Hawaiian Airlines performed the best in every metric we checked — from on-time percentage to involuntary denied boardings. That makes Hawaiian Airlines our most reliable airline for 2022 in a landslide. Delta takes second place overall with a No. 2 finish in half of the performance metrics.

While the "Golden Age" of flying may feel like it has passed for domestic U.S. travel, there are several "excellent" airlines still operating, primarily in the international sector. Carriers like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates consistently set the standard for luxury, food quality, and cabin service, even in economy class. Within the United States, Delta Air Lines is often cited as the most reliable of the "Big Three" for its operational consistency and updated cabins. JetBlue remains a favorite for its "most legroom in coach" and free high-speed Wi-Fi. In the budget sector, Southwest is still highly regarded for its "two free checked bags" policy and friendly culture. The "goodness" of an airline in 2026 is often a trade-off between price and service. If you are looking for the "best," the Middle Eastern and Asian carriers remain leagues ahead of North American and European counterparts in terms of the "soft product" (service and hospitality), turning a long-haul flight from a chore into a genuine highlight of the trip.