Is it time to start looking at Spirit Airlines in a whole new light?
Spirit Airlines Was Just Ranked No. 1 in the U.S.—No Kidding! Here’s Why
Published on Apr. 23, 2025
When you think about your go-to domestic airlines, chances are Spirit Airlines isn’t the first one that comes to mind. With a reputation for less-than-stellar customer service and cramped flights, plus 2024’s bankruptcy filing (they’re back in the black as of March 2025), Spirit isn’t typically considered the best. But despite the airline’s shortcomings, could it be that it’s simply a misconception that Spirit is a bad airline? Or perhaps Spirit has improved lately? According to new research from WalletHub, it may be time to give the budget airline a second look.
Keep reading to find out why Spirit was just named the No. 1 airline in the United States and which other domestic airlines are hot on its heels.
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What factors did the study consider?
To determine which airline comes out on top in the U.S., WalletHub collected and analyzed all of the relevant 2024 flight data for 11 of the biggest U.S. airlines from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The site considered 14 key metrics, including baggage handling, number of flight cancellations, cost, safety and in-flight comfort.
Each of the 14 metrics was given a point value based on its importance, with zero being the worst possible score. The airline with the most points when all was said and done was named the best airline in the United States.
On what factors did Spirit Airlines rank well?
Spirit Airlines earned the title of best overall, and the airline excels in what many people would consider the most important metrics: affordability and safety. Spirit received the highest score out of all the airlines included in the study for price, making it a top choice for travelers on a budget. Spirit is also the safest airline in the country, with excellent scores across the board for injuries, fatalities, fleet age and aviation incidents.
On what factors did Spirit Airlines rank poorly?
Known for lacking in the bells and whistles, it’s not surprising to learn that Spirit didn’t achieve top scores for comfort. The budget airline has relatively small seats without much legroom and offers few to no amenities, including virtually zero entertainment options. Some planes have Wi-Fi, but that’s about it.
Spirit also ranked poorly for pet friendliness. But that’s not because it’s the worst airline for pets—it’s because Spirit doesn’t fly pets at all.
What other airlines ranked No. 1?
Spirit Airlines may have come in first overall, but there were a few other airlines that earned high scores in other categories. Delta Air Lines took home the title of most reliable airline because it has the lowest rate of delays, denied boardings, mishandled luggage and flight cancellations. As for most comfortable airline, it was a tie between JetBlue Airways and Hawaiian Airlines, both of which consistently offer guests the best free amenities, like Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and snacks and soft drinks. While Spirit isn’t far behind Delta when it comes to reliability, the airline pales in comparison to JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines in terms of comfort and amenities.
What other airlines ranked in the top 10?
Spirit Airlines came out on top, but it was a close race all around. Here are the results of the top 10 U.S. airlines, including the final score out of 100 for each:
- Spirit Airlines: 69.12
- SkyWest Airlines: 68.02
- Delta Air Lines: 64.24
- JetBlue Airways: 63.38
- Southwest Airlines: 62.19
- Alaska Airlines: 58.38
- Hawaiian Airlines: 57.32
- United Airlines: 56.58
- Frontier Airlines: 47.01
- American Airlines: 45.81
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Source:
- WalletHub: “Best Airlines (2025)”
