We take for granted that we can skip across our 50 fine states, but who do you choose to do it with again and again? Are you brand loyal or do you share the love? Are frequent flier points your raison d’être? Airline rankings tend to take into account things like: value for money, ticket flexibility, comfort on board, customer service, baggage allowance (and of course any mishandling of that baggage), flight delays and cancellations, loyalty programs and availability of WiFi but different things are important to different people – consider your criteria. Perhaps you live for a good snack menu, or cannot abide poor punctuality.

The main domestic airlines in the United States (sometimes called the Big Three) are “legacy carriers”, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines – and Delta consistently outperforms the other two. Many travelers seem to see Delta as a safe pair of hands. But let’s have a look at how the others stack up – these are our best domestic airlines right now.

JetBlue

It started its life as one of the low cost airlines though it was never as stripped back as some, always offering free drinks and snacks and a free carry-on. Nowadays, JetBlue serves over 100 airports in the United States, offering a reasonable economy fare whether you’re flying LAX to JFK or making a “short” hop from Miami to Washington DC. The airline is beloved of travelers who eschew being taken for a ride – the economy fare is straightforward, with few frustratingly hidden extras, other than checked bags (but domestic airlines almost never include free checked bags these days). JetBlue also scores highly for cabin features thanks to seatback screens, free WiFi and relatively generous legroom.

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Delta Airlines

Why are American travelers so loyal to Delta? It seems to be about consistency. It’s not that Delta wins out in every category, just that Delta is consistently strong. The quality of the in-flight service is high, and (as a result of such extensive coverage – over 200 airports nationwide), the amenities on the ground are impressive, with Sky Clubs for premium cabin passengers at major airports and a dazzling new $4 billion terminal at LaGuardia. Delta is also one of the best domestic airlines for its business class offering, which includes access to Delta One lounges, Missoni amenity kits and a 180-degree flatbed seat.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska knows how to keep its frequent fliers happy and at least part of that is the range of snacks and drinks, which definitely works a little harder than the average. On the menu: Straightaway Nitro Espresso Martinis (made with espresso from Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters), an exclusive Cloud Cruiser IPA from Fremont Brewing (Seattle-based) and wines from WA-based Browne Family Vineyards. These are just some of the markers of what frequent fliers say is a pleasant all-round experience, with friendly staff, reliability and a sense of ease. The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has a lot of fans, too and the airline’s range of partners includes the oneworld alliance.

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Tradewind Aviation

Consistently named one of the best domestic airlines by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Tradewind Aviation is a private and scheduled service in the Northeast, Southeast, and the Caribbean, known for flying to luxury destinations like Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and St. Barths. Tradewind flies out of private air terminals which is helpful for eliminating TSA delays and means passengers don’t need to check in more than 60 minutes before take-off, rather than the traditional two hours. Conde Nast Traveler readers say Tradewind staff are helpful and generous, and that the experience is stress-free.

Hawaiian Airlines

One of the best domestic airlines hands down for being on time (which is almost everything in this game), Hawaiian was unbeatable on punctuality for 18 years but was knocked off the top spot by Delta in 2023. Still, frequent passengers cite reliability as well as an excellent safety record, Hawaiian spirit, n0 change fees, comfy seats, free Wi-Fi and island-themed refreshments (furikake chips, macadamia popcorn, craft beer from Maui Brewing Company), among the reasons they fly Hawaiian Airlines whenever they get the chance. There’s also lie-flat seating in the premium cabin on longer flights.

Southwest Airlines

No longer serving merely its namesake region, Southwest serves over 110 airports across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the United States. It’s one of the lower cost airlines and the only one we’re aware of still offering free checked bags. As well as having the most reasonably priced seats in the clouds, Southwest is considered one of the best domestic airlines thanks to its culture of great hospitality, attention to smaller cities, flexible policies and straightforward booking processes.

