Top 10 best airlines in North America
Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best airlines in North America.
Traveling across North America, whether for business or leisure, starts with one crucial decision: choosing the right airline. With hundreds of carriers offering flights to dozens of destinations, it can be overwhelming to determine which airline provides the best service, comfort, reliability, and safety. To help travelers make informed choices, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 airlines in North America, based on my own extensive personal experience, industry rankings, and customer service metrics. This list takes into account multiple factors, including onboard experience, fleet modernity, punctuality, route network, and overall value, providing a practical guide for anyone planning trips across the continent. From premium international carriers to low-cost domestic options, these airlines consistently deliver quality and reliability.
Which airline is your favorite in North America? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
10. Aeroméxico
Aeroméxico, officially Aerovías de México, S.A. de C.V., is Mexico’s national flag carrier and a cornerstone of international travel in Latin America. Operating flights to over 90 destinations across North America, South America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia, Aeroméxico is a top choice for travelers seeking both convenience and comfort. Since Delta Air Lines acquired a 49% stake, the airline has significantly improved onboard service, punctuality, and operational efficiency, making it a strong competitor among North American carriers. Aeroméxico is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which allows passengers access to a vast network of destinations through partner airlines, including Air France and Korean Air. Its modern fleet, averaging just 7.4 years, ensures a comfortable and safe travel experience.
- Website: Aeroméxico
- Hubs: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Fleet Size: 128 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 7.1 years
9. WestJet
Founded in 1996 as a low-cost airline, WestJet has grown into Canada’s second-largest carrier, serving more than 100 destinations across North America, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Known for its friendly service, playful branding, and strong community involvement, WestJet has cultivated a loyal customer base over the past decades. In recent years, WestJet has been transforming into a full-service premium airline, particularly on its Boeing 787 routes to London, Tokyo, Delhi, Rome, Seoul, Barcelona and Paris, where passengers can enjoy lie-flat Business Class seating and enhanced amenities. Its hubs in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver make it a convenient option for both domestic and international travelers.
- Website: WestJet
- Hubs: Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver
- Fleet Size: 140 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 11.5 years
8. American Airlines
American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the largest airline in the world in terms of fleet size, destinations, and revenue. Following its merger with US Airways in 2013, American operates nearly 6,700 flights daily to 350 destinations across more than 50 countries, serving over 200 million passengers annually. Despite past challenges with service and punctuality, American remains a major player in global aviation. It is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, connecting travelers to international partners like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. American Airlines has invested in fleet modernization and premium cabin upgrades, including fully lie-flat seats in Business and First Class, although domestic experiences can vary.
- Website: American Airlines
- Hubs: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Washington
- Fleet Size: 986 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 14.3 years
- Review: read here my review of American Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 777
- Review: read here my review of American Airlines’ First Class in a Boeing 777
7. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is the United States’ largest domestic carrier and the world’s largest low-cost airline. Founded in 1967, Southwest operates over 4,000 daily flights to 100 U.S. destinations and 10 international locations. The airline is known for its all-Boeing 737 fleet, which simplifies operations and maintenance while ensuring a consistent travel experience. Southwest offers passengers free WiFi, flexible ticket policies, and no baggage fees, which has helped the airline remain a favorite among budget-conscious travelers. The airline has also been expanding services to Hawaii, making it easier for travelers to explore the islands affordably.
- Website: Southwest Airlines
- Hubs: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix
- Fleet Size: 808 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 11.9 years
6. JetBlue
JetBlue, based in New York City, has earned a reputation as a premium low-cost carrier. The airline serves 101 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America, carrying over 38 million passengers annually. JetBlue differentiates itself through spacious seating, free WiFi, complimentary snacks and drinks, and one of the most popular Business Class products in the U.S., Mint, which offers fully lie-flat seats and curated amenities. JetBlue’s customer-centric approach includes excellent inflight entertainment systems and attentive service, making it a strong choice for both domestic and international travel.
- Website: JetBlue
- Hubs: New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando
- Fleet Size: 281 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 12.6 years
- Review: read here my review of JetBlue’s Business Class (Mint) in an Airbus A321
5. United Airlines
United Airlines is one of the oldest and largest carriers in the U.S., with a vast global route network reaching Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America. While United previously struggled with service and operational challenges, the airline has dramatically improved with a modern fleet, Polaris Business Class, upgraded lounges, and better on-time performance. As a founding member of Star Alliance, United offers travelers extensive connectivity, making it ideal for international itineraries. Recent fleet upgrades and premium cabin offerings have elevated the passenger experience, particularly on long-haul flights.
- Website: United Airlines
- Hubs: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington
- Fleet Size: 1024 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 17.7 years
- Review: read here my review of United Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 787
- Review: read here my review of United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class in a Boeing 777
4. Air Canada
Air Canada, Canada’s flagship airline, connects over 220 destinations worldwide. Known for its premium onboard services, Air Canada offers Signature Class with lie-flat seats, gourmet menus crafted by celebrity chefs, upgraded lounges, and chauffeur services in Toronto. Air Canada is the only North American carrier to hold a Four-Star Skytrax rating, reflecting excellence in service, reliability, and onboard comfort. Its membership in Star Alliance provides travelers with a seamless experience across a global network.
- Website: Air Canada
- Hubs: Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver
- Fleet Size: 205 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 12.3 years
- Review: read here my review of Air Canada’s Business Class in a Boeing 787
3. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, is the oldest airline still operating in the U.S. and a founding member of SkyTeam. Delta stands out for its excellent on-time performance, consistent inflight entertainment, and modern Business Class product, Delta One Suite, which offers privacy with sliding doors and lie-flat seating. While the airline has one of the oldest fleets in North America, Delta continually invests in upgrades and customer service, making it a reliable choice for frequent travelers.
- Website: Delta Air Lines
- Hubs: Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, Seattle
- Fleet Size: 988 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 15.4 years
- Review: read here my review of Delta’s Business Class in a Boeing 767
- Review: read here my review of Delta’s Business Class in an Airbus A350 (Delta One Suite)
- Review: read here my review of Delta’s Business Class in an Airbus A330neo (Delta One Suite)
2. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is known for its exceptional customer service, reliability, and loyalty program. Serving over 100 destinations across the U.S., Hawaii, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico, Alaska focuses on creating a friendly, stress-free travel experience. The Seattle-based airline guarantees quick baggage delivery, excellent on-time performance, and codeshare partnerships with 17 airlines, giving passengers flexibility without being part of a major alliance. Alaska Airlines now also operates intercontinental flights, including routes from Seattle to Tokyo, Seoul, and plans for London and Reykjavik starting in 2026.
- Website: Alaska Airlines
- Hubs: Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle
- Fleet Size: 237 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 10.3 years
1. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is a niche yet highly reliable carrier, focusing on connecting the Hawaiian Islands with the U.S. mainland, Asia, and Oceania. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest U.S. airline never to experience a fatal accident, consistently topping lists for punctuality, minimal cancellations, and excellent baggage handling. Hawaiian Airlines provides a high-quality travel experience with comfortable seating, attentive service, and a modern fleet, making it the top choice for travelers seeking reliability and safety.
- Website: Hawaiian Airlines
- Hubs: Honolulu, Kahului
- Fleet Size: 74 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age: 13.2 years
- Review: read here my review of Hawaiian Airlines’ domestic First Class in an Airbus A330
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