained on their flights. Delta Air Lines began offering fast, free WiFi on select long-haul international routes a month ago.

The top non-US airlines

Air New Zealand
, which is no stranger to USA Today’s ranking lists, took third on the list and first among non-US-based airlines. It has a relatively new fleet with higher fuel economy. Along with being a leader in environmental protection and lowering carbon emissions, the airline also boasts superb facilities and a stellar safety record, especially in its premium economy class.

LOS ANGELES, US - Sep 03, 2022 An Air New Zealand aircraft soaring against a blue sky backdrop_16_9_2376355833
Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock

Cathay Pacific
, the first airline headquartered in Asia, ranks fourth on the list. With numerous flights from the United States to Hong Kong, the airline provides an excellent gateway to Asia for American travelers. The service provided both on the ground and in the air is excellent, and flights are nearly always on schedule. Even in Economy class, travelers enjoy lots of legroom, chairs with adjustable neck support, power outlets, and a variety of entertainment options. The airline just announced a new route from Hong Kong to Dallas-Fort Worth, its sixth destination in the US and eighth in North America.

Cathay A350 (1)

Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen | Shutterstock

Last year’s winner

There are notable changes from last year’s standings, with Southwest Airlines taking the top spot after coming second in 2023, and Delta Air Lines dropping to second place. Air New Zealand made a huge entry, taking third position and displacing American Airlines, which was third in 2023 but slipped out of the top three this year. Another notable shift is the elimination of Lufthansa
, which ranked ninth in 2023 but was replaced by Air New Zealand in this year’s rankings.

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