Drumroll Please…the Results Are In! Readers’ Favorite Airlines Revealed!

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A few weeks ago, we sent out a survey and asked for our readers’ expert opinions on which airlines they liked best.  Based on aspects like an airline’s frequent flyer program, co-branded credit card, in-flight food, and more.

And we’ve tallied the nearly 1,500 responses we received!  So take a look at what our readers (tried-and-true travelers!) have to say about the value, comfort, convenience, and perks offered by each airline!

The results could help you decide between airlines and frequent flyer programs, and the best credit cards to consider, to start making your travel dreams a reality!

Drumroll Please The Results Are In Readers Favorite Airlines Revealed
According to Million Mile Secrets Readers, Delta Offers the Best In-Flight Food Options! Do You Agree?

Results of Our Reader Airline Satisfaction Survey

1.   Most Convenient Loyalty Program:   Which airline offers the most flexible options for redeeming points and miles?

It’s no secret that Emily and I love Southwest.  And our readers agree!  Southwest tops the list as the most convenient loyalty program.  And I’d image the fact that they offer the BEST deal in travel, the Southwest Companion Pass, has something to do with that. 😉

  1. Southwest
  2. United Airlines
  3. Alaska Airlines
  4. American Airlines
  5. Delta
  6. JetBlue
  7. Other
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Spirit
  10. Frontier

2.   Best Value Loyalty Program:   Which airline offers the best value for your points?

Again, Southwest earned the #1 spot at the top of the list for the best value loyalty program, too.  And it’s no surprise to see Alaska Airlines and United Airlines rounding out the top 3!  Because both programs are notoriously generous with their available award seats.

One of my favorite things about booking award flights with United Airlines miles is that they never impose fuel surcharges.  So no matter where you want to use your miles, the taxes and fees will be relatively cheap!

  1. Southwest
  2. Alaska Airlines
  3. United Airlines
  4. American Airlines
  5. Delta
  6. JetBlue
  7. Other
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Spirit
  10. Frontier

3.   Best Airline Credit Card:   Which airline-branded credit card offers the most value?

You can earn the Southwest Companion Pass by signing-up for just 2 of Southwest’s co-branded cards.  And that’s likely why our readers consider them to be the cards that offer the most value.

A card like the United MileagePlus Explorer card is another great option.  Because cardholders have access to more available award seats on United Airlines flights!

  1. Southwest
  2. United Airlines
  3. American Airlines
  4. Alaska Airlines
  5. Delta
  6. JetBlue
  7. Other
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Spirit
  10. Frontier
Drumroll Please The Results Are In Readers Favorite Airlines Revealed
Team Member Keith and His Wife Use Their Southwest Companion Pass to Save Big on Paid and Award Flights!

4.   Best Perks:   Which airline offers the best perks to valued customers?

Million Mile Secrets readers also think Southwest offers the best perks to its customers!  With American Airlines and Alaska Airlines ranking #2 and #3.

I’m also NOT surprised that the low-cost airlines like Frontier and Spirit ranked last.  Budget airlines like these can offer super cheap fares because they don’t offer perks!  So you’re definitely paying for what you get.

  1. Southwest
  2. American Airlines
  3. Alaska Airlines
  4. Delta
  5. United Airlines
  6. JetBlue
  7. Other
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Frontier
  10. Spirit

5.   Best Service:   Which airline offers the best online and on-site customer service?

Southwest for the win…again!

Traveling can be frustrating, so I’m always happy to be greeted by friendly desk agents and airline crew.  And because great service can mean a better flying experience, it’s important to know which airlines are the best at this!

  1. Southwest
  2. Alaska Airlines
  3. Delta
  4. American Airlines
  5. JetBlue
  6. United Airlines
  7. Other
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Spirit
  10. Frontier

6.   Most Delightful:   All things considered, which airline delights you the most?

Million Mile Secrets readers chose Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue as the most delightful airlines.  And I can’t disagree!

Each of them has their perks.  And if you’re like me, getting the recommendation of a trusted friend (or fellow blog reader!) means a lot.  So I’d certainly consider flying with these airlines over the others!

  1. Southwest
  2. Alaska Airlines
  3. JetBlue
  4. Delta
  5. American Airlines
  6. United Airlines
  7. Other
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Frontier
  10. Spirit

7.   Most Frustrating:   All things considered, which airline frustrates you the most?

United Airlines takes the cake in this category!  And I’m not terribly surprised.  But at the same time, Hawaiian Airlines wins the award for “least frustrating airline.”  Because who could be frustrated about flying to Hawaii? 😉
  1. United Airlines
  2. American Airlines
  3. Spirit
  4. Delta
  5. Frontier
  6. Southwest
  7. Other
  8. Alaska
  9. JetBlue
  10. Hawaiian
Drumroll Please The Results Are In Readers Favorite Airlines Revealed
It’s Inevitable. You WILL Get Frustrated From Time to Time When Dealing With ANY Airline!

8.   Best In-Flight Food:   Which airline offers the best complimentary snacks and beverages?

Some of our readers left comments like “there’s no such thing as good airline food!”  But when the votes were tallied, Delta came out the winner.

What do you think about airline food?  Have you ever had an amazing meal aboard a plane?

I can’t say I’ve found the majority of in-flight food to be that great, especially in coach.  But Million Mile Secrets team member Scott absolutely LOVES that JetBlue offers unlimited Cheeze-Its on every flight!

  1. Delta
  2. JetBlue
  3. Southwest
  4. Alaska Airlines
  5. Other
  6. American Airlines
  7. United Airlines
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Spirit
  10. Frontier

9.   Best In-Flight Entertainment:   Which airline offers the best complimentary entertainment options?

JetBlue flights offer free in-flight entertainment including Wi-Fi and TV, so it’s no wonder they’re near the top of the list.  And according to our readers, Delta and American Airlines offer good complimentary entertainment options too!  So if a perk like free movies is important to you, consider flying with those airlines.
  1. Delta
  2. JetBlue
  3. American Airlines
  4. United Airlines
  5. Southwest
  6. Alaska Airlines
  7. Other
  8. Hawaiian
  9. Frontier
  10. Spirit

Bottom Line

If you’re wondering which airlines are the best when it comes to value, comfort, perks, and more, check out the results from our reader airline customer satisfaction survey!

You might be surprised to find that Southwest ranked #1 in the majority of categories!

If you’re new to the miles & points hobby, you can use these results to help you decide which airlines to fly and frequent flyer programs to join.  And the best credit cards to earn you lots of Big Travel with Small Money!

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

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