Spirit Airlines Tops WalletHub Rankings as Bankruptcy Looms

United Airlines lands at the bottom of the list despite customer satisfaction, while budget airline Spirit faces an uncertain future.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:49am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the towering, streamlined forms of an airport terminal or aircraft, rendered in bold gradients of blues, grays, and whites to capture the monumental scale and sleek aesthetics of modern air travel.As budget airlines face an uncertain future, the grand scale of air travel remains a vital part of the modern experience.Newark Today

WalletHub's 2026 rankings of the best U.S. airlines placed Spirit Airlines at the top for the second consecutive year, citing the carrier's affordability and reliability. However, Spirit is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy, navigating its second filing in less than a year. Meanwhile, United Airlines, which the author has flown frequently, ranked last out of 11 airlines evaluated. The rankings also highlighted Frontier Airlines' safety, JetBlue's and Hawaiian's comfort, and American's popular Biscoff cookies.

Why it matters

The potential collapse of Spirit Airlines would significantly impact budget-conscious travelers, especially those in New Jersey who rely on the airline's affordable flights from airports like Newark Liberty and Atlantic City International. The rankings provide valuable insights into an industry that many Americans depend on for travel, underscoring the need for reliable, comfortable, and affordable air service.

The details

WalletHub evaluated 11 U.S. airlines across 16 metrics using Department of Transportation data, including cancellation and delay rates, baggage handling, safety, in-flight comfort, and cost. Spirit Airlines took the top spot, followed by Southwest, SkyWest, Alaska, and Hawaiian. United Airlines landed at the bottom of the list, despite the author's positive experiences with the carrier. Frontier Airlines ranked highest for safety, while JetBlue, Hawaiian, American, and Southwest were rated most comfortable. However, Spirit's precarious financial situation, with the airline reportedly on the verge of liquidation, raises concerns about the future of budget-friendly air travel options in New Jersey.

  • WalletHub released its 2026 Best Airlines report this week.
  • Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy twice in less than a year.

The players

WalletHub

A personal finance website that publishes an annual report evaluating the best U.S. airlines based on factors like cancellation and delay rates, baggage handling, safety, in-flight comfort, and cost.

Spirit Airlines

A low-cost airline that operates flights out of Newark Liberty, Atlantic City International, Philadelphia, and LaGuardia airports. Spirit topped WalletHub's 2026 rankings but is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy.

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that ranked last in WalletHub's 2026 rankings, despite the author's positive experiences with the carrier.

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What they’re saying

“Apparently I have been accidentally loyal to the bottom of the barrel — and somehow I keep arriving on time with my luggage.”

— The author

“The timing is almost poetic in the worst possible way. Spirit just won its second straight WalletHub crown for best airline in America, and it may not exist by summer.”

— The author

What’s next

If you are holding Spirit tickets, pay close attention to your flight status. If the airline shuts down, you can file a credit card dispute for services not rendered. Going forward, paying with a credit card is always the smarter move for any airline booking.

The takeaway

The WalletHub airline rankings highlight the complex state of the industry, with budget carrier Spirit topping the list even as it faces potential bankruptcy. This underscores the need for reliable, affordable air travel options, especially for New Jersey residents who rely on Spirit's flights from local airports. The rankings serve as a reminder to closely monitor airline financial health and booking methods when planning future travel.