USA TODAY readers love these North Texas airlines. Here’s why
Readers chose two North Texas-based airlines as some of the nation’s best in USA TODAY’s 2025 ranking of the country’s 10 best airlines.
USA TODAY readers’ choice awards are determined by both experts and readers. An expert panel nominates a pool of the best and then readers vote on which are the best of the best.
Two DFW-based airlines are some of the top contenders. Dallas Fort Worth Airport is the third-largest airport in the world in terms of operations and passenger volume. It is also American Airline’s largest hub. Dallas Love Field is smaller in size, but is the exclusive airport for Southwest Airlines in North Texas.
USA TODAY readers voted both of these airlines as some of the best in 2025. Let’s take a look at why.
Southwest Airlines: voted the No. 1 airline in 2025
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines was voted as the best airline in 2025 by USA TODAY readers.
Readers said they loved Southwest for their low fares, free baggage check for members and spacious seats.
USA TODAY readers also voted Southwest No. 1 this year for best cabin crew, best in-flight entertainment and No. 2 best economy class.
However, some of the airline’s most beloved features will disappear.
Starting Jan. 27, 2026 customers will have assigned seating, a change from the airline’s long-standing open-seat policy.
Extra leg room seats will also debut on Jan. 27. These seats will be in the first five rows and exit rows of the aircraft.
Also, passengers have been paying for checked bags on Southwest since May. Previously, Southwest offered two free checked bags for all passengers. Now, this bonus is only available for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares.
American Airlines: No. 8
USA TODAY readers voted the Fort Worth-based American Airlines as the No. 8 airline in the country.
American is the largest airline by passenger capacity, accounting for 82 percent of passenger volume at DFW Airport. The company is also the largest employer in North Texas.
Readers love the airline for their AA Loyalty rewards program, which gives travel and benefits through a points system. They were also voted No. 8 for best cabin crew and economy class and No. 9 for best business and first class and best in-flight entertainment.
American recently launched its “Flagship DFW” aircraft, which is outfitted with the new Flagship Suites– sleep-focused seats and include pillows, duvets, slippers, pajamas and fleece blankets. They also have privacy doors that make it like a personal on-board room.