Put 16 candles on Delta Air Lines' celebratory cake as the carrier once again came out on top in BTN's 2026 Airline Survey and Report. But Southwest has started its own streak, coming in second for a fifth consecutive year. United maintained its No. 3 spot, with Alaska keeping its place on the roster as well. American, though still at the bottom of roster, boosted its raw scores more than any other airline. Check out the full report.
Delta's Sweet 16 Fends Off Southwest's GainsBy Donna M. AiroldiDelta Air Lines notches 16 sweet years atop BTN's 2026 Airline Survey and Report, with the highest average score in eight of the survey's 11 categories on which corporate travel buyers rate their preferred airline partners. Delta fended off close second-place finisher Southwest.... KEEP READING
Spotlight on Delta AirlinesBy Donna M. AiroldiDelta Airlines continues to prioritize quality client communications and strong partnerships, despite slight dips in ratings across several BTN survey categories. The airline is investing in technology, training, and AI to enhance sales efficiency and customer experience.... KEEP READING
Spotlight on Southwest AirlinesBy Donna M. AiroldiSouthwest Airlines has strategically enhanced its offerings to attract corporate clients, including assigned seating, extra legroom, and upcoming airport lounges. These changes have improved customer satisfaction, particularly in account management and pricing flexibility.... KEEP READING
Spotlight on United AirlinesBy Donna M. AiroldiUnited Airlines maintains its third-place ranking despite declines in several performance categories, notably pricing flexibility and client communications. Strategic adjustments to corporate discounts and aggressive pricing may have impacted client perceptions.... KEEP READING
Spotlight on Alaska AirlinesBy Donna M. AiroldiAlaska Airlines is undergoing significant transformations, and making strategic moves designed to attract more corporate travelers and strengthen market presence via international route expansion from Seattle, improved network partnerships and more premium services like Aurora lie-flat suites.... KEEP READING
Spotlight on American AirlinesBy Donna M. AiroldiAmerican Airlines has significantly improved its performance on BTN's airlines survey through strategic investments in new aircraft, enhanced distribution channels, and robust sales and account management teams.... KEEP READING
BTN 2026 Airline Survey Methodology
Business Travel News from Sept. 16 through Oct. 15 surveyed corporate travel buyers through the Credspark platform and asked them to rate air carriers on an ascending scale of 1 to 5 across 11 criteria and respond regarding their partnerships over the previous 12 months. The 407 qualified respondents included corporate travel buyers and agents. Respondents were limited to rating carriers with which they held contracts or flew significant volume in the previous 12 months. Not every respondent answered every question. BTN tallied all responses.