New report ranks best airlines for 2022
Delta Air Lines has been named #1 on The Points Guy's annual list of US airlinesfor the fourth consecutive year. The travel website made the announcement on Wednesday's CBS Mornings.
The site's founder and CEO, Brian Kelly, says the Atlanta-based airline leads the way with big scores in reliability, family travel and loyalty. Told. Affordability was Delta's worst-performing category, according to the report.
"I think Delta is one step ahead," Kelly said. “They are also the most expensive airlines and they also make a profit, so consumers are willing to pay to be treated as human beings. I think that is the key theme we are seeing.
Southwest was second and United was third. Rounding out the top five were American Airlines in fourth place and Alaska Airlines in fifth place.
The 6th Annual Report covers the 12-month period from January to December 2021 — Current Crisis before it affected US airlines.
With flight cancellations, delays and lost luggage rampant, some have called it a summer of travel hell. US-based airlines canceled more than 120,000 flights between January and July of this year due to pilot shortages and increased demand .
Kelly said there were signs that "things will turn around" in the coming months. He said his 92 flights were the only flights canceled in the US on Tuesday. Reliability, which makes up his 30% of the score, is based on factors such as timeliness, cancellations, and baggage handling. His 25% of the scores, Experiences, include data from customer complaints to the U.S. Department of Transportation and information about lounges, cabin features and other amenities.
The 'Cost and Reach' category accounts for 20% of the scores and covers the airline's route network and affordability. Loyalty, which comprises the remaining 25%, is based on frequent flyer program and availability of benefits.
Here are The Points Guy's 2022 Full Rankings:
- Delta
- Southwest
- United
- USA
- Alaska
- Hawaiian
- Jet Blue
- Frontier
- Allegiant
- Spirit
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