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American Airlines

Let’s end on another of the Big Three. American Airlines is the world’s largest airline in terms of fleet size and number of scheduled passengers. The extensive network is a huge boon for frequent fliers, as is the AAdvantage loyalty program, particularly as American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld alliance. American, of course, has all the modcons: comfortable lie-flat business class seats, good in-flight entertainment and spacious seats. American Airlines continues to invest in enhancing its routes, too.

Airplane etiquette is broadly the same as standard, everyday etiquette, but there are some specific differences that come up repeatedly. These include (but are not limited to) reclining your seat, using the overhead bins, employing tray tables and – quelle horreur – bare feet. Let’s tackle how to do the right thing by everyone, once and for all.

Embarkation: starting as you mean to go on

As you board the plane, you will want to say hello to the flight attendants waiting to greet you and potentially to some of your fellow passengers, too. This may sound obvious, but as you try to navigate the tiny aisle with your carry-on in one hand, your passport in the other, and all the many thoughts in your head, it can be difficult to remember to exchange common courtesies.

Hello is an important first step in not getting so wrapped up in your own journey that you forget about everyone else’s, which means it’s a good time to take a break from noise canceling headphones, too (more on those later). Do extend the good vibes when stowing your baggage – of course you want to be near your stuff, but the space above your head is not yours by right. Make space and compromises where you can, help your fellow passengers hoist their bags.

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The A, B, C (and D, E, F) of airplane seating

The big question: what is the middle seat etiquette on a plane? Well, it’s generally agreed that both armrests are yours, but you must pay attention to how you’re using them – two arms so relaxed that you have an elbow in the face of both neighbours is not acceptable, for instance. Keep in mind the person in the window seat can lean that way, but the person in the aisle seat has nowhere else to turn. Meanwhile, if you’re in the window seat, you’re in charge of the window shade. It’s your choice whether it’s open or closed, but it doesn’t hurt to turn to the person next to you before you close it, to make sure they don’t mind.

If for some reason you need to switch seats (for access to the bathroom, to be near your family), ask politely, and offer a comparable seat to the one they have. Never take someone’s seat before they’ve boarded, and do take no for an answer – they, like you, may have good reason. That said, if you’re asked to switch seats, do honor the request if you can. It could radically transform someone’s journey.

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Keeping it civilized at 40,000 feet

Noise canceling headphones can pose a significant barrier to airplane etiquette, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them. They can also be a very helpful tool for switching off from screaming babies and overly chatty neighbours, protecting your patience and personal space. As a rule of thumb, just slide them off while flight attendants talk you through safety protocols, and whenever you see a cart approaching. That way, you won’t get frustrated when you miss out on snacks either.

Flying with (and in the vicinity of) children

Noone is having a harder time than the parent or carer of an unhappy child. Always bear that in mind, as a minimum. Beyond that, if you can offer a stressed parent or baby a smile, it will go a long way. If you happen to be the passenger in the seat in front, exercise patience for the first few minutes while the family behind you settles in to the unfamiliarity and discomfort of the plane. If you feel the dreaded kick in the back, just give the parents a few minutes to deal with it before you speak up. On the other hand, if you’re the parent: watch those small but mighty feet. They are one of the cornerstones of airplane etiquette.

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The seatbelt light is still on…

What is the etiquette when exiting a plane? Should you pop up as soon as you hear the ding and crank open the overhead bin? Or should you remain seated until the last possible moment? If you’re in a hurry, or have a connecting flight to catch, let a flight attendant know so they can help you get off quickly. Otherwise, you may stand when the light goes off and stretch your legs, but try to remain in your own personal space, as you gather your possessions. Don’t enter the aisle to access the overhead bin until it’s clearly your row’s turn. That means giving people in the row before you the time and space they need to access their own belongings.

Finally: feet

Don’t remove your shoes. Don’t do it! Always fly in shoes that will last the distance.

Do you have any favorite airplane etiquette tips? Share them with us in the comments section, below.