Delta named Best U.S. Airline by Forbes Travel Guide for third year in a row

For the third consecutive year, Forbes Travel Guide has named Delta the Best U.S. Airline in its annual Verified Air Travel Awards. The publication pointed to Delta’s premium service, top-tier customer satisfaction and industry-leading on-time arrivals.

The honor adds to a year of top recognition for Delta. In June, The Points Guy named Delta the No. 1 U.S. airline for the eighth consecutive year, and Delta was the only airline in the top 100 of TIME’s America’s Best Companies of 2026 list.

Delta also received five more 2026 Verified Air Travel Awards, including repeat honors for Best U.S. First Class, Best U.S. Business Class, Best U.S. Airline Lounge and Best Airline App, and a first-time win for Best Loyalty Program:

• Best U.S. First Class | Delta First on the A321neo: Modern design, memory-foam seats, generous storage and ample power.
   
• Best U.S. Business Class | Delta One: Lie-flat seats, Missoni amenity kits with Grown Alchemist skincare and a new wine program featuring Napa Valley labels.
   
• Best U.S. Airline Lounge | Delta One Lounge at JFK: More than 39,000 square feet in Terminal 4 with a 140-seat Brasserie offering three-course dining, a Market and Bakery, a premium bar and a Rejuvenation Bar. Guests can also book one of nine relaxation pods, use eight shower suites with valet clothes steaming, and unwind on a terrace with a retractable roof that’s open year-round.
   
• Best Loyalty Program | Delta SkyMiles: SkyMiles makes travel more rewarding by delivering value throughout the Member journey, from earning miles through travel and everyday activities to accessing elevated experiences and benefits beyond the flight. Miles never expire and can be used toward future trips and so much more. At its core, SkyMiles helps deepen our relationships with Members, building on the experiences Delta people deliver every day, with recognition and rewards that make their loyalty even more meaningful.
   
• Best Airline App | Fly Delta: Live flight updates, notifications and bag tracking, plus on-demand support with schedule changes, missing bags and SkyMiles questions.

LaGuardia Airport was also named Best U.S. Airport for the third consecutive year. Forbes Travel Guide cited the airport’s modern design, art curated by the Public Art Fund and the Queens Museum, and new dining options. Delta is LaGuardia’s largest carrier, with 270 peak-day departures to nearly 70 destinations.

Delta’s Terminal C, built as part of the $4 billion LaGuardia transformation completed with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, keeps adding to the customer experience, from TSA PreCheck Touchless ID to an outdoor sky deck and a lineup of local New York restaurants.