A new JD Power report reveals the best airlines in North America for 2026.gettyWhat are the best airlines in America for 2026? JD Power—an expert in consumer insights, data and analytics—has just released its annual North America Airline Satisfaction Study, revealing which airlines are still delivering the best passenger experience in 2026.The 2026 report reflects feedback from nearly 11,000 travelers and evaluates airlines across several key areas, including airline staff, digital tools, ease of travel, trust, onboard experience, pre- and post-flight experience and value for price paid.And despite the issues surrounding air travel—including accidents, delays, crowded airports, rising ticket prices and even the shutdown of Spirit Airlines—the report found that passengers are actually happier with airlines this year. Overall satisfaction rose eight points over 2025, with gains across all cabin classes.So what’s behind the surprising jump in satisfaction? Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail and customer service at JD Power, says that despite challenges, the airlines returned to the basics, including passenger communication, friendly service and better value for money compared to past years.Another major factor driving satisfaction: “The consistent improvement of upper-class and premium economy experiences,” Taylor told me in an interview. “Airlines have been investing in better seating in the front of the aircraft and better services and it shows in increased satisfaction among passengers using those ticket types.”Still, Taylor warns that the landscape could shift quickly, especially with prices increasing to cover rising fuel costs. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for airlines to continue to drive the high levels of customer satisfaction,” he says.JetBlue ranks highest in customer satisfaction for first/business class in the new JD Power airline report, thanks in part to its popular Mint experience.gettyThe Best Airline For First/Business ClassJD Power has been tracking the airline industry since 1993. In 2022, the company began breaking down its annual North America Airline Satisfaction Study by cabin class: first/business, premium economy and economy/basic economy.For the second consecutive year, JetBlue Airways ranks first in customer satisfaction for first/business class, earning a score of 759 out of 1,000. Delta Air Lines comes in second with 750 points, followed by Alaska Airlines with 720.What’s driving JetBlue’s success? According to Taylor, it comes down to the airline’s Mint product, which features lie-flat seats, elevated dining and sleek cabin design.“JetBlue’s Mint product is a strong offering and creates very enthusiastic flyers,” says Taylor. “Despite the ticket price, passengers feel it provides great value for the price paid.”This year also saw a sharp increase in satisfaction among premium flyers overall. JD Power found that satisfaction among first/business passengers jumped 17 points year over year.Delta Air Lines ranks highest in premium economy for the fourth year in a row in the new JD Power airline satisfaction report.gettyThe Best Airline For Premium EconomyDelta Air Lines tops the premium economy rankings for the fourth year in a row, with Alaska Airlines moving into second place and JetBlue taking third.Taylor says Delta’s consistency across the board helped it retain the crown. “Delta is strong across the board in this segment,” he says. “They just don’t show any weaknesses despite fierce competition in this segment.”One of the biggest surprises in this year’s study was Alaska Airlines’ strong performance in premium economy. “Alaska came on strong in the premium economy segment, up a significant 29 points,” says Taylor. “Excellent progress.”Premium economy was also one of the fastest-growing segments in terms of satisfaction, increasing 14 points over last year.Southwest Airlines ranks highest in economy/basic economy for the fifth consecutive year in the new JD Power airline satisfaction report.gettyThe Best Airline For Economy/Basic EconomySouthwest Airlines once again ranks highest in the economy/basic economy category, marking its fifth consecutive year at the top. According to Taylor, Southwest continues to resonate with passengers. “Southwest managed to stay in first place in this segment based on their reliability and people skills,” he says.But Southwest’s lead is being threatened as the gap is narrowing: Delta trails Southwest by just three points this year.What drove Southwest’s dip in passenger satisfaction? The airline changed its operating procedures and increased fees. “We expected to see a decline with the changes made,” says Taylor. But he points out that this could have a positive impact down the line. “The introduction (or increase) of fees has a significant effect on passenger satisfaction, but it also produces significant revenues to an airline,” he says. “Southwest still retained the #1 spot and will continue to be a significant player in the Economy and Premium Economy segments when they complete their aircraft retrofitting.JetBlue ranks third in economy/basic economy, followed by Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air. Frontier finishes last once again.Despite delays, rising fees and ongoing travel headaches, passenger satisfaction with airlines increased in the latest JD Power report.gettyTrends In Air TravelOne of the biggest takeaways from the 2026 report: Airlines appear to be doing a better job controlling the parts of the travel experience they actually can control.According to JD Power, improvements in onboard experience, day-of-travel communication and value for price paid helped offset frustrations around delays, cancellations and rising costs.And while travelers continue to complain about airfares and fees, Taylor says airlines are still succeeding in one critical area: communication. Better communication, he says, goes a long way in shaping passenger perception.Still, the pressure is building. Rising fuel costs, increasing baggage fees and geopolitical instability could all weigh on future satisfaction scores. The big question now: How long can airlines keep passengers happy as costs continue to rise?Keep reading for the full lists of the best airlines in North America for 2026.JetBlue and Delta were among the top-performing airlines in JD Power’s 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.gettyThe Best Airlines In America: First/Business ClassNumbers listed here are the JD Power score out of 1,000 points.JetBlue Airways – 759Delta Air Lines – 750Alaska Airlines – 720United Airlines – 700American Airlines – 698Air Canada – 694Delta Air Lines ranked highest in premium economy in JD Power’s 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.gettyThe Best Airlines In America: Premium EconomyDelta Air Lines – 736Alaska Airlines – 720JetBlue Airways – 701United Airlines – 665American Airlines – 657WestJet – 641Air Canada – 633Southwest Airlines ranked highest in economy/basic economy in JD Power’s 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.gettyThe Best Airlines In America: Economy/Basic EconomySouthwest Airlines – 670Delta Air Lines – 667JetBlue Airways – 655Alaska Airlines – 648Allegiant Air – 630American Airlines – 624United Airlines – 608Air Canada – 576Spirit Airlines (note that the report was completed before the airline’s recent closure) – 560 WestJet – 553Frontier Airlines – 533MORE FROM FORBES:ForbesThis 20-Year-Old Is Trying To Become The Youngest Person To Travel To Every CountryBy Laura Begley BloomForbesThe 50 Best Beaches In The World For 2026, According To Global Travel ExpertsBy Laura Begley BloomForbesWant To Move To Spain? 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