1. Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air appeals to travelers seeking low-cost, direct flights to secondary airports. Its business model focuses on convenience for specific routes, making it popular in smaller U.S. cities. Americans appreciate the simplicity and affordability, especially for leisure travel. While it’s no-frills, passengers often find the service adequate for short hops.
The airline also shines in value for families and budget-conscious vacationers. It often provides package deals including hotels and rental cars, which simplifies planning. Travelers like the predictability of its model—if you know what to expect, there are rarely surprises. Allegiant’s charm lies in offering straightforward, cost-effective travel options.
2. Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country has a dedicated following thanks to its low-cost, seasonal flights to vacation destinations. People love the combination of affordability and destinations like Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico. The airline often includes free snacks and beverages, which feels like a small but meaningful perk. It’s reliable for those who plan vacations well in advance.
The Rapid Rewards-style program also rewards repeat travelers in a straightforward manner. Americans appreciate the simplicity and predictability, which contrasts with larger, more complex airlines. Sun Country’s charm lies in treating travel as part of the fun, not just a logistical task. It’s an easy pick for families and leisure travelers looking for no-hassle trips.
3. Southwest Airlines
Southwest has earned a cult-like following in the U.S., partly thanks to their no-fee policy for checked bags. Travelers love the transparency in pricing and the absence of hidden fees. The open seating policy feels quirky but adds an element of fun and unpredictability. The airline also seems to attract a particularly friendly staff, which makes a difference on crowded flights.
Americans also enjoy the freedom of changing flights without penalties. The Rapid Rewards program is simple and straightforward, rewarding frequent flyers generously. Southwest has a knack for turning mundane short-haul flights into genuinely enjoyable experiences. It’s low stress, approachable, and consistently delivers on its promises.
4. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is frequently praised for offering more legroom than other domestic airlines. This small comfort is surprisingly influential when you’re stuck on a three-hour flight. Free Wi-Fi and live TV on many flights also make the journey feel less tedious. Travelers often point out that small perks like complimentary snacks make a big impression.
JetBlue’s customer service is another reason Americans swear by it. Flight attendants often get positive shout-outs for being personable and attentive. Their loyalty program, TrueBlue, is simple to understand and rewards frequent travelers quickly. All these factors combine to create an airline experience that feels a bit more thoughtful than most.
5. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines earns loyalty through excellent West Coast coverage and partnerships that expand international options. Passengers frequently praise the on-time record and clean, well-maintained planes. The airline also has a reputation for going above and beyond when handling irregular operations. Travelers feel like the airline genuinely tries to minimize stress during disruptions.
The Mileage Plan is particularly popular because it offers generous rewards and flexible redemptions. Alaska Airlines also stands out for consistently good customer service. Americans in the Pacific Northwest often feel a special affinity because it’s a regional staple. Its combination of reliability, perks, and local pride makes it easy to love.
6. United Airlines
United has made strides in customer satisfaction in recent years, particularly with international flights. Travelers notice improvements in seating, entertainment options, and loyalty rewards. The MileagePlus program is comprehensive, offering a variety of ways to earn and redeem points. Business travelers especially appreciate United’s extensive route network and global reach.
Airport lounges like United Club provide an extra layer of comfort for premium flyers. Americans seem to value the consistency across major hubs, making connections less stressful. Flight attendants often get positive mentions for professionalism, even on crowded flights. Combined with frequent promotions and partnerships, United manages to stay appealing to a wide audience.
7. Spirit Airlines
Yes, Spirit has a reputation for being no-frills, but Americans love it for exactly that reason. It’s inexpensive, and the ultra-low fares are hard to ignore if you’re traveling on a budget. People appreciate being able to choose exactly what they pay for, from seat assignments to snacks. It’s a gamble, but many find it worth it to save money on short trips.
The airline also serves destinations that aren’t always well-covered by major carriers. Frequent promotions and flash sales create a sense of excitement for bargain-hunters. For travelers willing to navigate the extra fees, Spirit provides a surprisingly reliable experience. Its cult following thrives on affordability and efficiency over luxury.
8. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines captures hearts with its focus on comfort and island hospitality. Passengers love the warm, welcoming vibe and attention to cultural touches. Complimentary meals on many inter-island and U.S. mainland flights make the experience feel special. Legroom and seat comfort also receive consistently high marks from travelers.
Americans often point out that flying with Hawaiian Airlines feels less like a chore and more like part of the vacation. The airline also has a strong reputation for punctuality on domestic Hawaiian routes. Frequent flyer program HawaiianMiles is easy to navigate and rewards travelers efficiently. Overall, the airline exudes a relaxed, customer-focused experience that resonates with many.
9. American Airlines
American Airlines gets recognition for its sheer reach, serving more destinations than almost any other U.S. carrier. This vast network allows for convenient travel options for business and leisure flyers alike. Many travelers appreciate the frequency of flights, which makes planning flexible itineraries simpler. While it has a reputation for some inconsistency, its coverage often outweighs the negatives.
Frequent flyers also benefit from the AAdvantage program, which is robust and widely usable. The airline’s recent cabin upgrades, like lie-flat seats on select routes, have also earned positive attention. Americans often feel a sense of practicality when choosing American—it’s a reliable workhorse. Despite occasional hiccups, people keep returning because it delivers where it matters most.
10. Frontier Airlines
Frontier is another ultra-low-cost carrier that has built a loyal following. Its pricing model appeals to those who want to pay only for what they use. Many travelers enjoy the quirky, animal-themed planes and marketing campaigns, which add a bit of fun. It’s a gamble, but the savings are compelling enough to keep people coming back.
The airline also tends to fly to destinations underserved by major carriers. Americans appreciate access to leisure and vacation spots without breaking the bank. Frequent promotions and flash sales create a sense of urgency and excitement. Overall, Frontier combines affordability with a playful brand personality that resonates with budget-minded travelers.
11. Delta Airlines
Delta consistently ranks high in passenger satisfaction, and Americans seem to appreciate the reliability. Their on-time performance and extensive domestic network make it easy to reach almost any city. Frequent flyers often rave about their friendly flight attendants, who seem genuinely invested in making the journey smooth. It’s one of those airlines where you feel like they care a little more about your comfort.
The loyalty programs don’t hurt either. SkyMiles offers flexibility that many travelers find appealing, especially for international trips. Delta also invests in upgraded cabins and modern planes, which adds a layer of comfort on long flights. Americans often mention that it’s the combination of reliability and a touch of luxury that keeps them coming back.
12. Jetstar USA
While not as massive as some competitors, Jetstar USA has a niche following among budget-conscious flyers. It offers ultra-low-cost fares on certain routes that are hard to beat. Travelers often appreciate the transparency in fees and the simplicity of the booking process. It’s small, but it fills a very specific need in the domestic travel market.
The airline also has a reputation for efficiency and punctuality on shorter routes. Americans who prioritize affordability over frills often consider it a hidden gem. Even without premium services, it delivers consistent performance for the price. For those who travel smart and light, Jetstar USA provides exactly what they need without extra fuss.
This post 12 Airlines Americans Seem to Love for Some Reason was first published on American Charm.
