The most reliable US carriers for the holidays revealed

Holiday travel can be a wild ride, with unpredictable weather, sky-high demand, and crowded airports often leading to delays, cancellations, and lost baggage. To help travelers navigate these challenges, AirAdvisor analyzed flight data and passenger feedback to rank the best U.S. airlines for the upcoming holiday season.

Their analysis covered on-time performance, cancellation rates, baggage mishandling, and overall customer satisfaction. Using data from the U.S. Department of Transportation for November to January (2022–present) and their consolidated customer reviews, here’s how the airlines stack up:

#10 Alaska Airlines

• On-Time Performance: 71.15%

• Cancellation Rate: 5.25%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.82%

• Customer Review Score: 3.9

Alaska Airlines boasts above-average punctuality but struggles with cancellations and baggage mishandling during the holidays. With a 3.9-star rating from 78,667 reviews, Alaska is reliable in terms of timeliness but may test your patience if you're checking luggage.

#9 Frontier Airlines

• On-Time Performance: 68.38%

• Cancellation Rate: 3.47%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.44%

• Customer Review Score: 2.39

Frontier excels in baggage handling, ranking second-best among U.S. carriers, but its low 2.39-star rating (from 75,912 reviews) and middling on-time performance make it less appealing. As a budget airline, it offers affordability but limited frills.

#8 United Airlines

• On-Time Performance: 81.95%

• Cancellation Rate: 6.15%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.80%

• Customer Review Score: 3.18

United’s second-best punctuality score is overshadowed by its high cancellation rate, the worst among major carriers. That said, solid in-flight entertainment and friendly service help secure its spot.

#7 Allegiant Air

• On-Time Performance: 67.24%

• Cancellation Rate: 2.40%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.21%

• Customer Review Score: 2.9

Allegiant shines with the lowest baggage mishandling rate, but its punctuality lags behind. The airline’s 2.9-star rating reflects its no-frills approach, where passengers trade extras for lower fares.

#6 Hawaiian Airlines

• On-Time Performance: 67.37%

• Cancellation Rate: 1.60%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.57%

• Customer Review Score: 3.2

Despite slipping in punctuality rankings, Hawaiian Airlines stands out with a low cancellation rate and decent baggage handling. Its 3.2-star rating (based on 21,706 reviews) highlights a solid, if not exceptional, experience.

#5 Spirit Airlines

• On-Time Performance: 73.40%

• Cancellation Rate: 1.90%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.54%

• Customer Review Score: 2.62

Spirit’s affordability and reliable timeliness make it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers, but its 2.62-star rating reflects trade-offs in service quality and amenities.

#4 Southwest Airlines

• On-Time Performance: 77.47%

• Cancellation Rate: 5.38%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.59%

• Customer Review Score: 4.31

Southwest’s 4.31-star rating from 230,387 reviews reflects high customer satisfaction, but its holiday performance is marred by frequent cancellations, including a major disruption during Christmas 2022.

#3 American Airlines

• On-Time Performance: 78.48%

• Cancellation Rate: 0.67%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.90%

• Customer Review Score: 3.17

American leads in low cancellation rates but struggles with baggage issues. With a 3.17-star rating, it’s a reliable choice for punctuality—just pack light or ship gifts ahead.

#2 JetBlue Airways

• On-Time Performance: 69.78%

• Cancellation Rate: 3.22%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.57%

• Customer Review Score: 4.12

JetBlue’s 4.12-star rating highlights its customer-focused service and strong in-flight amenities. While its punctuality is average, the overall experience is pleasant and cost-effective.

#1 Delta Air Lines

• On-Time Performance: 83.02%

• Cancellation Rate: 1.00%

• Mishandled Baggage: 0.54%

• Customer Review Score: 4.06

Delta’s top-notch punctuality, low cancellation rate, and 4.06-star rating (from 265,119 reviews) secure its #1 spot. Known for excellent service and reliability, it’s the gold standard for stress-free holiday travel.