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| What’s the best US airline? |
| by Brian Kelly |
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Earlier this week, we unveiled the winners of TPG’s tenth annual Best Airlines Awards. First and foremost, congrats to Delta Air Lines for winning 8 years in a row! A testament to its reliability, lounge network and policies.
Our team combs through thousands of data points each year to rank the airlines, including experience (things like airline lounge access), reliability, cost and reach and loyalty.
We’ve seen the gap closing between Delta and United Airlines. A quick look at United’s recent innovations includes adding Starlink Wi-Fi, its new Polaris product and investments in its route network. But United had a lot of baggage issues this year, which brought its score down.
Even with Southwest Airlines adding more fees in 2025, it still ranked third.
Could this be the last year of Delta’s reign? Time will tell.
Be sure to check out the full TPG Best Airlines 2026 report to see all the rankings.
What to expect for the remainder of 2026
Now that we are halfway through 2026, I’m still seeing the travel industry evolve in new ways.
Some of the changes are exciting, such as airports working to improve the passenger experience, new flight routes, and a rise in luxury cruises and more efficient aircraft.
Others, I’m less enthusiastic about, like reduced travel accessibility, rising airfare and fuel surcharges. As more countries raise tourist taxes and add visa requirements, it becomes harder for people to travel the world with ease. Here are my thoughts on the changing travel landscape and how to navigate it this year.
Better airport experience
Airport infrastructure often feels tired and dated, but change is on the way. JFK’s Terminal One will debut its $19 million renovation this summer, complete with six lounges, and places to dine, shop and relax — even artwork for travelers to admire. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) just opened a new landside terminal where travelers can move with ease, thanks to a new skybridge and four landscaped outdoor spaces.
Airports are also starting to address tedious security and customs issues that desperately need modernization. Some airports, such as Nashville International Airport (BNA), have implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), which includes photographing travelers for a biometric assessment at customs before they speak to a CBP officer, thereby streamlining the passenger experience through technology. Global Entry has moved to Seamless Border Entry (SBE), which keeps travelers moving after a quick biometric scan at a kiosk.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) just launched a new first-in-the-nation ‘remote terminal’ that TPG tested out last week.
Others, such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO), are testing a pilot program, International Remote Baggage Screening, that lets connecting passengers avoid re-checking their luggage after arriving from an international destination and continuing domestically.
And in hopes of faster security lines, many U.S. airports have installed CT scanners, so you won’t have to take out your baggie of liquids or electronics when going through TSA lanes.
New luxury cruises unveiled
Now that I have a family, cruises seem more enticing, and I’m looking forward to some of the premium cruises that are launching. Although Aman’s foray into cruising won’t begin until 2027, Four Seasons Yachts is setting sail this year for 7-night Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, stopping at glamorous ports like St. Barts, Santorini or St. Tropez. Hilton launched Hilton Honors Adventures, where you can use points to book high-end cruises with Explora Journeys.
Airline innovation and sustainability
With overtourism on the rise, it’s interesting to see airlines launch routes to lesser-visited destinations. I’m especially enthused about United’s summer flight launches to Santiago de Compostela, the perfect alternative to Barcelona, and to Bari, a gateway to Italy’s beautiful Puglian beaches.
Planes are getting smaller and more efficient, too, with the A321, single-aisle aircraft crossing the ocean. Iberia’s A321XLR is already flying between Madrid and Boston, and will soon be flying to Newark from Madrid this summer. Aer Lingus is flying the XLR from Dublin to several U.S. markets and American Airlines is flying its A321XLRs on to Edinburgh and transcontinental routes. United also unveiled its “Coastliner” for transcontinental flights.
Reduced travel accessibility and more fees
It’s getting harder and more expensive to cross borders in 2026, starting with ETIAS, a travel authorization required for non-EU travelers to enter the Schengen zone. Expect to pay 20 euros (about $23) for a three-year authorization, in talks to begin by the end of the year. The UK ETA is now about $22 and seemed to be going well with quick online processing until an outage hit this week.
Several cities and countries around the world are raising or introducing tourist taxes this year, including Thailand, Kyoto, Venice, the Greek Islands, Edinburgh and even attractions like the Louvre in Paris, which is increasing prices for non-EU visitors.
And due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, fuel prices have skyrocketed, leading to higher airfare and surcharges that airlines are passing on to consumers.
A changing travelsphere
While it’s true that not all changes in travel and aviation are positive, many are. I’m looking forward to a more innovative airport experience and the opportunity to fly or cruise in new ways. That said, I’ll be prepared to fork over a little bit extra for fees and taxes that will inevitably rise throughout the rest of the year.
Have a great weekend,
BK
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| Photo Credit: THE POINTS GUY. |
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