Flying can be a bit of an ordeal if you choose the wrong airline. However, if you choose the right one, it can be a breeze. From airlines making it easier to track lost baggage to changing refund rules to make it easier for travelers, plenty of airlines are trying to make flying fun and stress-free again.
That being said, choosing the best airline for your trip can be tricky. While the lowest-rated airlines in the world are commonly spoken about online, it can be hard to pinpoint the best in the world.
So, we were delighted when the flight compensation website AirHelp.com announced their rankings for 2024. Which are the world’s top-rated airlines, and how did the US airlines match up? Let’s dive in and find out more!
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United Has Been Ranked The Best US Airline In 2024
A mix of claim processing times and on-time performance has led to it’s position
Coming in at number three globally, United was the highest-ranked US airline for 2024. It ranked 8.04 out of 10, the same score as American Airlines, which came in fourth because of a lower on-time performance score.
Given that United has had mixed reviews recently after cutting its popular routes to Tulum, Mexico, this comes as a bit of a surprise to many. However, in AirHelp’s ranking, they scored high across the three main categories: on-time performance, customer opinion, and claim processing times. This covers most of the issues that matter to travelers the most.
Overall, United has done well in landing in the top three, with the number one spot scoring 8.12 on AirHelp’s scale. While we often hear airline horror stories, United has recently added AirTags to baggage to help track and solve lost luggage issues quicker and has organized free flights to the North Pole for families in need around the holidays.
This has undoubtedly improved customer opinion, especially considering the other US options, including the low-cost carriers and many issues many have had this year.
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What Is The Best Airline In The World?
This smaller international airline is a new name for many people
So, who took the top spot if United Airlines came in third? The world’s best airline might be one you’ve never heard of. Coming out on top is Brussels Airlines. The Belgian national airline scored 8.12 out of 10 with one of the highest claim processing scores, showing they care about resolving customer service issues quickly and efficiently.
As the name suggests, Brussels Airlines is based in the Belgian capital, Brussels, and serves North America, Europe, and Africa. Although a relatively new airline – founded in 2006 – it quickly made an impression. As a part of the Star Alliance, Brussels Airlines works with dozens of airlines worldwide for codeshares and long-haul connections to make the journey seamless. As its hub is in Brussels, it’s easy to connect around Europe and Northern Africa.
While Brussels Airlines isn’t usually featured at the top of these lists, with more luxurious airlines like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, or Emirates taking the top spot, the AirHelp rankings prioritize customer service over flash. If you want to arrive on time, travel with an airline with a great reputation, and have any issues solved easily and quickly, Brussels Airlines is who you should pick for your 2025 adventures.
If possible, look for codeshare flights to enjoy Brussels Airlines experiences. Most airlines belong to a group of airlines, so often, you’ll book through an airline like Virgin Atlantic and see that Delta or KLM operates your flight. Brussels Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, so it has dozens of codeshare partners through which you can book.
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Where Did The Other US Airlines Rank?
Some US airlines did better than others, but some positions may not surprise you!
So, if Brussels Airlines took the top spot and United is the number one US airline in third place, where did the other airlines land on AirHelp’s ranking?
- 4th: American Airlines (8.04/10)
- 17th: Delta Air Lines (7.31/10)
- 30th: Virgin Atlantic (6.94/10)
- 88th: Alaska Airlines (5.18/10)
- 90th: JetBlue (5.18/10)
While there are 100 airlines on the AirHelp rankings, neither Hawaiian Airlines nor Spirit were on the list. The latter isn’t surprising as Spirit recently filed for bankruptcy, and their future is somewhat unknown. It’s also not surprising that JetBlue came in at the lowest as it’s a no-frills airline, and public perception tends to be lower. However, it is a growing airline with more transatlantic and long-haul routes launching in 2025.
Certain rankings are exciting, such as the difference between Delta and Virgin Atlantic, which often codeshare their flights. This means that public opinion of these two airlines is often intertwined, as are the rankings around on-time departures. So, the difference in these rankings primarily comes down to claim processing. This is a big deal because that’s the brand’s customer service lead times. If something is wrong with your flight, you want it fixed ASAP, so choosing an airline with a good track record of getting through their claims is always good to consider.
It’s always important to take rankings at face value. Different scales prioritize different things, and it’s important to look at scales that measure things important to you as a traveler. Also, look at your own experiences to see what has worked well for you.
So, AirHelp’s survey has ranked United as the best US airline for 2024, with American Airlines following quickly behind. While European and Middle Eastern airlines take the number one and two spots, respectively, it’s a surprise to many that a US airline has ranked so highly!