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The Independent UK

Ted Thornhill

The best US airlines for 2026 are revealed in prestigious industry rankings

United States JetBlue Breeze Delta Airbus American Airlines Cathay Pacific Korean Air New York Qatar Airways

Pictured is the 'Mint' business class aboard a JetBlue aircraft. The carrier features in AirlineRatings.com’s World’s Best Airline Awards for 2026 - (JetBlue)

While there is much to grumble about when it comes to flying in the U.S., a prestigious annual ranking reveals the American carriers consistently more likely to give passengers something to smile about.

For “full-service” flights — those with meals, an economy seat pitch of at least 31 inches and lie-flat business class beds — that carrier is JetBlue, according to AirlineRatings.com’s World’s Best Airline Awards for 2026, generated from traveller feedback and aviation experts. The New York-headquartered airline is the only U.S. carrier in the 25-strong global list, coming 17th overall, despite having a single-aisle fleet.

In JetBlue economy, passengers can expect a generous 32-34 inches of pitch (the distance between one seat and the same point on the seat in front — effectively legroom), seats with bendable headrests that offer head-support while sleeping, and free wifi gate-to-gate without having to sign up to the carrier’s loyalty scheme.

JetBlue’s “Mint” business class, meanwhile, features direct aisle access, a fully lie-flat seat that converts to a six-foot-five-inch bed, a Tuft & Needle adaptive foam mattress, a memory foam pillow and a 17-inch screen.

There’s also a supersized version of Mint — Mint Studio, which occupies the front row of the aircraft. These are like mini apartments in the sky.

In the World’s Best Airline Awards for 2026, by AirlineRatings.com, JetBlue is the only U.S. carrier in the 25-strong 'full service' list. Pictured is the business-class section (JetBlue)

AirlineRatings.com, a respected aviation safety and product website, says: “Over the years, JetBlue has maintained a modern and technically up-to-date fleet, which helps to ensure safety and reliability.

“The passenger experience on board JetBlue flights is enhanced by a modern cabin design, featuring comfortable seating and innovative onboard amenities that cater to the needs of today’s travelers. This focus has made the airline a preferred choice among passengers seeking a balance between cost and comfort.”

In the “hybrid” category, for airlines offering “a mix of onboard service, modelling low cost or full service depending on the length of flight,” Delta emerges top in the U.S., coming fourth overall in the 20-strong ranking.

One of the stand-out aspects of the Atlanta-headquartered carrier’s fleet is Comfort Plus, an upgrade that’s a noticeable step-up from standard economy, with pitch inches in the 34-36 zone (versus 30-31 in standard economy) and nicely upholstered seats that feel premium.

Pictured is JetBlue's economy class, where passengers can expect a generous 32-34 inches of pitch, seats with bendable headrests that offer head-support while sleeping, and free wifi gate-to-gate (JetBlue)

AirlineRatings.com says: “The airline places a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, continually updating its fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft and investing in digital solutions to improve the customer experience.

“The airline's focus on safety, reliability, and customer service has helped it maintain a leading position in the airline industry.”

In the low-cost category, it’s Breeze that flies the flag for the U.S., coming seventh in a list comprising 20 airlines.

Breeze, headquartered in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, focuses on point-to-point travel between smaller cities and is known for its simplified fare structure: Nice, Nicer or Nicest.

In the 'hybrid' category, Delta emerges top in the U.S., coming fourth overall in the 20-strong ranking. Pictured is the carrier's A330neo business class (Chris Rank)

Breeze is ranked as the top low-cost U.S. airline. Pictured is one of the carrier's Airbus A220 (Breeze)

AirlineRatings.com adds that Breeze offers a buy-on-board service for in-flight purchases and provides free streamable in-flight entertainment on most flights operated by both its Airbus A220 and Embraer 190/195 aircraft.

The top five airlines in the full-service category are Qatar Airways (No.1), Cathay Pacific (No.2), Singapore Airlines (No.3), Korean Air (No.4), and Starlux Airlines (No.5).

The hybrid list is topped by Lufthansa, with Canada’s WestJet second, Virgin Australia third and United Airlines following Delta in fifth place. American Airlines comes sixth.

The top five in the low-cost ranking are: HK Express (No.1), Jetstar (No.2), AirAsia Group (No.3), AirBaltic (No.4), and Scoot (No.5).