What's the best airline to fly on domestically (USA), and why?

Answer 1

None of them are particularly good when compared with some foreign airlines but I'd say that US Airways does a pretty good job and has some of the nicer eastern seaboard hubs (Philadelphia, Ronald Reagan in DC, and Charlotte). They generally seem on top of things and their agents aren't too mean. The little breaded pretzels are pretty nasty though. Ask for the cranapple juice. Online check-in is a breeze and for east coast flights, they're often one of the cheaper ones.

I hate Continental b/c the only time I ever flew with them, I ended up at my destination 6 hours late and witnessed the one of their gate agents physically assault a passenger at Newark (the passenger was rightfully complaining that it was Continental's fault that they overbooked the flight).

Answer 2

I fly probably 6-8 times a month on average, for work mostly, and probably 90% of that is on either USAirways or American Airlines. Both are good - USAirways has gotten WAY better than they used to be - but I think American is good as well. They are friendly, efficient and competent. Continental and Northwest are both good as well.

United Airlines is absolutely the worst though. I have flown probably almost 200 times roundtrip in the past 2 years and 3 of those times have been on United. I had my luggage lost all 3 times (the only 3 times that it's happened), rude flight attendants, and had my schedule messed up because of their incompetence - not weather related or anything. Considering how much I fly, I don't think it's a coincidence that the very few times I have had such huge problems were the exact same times I was flying United.

Also: I agree that weather delays are not the airline's fault. If the airlines had their choice there would never be snow or ice storms - they lose money by cancelling flights. And the majority of flights that are cancelled are because of weather (maybe not 99% but the vast majority). Also, the few times I've had delayed flights on either USAirways or American (massive thunderstorms in Dallas, 2-3 feet of snow in Boston) the airlines have been great about handling it - trying to reroute me, food vouchers etc.

Answer 3

I also vote Continental. Well the other person said that their flight was delayed 6 hours. So what? The people in Denver are stranded for 3 days and many missed Christmas' with their families. Thousands of flights were cancelled and this was United Airlines. So is it really fair to say, "Oh well, my plane was late 6 hours, therefore, I do not like the airline." Grow up!

Was it the airlines fault for being days and hours late? NO. Weather is 99 percent of why a plane is delayed or cancelled. All cancellations are done not by the airline but by the air traffic controllers. Therefore, Continenal is NOT the only one with delays and cancellations. It is better to be safe than sorry!

Answer 4

The BEST airline is purely a matter of personal preference. It also depends on where you are going. If you prefer airline "A" and it doesn't go where you want to go, it isn't the best. If you don't like airline "B" that does go where you want to go, it is the best...under the circumstances. It is preference and all subjective. Best for marketting purposes is done by evaluating a variety indicies like: on time departure & arrival %, lost or lack of lost baggage, passenger rated quality of service and personnel professionalism, safety record, cleanliness of aircraft, quality of food, etc. Since prices are all comparable for flights between selected cities, that is also an indicie but not a majot one. The budget airlines seem to be filling a void and are gaiing ground on the few majors left in the U.S. Airlines like Southwest and JetBlue are giving majors like United, American and USAirways a run for their money. People are willing to give up some amenities for a cheaper ticket.

Answer 5

Hi!

I prefer Continental than any other airlines to fly on domestically in USA.

Answer 6

I'm a big fan of JetBlue. Good, free food and comfier seats than many other airlines. The personal television does it for me. After sitting through "Failure to Launch" three times in the same week on United, I've realized the importance of options.

Answer 7

If anything , I would Say jetBlue because, jetBlue has the lowest fares, the best planes, comfiest seats, youngest fleet in the air, great service, and 98% of their flights are all non-stop. Song is a great alternative, but then yet again, you have to gues if you will fly Song because they are now only flown by some Delta long haul domestic routes, their seats are a few centimeters narrower than jetBlue's

Answer 8

Depends on where you are going, Midwest Airlines in the Signature Service setup is excellent. It is just as good as first class of other airlines. Have a great trip.

Answer 9

I like Continental. For me, living near one of their hubs, it is conveinent, but beyond that they seem to have the newest fleet of planes, haven't started charging for the extras such as food or blankets, and generally have a very polite and knowledgeable staff. Plus with 3 major hubs in the US it is pretty easy to get places should you be coming from/going to a less than trafficed place.

Answer 10

JET BLUE. Hands down