Most Underrated Airlines

The Most Underrated Airlines

Alternative Airlines' most popular airlines of 2025 (so far) are:

1. Delta
2. American Airlines
3. Spirit Airlines
4. Frontier Airlines
5. United Airlines
   

There's no denying that these airlines are popular for a reason. However, there are still hundreds of underrated airlines out there that are just as good, if not even better. At Alternative Airlines, we ticket 600+ airlines, so why choose from just the top five?

Because lesser-known airlines have to compete with popular carriers, they often boast more affordable prices, better customer services as well as a unique yet enjoyable flight experience.

In this article, we'll examine the top five most underrated airlines and assess qualities like ratings, amenities, and their cancellation and delay rates.

Alternative Airlines' Most Underrated Airlines

These are some of our favourite underrated airlines. Curious to learn more about them? Then scroll further down this page, where we'll explain exactly what makes these airlines so special.

1. Jet2 — Europe's Most Underrated Airline
2. Southwest Airlines — America's Most Underrated Airline
3. Toki Air — The Most Underrated New Airline
4. Saint Barth Executive — The Most Underrated Luxury Airline
5. Volotea — The Most Underrated Low-Cost Airline

Jet2

Not to be confused with easyJet, Jet2 is another British low-cost airline. You may be surprised to see it on this list as it's a well-known airline. However, it's often overshadowed by bigger brands such as British Airways, Ryanair, and, as mentioned, easyJet.

If you're flying within Europe, you may want to consider Jet2 as it prioritises affordability and comfort—something you don't often see go hand in hand.

Jet2 is one of the most punctual airlines, so you shouldn't have to worry about cancellations or delays during your trip. From January 1st to June 30th, 2023, Jet2 offered 41,716 flights; only 24.25% of those were delayed, with just 0.02% being cancelled.

Jet2's perks:

✔️10kg hand luggage

✔️22kg checked baggage

✔️Hot meals (pre-booked or bought onboard)

✔️Champagne (pre-booked or bought onboard)

Jet2 has received an impressive 4.4 stars on Trustpilot. Making it one of the highest-rated European airlines by the general public. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ On Skytrax, it's a 3-star low-cost airline giving it an average score.

It has also won its fair share of awards, including 'The Best Short-Haul Operator', 'Feefo Trusted Service Award' and 'The UK's Most Punctual Airline'.

Jet2 may already be well-known, but with its exceptional quality, it deserves even more recognition, and that's why we're classifying it as Europe's Most Underrated Airline.

If you want a reliable, relaxed flight experience within Europe and one where you're not breaking the bank, then Jet2 is the perfect airline for you.

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Southwest Airlines

As you can probably tell, judging by the most popular airlines we ticket, Alternative Airlines has a large American demographic. Southwest Airlines actually makes it into our top 10 most-purchased tickets. However, like Jet2, even though it's popular, it often gets pushed aside in favour of more prominent airlines like Delta and American Airlines.

Of the big American airlines, Southwest offers some of the most competitive pricing with its low-cost fares. This allows you to save money on flights so that you can spend more while away. Still, that doesn't mean your flight experience has to be unpleasant. Its comfortable seating and friendly staff make for an enjoyable and affordable time in the skies.

Southwest is one of the most reliable low-cost airlines, with a 77.25% on-time arrival rate in 2023 and a cancellation rate of just 1%.

Southwest's perks:

✔️10 x 16 x 24 Inches hand luggage

✔️18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 Inches personal item

✔️22kg checked baggage (x2)

✔️In-flight entertainment

✔️Priority boarding (business class)

✔️Coffee and soft drinks

✔️Alcoholic drinks (bought onboard)

✔️Wi-Fi (purchasable)

✔️Rapid Rewards (frequent flyer program)

Southwest Airlines has received 4.0 stars on TripAdvisor which puts it above other prevalent American airlines like United and Spirit. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Southwest has also obtained an impressive score on Skytrax, with it being a 4-star low-cost airline.

The airline has won many awards. In 2024, it was classified as 'The Number One Airline for Economy Class Customer Satisfaction' and 'Domestic Carrier of the Year'. It was also featured in 'Newsweek's America's Best Customer Service List'.

