Alaska Airlines has again been voted the best overall carrier in the United States — but if it’s a four-legged friend you’re looking to accommodate at 35,000 feet, then ExpressJet and Envoy Air lead the pack.
In a survey of 2019’s best and worst airlines by personal finance website WalletHub, the nation’s nine largest carriers were scored on their cancellation and delay rates, in-flight experience, animal incidents and safety.
Alaska Airlines topped the list for the fourth year in a row, scoring 63.52 out of a possible 100 thanks to their low rates of cancellations and delays, according to 2018 flight data from the US Department of Transportation.
Delta Air Lines placed second and was rated the most reliable airline with the lowest rate of cancellations, delays and mishandled luggage.
JetBlue was recognized as the most comfortable airline thanks to their free Wi-Fi, extra legroom and complimentary snacks.
But when it comes to pet safety, major airlines scored low on the list.
WalletHub named ExpressJet and Envoy Air as the most pet-friendly, with no reported incidents of lost and injured animals and animal fatalities.
More than 10 animals died during air transportation in the US in 2018. A French bulldog puppy died on a United flight last March after cabin crew insisted it be stored in an overhead bin, while a Pomeranian died in June during a layover on a Delta Air Lines flight in Detroit.
An 8-week-old puppy also went on a cross-country trip when he was misrouted by Delta Air Lines in March, flying to Salt Lake City and Detroit before finally making it home to his new owner in Idaho.