Sky leaders: Here are North America’s top five airlines in 2025

This year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards shine a spotlight on the carriers that aren’t just transporting passengers, but transforming experiences. In 2025, the best airlines in North America aren’t necessarily the biggest, or the flashiest. They’re the most thoughtful, the most consistent, and the most committed to delivering a journey that feels personal, polished, and worth every dollar.

So, if you’re tired of choosing flights based on price alone, this list is for you. These five airlines are doing their job it with class, care, and surprising creativity.

Air Canada: Consistency, comfort, and continental crown

Air Canada has emerged as North America’s number one airline in 2025, according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The flag carrier of Canada earned top honors not just for its expansive fleet and sleek lounges but for consistent service across classes.

Skytrax rated Air Canada highest for business class lounge experience, staff professionalism, cabin cleanliness, and inflight service. Unlike Delta, which uses four seat types for its premium cabins, Air Canada maintains a uniform reverse herringbone layout in business class across its fleet, a critical consistency factor.

Its Signature Suite lounge in Toronto, ranked second best in the world, cements the airline’s regional dominance. With excellence in both hard and soft products, Air Canada’s win is less about surprises and more about sustained superiority.

2. Delta Air Lines: America’s premium powerhouse

Delta Air Lines ranks as the best airline in the U.S. and North America’s runner-up. Despite falling just short of Air Canada, Delta earned top marks for business class, premium economy, and economy cabin experiences.

From its DeltaOne suites with privacy doors on A350s and A330neos to award-winning entertainment via Delta Studio, the airline blends innovation with luxury. It also leads North America in onboard entertainment, offering seatback screens across almost all aircraft.

However, seat inconsistency across business class cabins and a patchwork of configurations slightly dent its overall appeal. Still, Delta’s customer service and premium lounge upgrades continue to elevate its brand.

Delta ranks 22nd globally, just behind Air Canada’s 19th, highlighting a tightly fought battle for continental supremacy.

3. Porter airlines: Small planes, big experience

Toronto-based Porter Airlines may fly only Embraer E2s and Q400s, but it still ranks as North America’s third-best airline and top regional carrier, a remarkable feat.

Porter provides free, fast WiFi, complimentary snacks and alcoholic beverages, and no middle seats, making comfort a central part of the experience. Its economy-only model defies expectations, delivering service levels that rival global competitors.

Ranked as the world’s 3rd-best regional airline, Porter sits just behind Virgin Australia and Bangkok Airways, while placing 44th globally, higher than many full-service airlines.

4. United Airlines: Retrofitted to rise

After a rough decade, United Airlines has significantly upgraded its inflight product and ranks as North America’s fourth-best carrier in 2025.

The airline’s United Next initiative retrofitted narrowbodies with modern interiors, seatback screens, and free Starlink WiFi. Its widebodies now all feature the Polaris business seat, delivering a consistent premium experience.

By 2026, United will debut new “Elevated Interiors” with privacy wings in premium economy, business suites with doors, and a dedicated Polaris Studio cabin, targeting high-yield travelers.

Still, United ranks only 51st globally, revealing room for improvement on the international stage despite clear domestic progress.

5. JetBlue: Still friendly, but losing edge

JetBlue takes the fifth spot in North America. Known for its Mint Suites, free snacks, and generous legroom, the airline once redefined budget flying. But in 2025, it’s struggling to maintain its former edge.

Legroom has shrunk, WiFi is now standard industry-wide, and its competitors are closing the gap on inflight perks. JetBlue’s A321neo Mint Suite remains the best U.S. narrowbody business seat, but newer entrants are catching up.

Despite ranking third in the U.S. and 52nd globally, the airline’s reduced cabin comfort signals a need for rethinking its value proposition.

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