Ranking of the top airlines in 2024 by JD Power

Passengers have spoken, and Delta Air Lines has emerged as the top choice for those flying in first-class, business-class, or premium economy cabins, according to the latest report from J.D. Power’s 2024 North American Airline Satisfaction Study. Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, took the lead among economy travelers, with Delta following closely behind in second place.

The annual airline rankings by J.D. Power take into account various factors that contribute to the overall air travel experience, including ease of travel, interactions with staff, on-board experience, and value for the price paid. This year’s rankings focused on airline performance between March 2023 and March 2024, based on surveys taken by passengers who flew the previous month.

In the business/first class category, Delta secured the top spot with a score of 743, surpassing JetBlue, which held the position last year. In the premium economy category, Delta also led the way with a score of 716. For economy travelers, Southwest Airlines received the highest rating with a score of 685.

Southwest’s rebound in the economy class rankings is particularly noteworthy, considering the airline’s operational challenges in late 2022. Despite this, Southwest made significant investments in improving its operational reliability, which paid off with a top ranking in the economy category.

Overall, airlines that invested in staff training and enhancing the overall flight experience were more likely to receive top scores from passengers. Delta, in particular, has focused on operational reliability and customer service, which has reflected in its high ratings across all cabin classes. With airlines like Frontier occupying the last spot in the rankings, it’s clear that a focus on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency is key to success in the highly competitive airline industry.