Spirit Airlines is named the best airline in the U.S. in 2025, according to a new WalletHub study. The budget-friendly carrier has surprisingly beaten giants like Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines in the rankings. 

WalletHub assessed the nine largest U.S. airlines and two regional carriers across 14 key metrics in four areas: baggage and departures, animal incidents, in-flight comfort and cost, and safety. Spirit Airlinesranking topped the list with an impressive score of 69.12 out of 100.

Budget Carrier Excels In Safety And Value

The study highlights Spirit as the most affordable and safest budget airline for travelers in the USA. This winning combination appeals strongly to cost-conscious flyers in 2025. 

Other airlines still excel in specific areas. Delta earned recognition as the most reliable carrier. JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines tied for providing the best comfort. SkyWest, United, and Envoy Air best serve pet owners.

Photo by john mckenna from Pexels

Punctuality And Expansion Drive Future Success

Experts point to on-time departures as a key factor that could boost rankings for all top U.S. airlines. Joseph P. Schwieterman from DePaul University stressed that airlines should focus on timely departures instead of extra amenities.

Spirit Airlines, now recognized as the best low-cost airline in the USA, announced an expansion plan in March that adds many new routes across the country. This growth comes just as the airline reaches its highest reputation level ever. While known for cheap tickets, travelers should remember to factor in potential extra costs for luggage and other services.

A New Perspective On Air Travel Choices

The WalletHub best airlines 2025 analysis gives travelers clear insights for choosing airlines that balance cost, reliability, comfort, and safety. Spirit’s rise shows a shift in what matters to flyers. Budget airlines are proving they can compete on quality, not just price.

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*Banner photo by Forsaken Films on Unsplash