The surveys are in: The top-ranked airlines, and the ones customers avoid

I was trying to choose an outbound flight the other day, and came across a really good deal but immediately sighed at the airline choice. I happened to be on the phone with my mother, and she was shocked at my dismay over Spirit Airlines. “Spirit is great!” she urged. So, I have to wonder: Do you agree with the following stats? 

Recent surveys shed a light on the top ranked airlines, with factors like friendly staff, comfortable seats, and lack of hidden fees. Meanwhile, reports reveal which airlines rank the worst due to poor customer service, frequent delays, and sneaky fees that offset their reputation of affordability. 

Top-ranked airlines

According to a recent survey by JD Power, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines are the top-ranked airlines for customer satisfaction in the United States. 

• Customers love Delta Airlines for their punctuality, reliability, and friendly staff. Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program is also a major plus for frequent flyers. 
• Southwest Airlines is known for their affordable prices, high-quality customer service, and lack of hidden fees. Passengers appreciate Southwest’s no-fee flight changes and cancellations policy. 
• Alaska Airlines is known for its on-time performance, comfortable seats, and exceptional customer service. Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan loyalty program is also a significant attraction for frequent flyers.

Airlines customers avoid

On the other hand, there are some airlines that customers avoid for various reasons. According to a survey by The Vacationer, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Air are the airlines customers avoid the most in the United States. 

• Spirit Airlines is known for its high fees, poor customer service, and frequent delays.
• Frontier Airlines also has high fees, poor customer service, and a reputation for delays.
• Allegiant Air is known for its low fares, but the airline’s lack of reliability and on-time performance, as well as poor customer service, make it an unpopular choice for many customers. 

Here’s to hoping research like this has an impact on how airlines do business, because once travel demand evens back out, the air carriers with expensive, over-booked flights and few perks will be in jeopardy.