When planning your next trip, you probably spend time comparing ticket prices, schedules, and maybe even looking up reviews. But how often do you check how airlines rank globally? Every year, different organizations and travel experts release lists of the best and worst airlines around the world based on performance, service, and passenger experience.
If you’ve ever wondered which U.S. airlines find themselves on the wrong end of these rankings, here’s what you need to know.
Why these rankings matter
Airline rankings are more than just bragging rights. They often reflect actual passenger experience, punctuality, handling of delays, and customer service. For frequent travelers, knowing which airlines consistently underperform can help you make better choices and avoid unnecessary headaches on your journey.
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Two recent studies, one from AirHelp in 2024 and another compiled from global traveler feedback in 2023, highlight which airlines scored the lowest worldwide — and unfortunately, a few U.S. carriers made the list.
The U.S. airlines that made the worst list
Globally, airlines like IndiGo, Lion Air, and Flydubai repeatedly showed up at the bottom of the rankings. But when you focus on U.S.-based carriers, two names stood out: Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
These two U.S. airlines often appear on lists of the world’s worst, not just America’s worst, mainly because of their ultra-low-cost business models combined with poor customer satisfaction scores. In fact, Spirit Airlines was named one of the worst airlines in the world in multiple rankings, with Frontier not far behind.
Why Spirit Airlines ranks so low
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Spirit Airlines is a budget carrier that promises low base fares, but many travelers complain that it comes at a significant cost to comfort and service. Seats are among the tightest in the industry; there are no complimentary drinks or snacks, and nearly everything comes with an extra fee, from bringing a carry-on to choosing your seat.
While travelers might expect fewer perks from a budget airline, Spirit often receives criticism for poor handling of delays and cancellations. Passengers have reported difficulties reaching customer service when flights are disrupted. These issues have pushed Spirit into the global bottom ten on several occasions.
Why Frontier Airlines is often listed among the worst
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Frontier Airlines shares a similar ultra-low-cost model. Tickets can be very affordable, but like Spirit, Frontier charges for most extras, and the seats offer very little in terms of space or comfort. Many passengers also report a lack of transparency with fees, which can lead to unpleasant surprises at the airport.
Frontier’s operational performance has also been questioned. Delays, cancellations, and inconsistent customer service have all contributed to its negative reputation, placing it among the least-favored airlines globally.
How U.S. airlines compare globally
It’s worth noting that most major U.S. carriers perform far better than Spirit and Frontier when compared internationally. Airlines like Delta, Alaska, and JetBlue routinely score higher in global rankings thanks to better on-time performance, more reliable service, and higher passenger satisfaction. Even budget-friendly Southwest often outperforms its peers by offering no-charge checked bags and a more consistent experience.
While some budget carriers rank low on service and reliability, there are also U.S. airlines with strong safety records you can feel confident flying with if safety is your top priority.
That said, when the competition includes global leaders like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates — which dominate the top of these rankings — even some of the best U.S. airlines don’t crack the world’s top 10.
Why budget airlines struggle in rankings
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Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier serve an important niche: they make air travel accessible and affordable. But this comes with trade-offs. The low base fares depend on charging for almost everything beyond the seat itself, and cost-cutting often shows up in customer service and operational reliability.
For occasional travelers on a tight budget, these airlines can make sense if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. But if comfort, reliability, and service matter more to you, you might want to consider paying a bit more for a higher-ranked airline.
Tips for flying on lower-ranked airlines
If you find yourself booking a flight with a budget carrier like Spirit or Frontier, here are some ways to make the experience more manageable:
- Read the fine print about fees before you book. Know exactly what’s included and what will cost extra.
- Travel light to avoid baggage charges. Many budget airlines allow one personal item for free, but charge for larger carry-ons and checked bags. Bringing a compact underseat personal item bag can save you money and fit within the free allowance.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks. Don’t count on in-flight service. A refillable, collapsible water bottle is convenient and helps you stay hydrated without paying airport prices.
- Prepare for discomfort. Seats on budget carriers can be less comfortable, so pack a travel blanket and pillow set to make the flight more pleasant.
- Arrive at the airport early, especially if you didn’t pay for priority boarding.
- Have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations.
- Keep your devices charged. Many budget carriers don’t offer in-seat power, so having a portable charger ensures your phone stays powered throughout your trip.
Since flying budget carriers often means full flights and less predictability, you might even find yourself wondering about spotting an air marshal on your flight if things get tense. And if comfort is important to you but upgrading isn’t an option, these tips can help you sleep better on long-haul flights, even when flying with budget airlines.
What travelers can learn
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Seeing Spirit and Frontier on lists of the world’s worst airlines doesn’t mean you should never fly them. It just means you need to adjust your expectations and prepare accordingly. If price is your top priority and you don’t mind sacrificing comfort and extras, these airlines can still get you where you need to go. But if you want a smoother experience, more reliability, and better service, it might be worth comparing fares with mid-tier or full-service airlines.
In summary
Every year, rankings of the best and worst airlines remind travelers that not all carriers are created equal. In recent global rankings, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines both landed in the bottom ten, largely because of poor customer satisfaction, added fees, and inconsistent service.
That doesn’t mean you can’t fly them — just that you should know what to expect. For budget-conscious travelers who can pack light and manage without extras, these airlines can still be a good choice. But if reliability and comfort are more important, you may want to spend a little more for a better-ranked airline.
By staying informed and planning ahead, you can make smarter choices and have a better experience, no matter which airline you fly. Safe travels!