Southwest's affordability, amenities, and passenger satisfaction make it a brilliant flight option. It would be even more popular if it flew to more destinations. Currently, Southwest only flies within the continent of North America. If you're American and planning to visit another part of North America, then consider Southwest, what we're labelling as America's Most Underrated Airline.

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Toki Air

Toki Air launched flights in early 2024 and has been running smoothly ever since. It's a low-cost Japanese airline offering domestic flights. It's the perfect affordable travel method if you're interested in visiting multiple locations within Japan.

The regional airline has been receiving positive reviews since its launch, with customers praising its friendly staff and minimal delays.

Toki Air's perks:

✔️45 x 35 x 20cm carry-on baggage

✔️50 x 60 x 120cm checked baggage

✔️Gift bag

✔️Tea

✔️Snacks

As Toki Air is still such a young airline, it has yet to receive a Skytrax rating or win any awards. However, considering its on-time arrivals, its popularity among passengers, and the goodies provided on the flight, we're confident that Toki Air's future is bright and are, therefore, classifying it as The Most Underrated New Airline.

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Saint Barth Executive

While we've discussed several budget airlines, we've yet to mention the more expensive ones. Saint Barth Executive is a luxury airline offering a lavish flight experience. Your vacation begins the moment you board the plane, and with Saint Barth Executive, you'll be starting your holiday in grandeur.

Saint Barth Executive offers scheduled and private flights. Its scheduled flights host less than a dozen people at a time, providing a personalised and spacious experience. With its deluxe seating and inflight entertainment, passengers will find themselves at the height of luxury.

Saint Barth Executive provides flights from St Barthelemy to various Caribbean destinations, making it an excellent choice for your next island getaway.

Saint Barth Executive's perks:

✔️55 x 35 x 25cm carry-on baggage

✔️23kg checked baggage

✔️In-flight entertainment

✔️In-flight Wi-Fi

✔️Snacks

✔️Barons de Rothschild Champagne

Its exceptional service, which exceeds that of most airlines, means that it frequently receives top ratings. It has a near 5-star score on Flight-Report — you can't get much better than that! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The airline is yet to have been rated by Skytrax.

Saint Barth Executive is still a relatively new airline, commencing operations around the early 2020s. However, it has already accumulated a stellar reputation thanks to its high-quality service.

Because of its luxurious interior and onboard amenities, yet still relative obscurity, we're classifying it as The Most Underrated Luxury Airline.

St Barth Executive isn't the same as St Barth Commuter. They both fly from Saint Barthelemy but go to different Caribbean islands and are priced very differently.

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Volotea

Even among budget airlines, there are the more and less affordable options. Volotea fits the former's modal, with its prices being so reasonable that the airline is often classified as ultra-low-cost.

Volotea is a Spanish airline that flies to locations in Europe and Africa. Low-cost airlines ensure that travel is accessible by providing a more affordable way to reach your destination.

Volotea's perks:

✔️40 x 30 x 20cm personal item

✔️55 x 40 x 20cm cabin baggage

✔️10kg, 20kg or 25kg checked baggage (purchasable)

✔️In-flight entertainment

✔️Food and drink (purchasable)

Although one of the more underrated airlines, Volotea has its dedicated customers. Its passengers rated it 3.9 stars on Trustpilot thanks to its kind staff, good on-time arrival rates and onboard entertainment. The latter being something you don't always see on low-cost flights. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Volotea has been awarded an equally commendable score on Skytrax, with it being ranked as a 4-star low-cost airline.

Volotea's recognition extends beyond the general public. It has won many significant aviation awards, including Europe's Best Low-Cost Airline, at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2024.

Volotea's affordability, combined with its comfortable flight experience and onboard amenities, has led us to crown it as The Most Underrated Low-Cost Airline.

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End Note

If you're ready to book your next trip, then why not consider one of the five underrated airlines mentioned above? Whichever country you're flying to and on whatever budget, at Alternative Airlines, you can always find the perfect airline for you.

If you're curious about some of the other 600+ airlines we ticket, check out more of our blogs.