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Best Airlines to Fly in 2023
If you're looking to book a trip this year, WalletHub has some valuable insight on which airlines to choose (or avoid). They recently announced their rankings for both best and worst airlines in 2023 by comparing the 9 largest U.S. airlines, plus two regional carriers. Fourteen important metrics across four categories (baggage and departures, animal incidents, in-flight comfort and cost, and safety) were used to quantify overall service quality and functional performance of each airline. American Airlines, Frontier, and Southwest all unfortunately fell to the bottom of WalletHub's rankings. Southwest, in particular, was likely hurt by their major issues with delays and cancellations in the past year. However, after collecting and analyzing 2022 flight data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, WalletHub shared their findings with each airline—so, hopefully, even the worst-performing airlines will make future improvements. Most Reliable Airline: Delta Delta Air Lines has the lowest rate of cancelations, delays, mishandled luggage and denied boardings. Thanks to their reliability, Delta also was WalletHub's overall best airline to choose. It didn't perform particularly well in the price category; but for those looking to ensure smooth travels, the extra cost may be worth it in the end. Most Comfortable Airline: JetBlue Airplane aisle by Suhyeon Choi - Unsplash JetBlue leads the pack in terms of in-flight experience, offering free amenities such as Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks and beverages. While JetBlue has the edge over competitors now, airlines have plenty of other ways they can improve traveler's experience. Ahmed Abdelghany, an associate dean at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, suggests there is much more that airlines can do when it comes to improving passenger comfort: "The airline is dealing with the passengers at different stages of the trip including before the flight, during the flight, in connection (if any), and after the flight. Of course, the airline can streamline the whole process to focus on passengers’ comfort. You can think of the different stages that passengers experience during the flight starting from buying the ticket, traveling to the airport, parking (if needed), checking in, passing security, waiting at the gate, boarding, finding space for carry-on, in-flight service, deplaning, connecting to another flight (if any), and baggage claiming. There is a large room for improving the comfort level of passengers during each of these stages. In particular, during the flight, airlines help passengers locate space for carry-on bags. Airlines can increase the legroom between seats, allowing passengers to stretch out and have more space to move. Also, comfortable seat cushions can improve passengers' comfort during long flights. Replacing older cushions with newer, more comfortable ones is a relatively simple measure to implement. Furthermore, airlines can improve the variety and quality of in-flight entertainment. They can also offer complimentary snacks and beverages during flights can help passengers feel more comfortable and satisfied. In addition, maintaining a clean cabin environment, with regular cleaning and disinfection, can help passengers feel more comfortable and safer." Most Affordable Airline: Spirit Airlines Airport ticket counters by Phil Mosley - Unsplash Spirit Airlines is the best airline for budget flyers. This may be one of the most important points when travelers look for flights, due to the effects of inflation making budgets tighter and tighter. Cody Christensen, associate professor at South Dakota State University's aviation program suggests inflation in the aviation industry may be here to stay: "As inflation increases so does pilot training, aircraft acquisition, and capital improvement projects. Sustained inflation will lead to a slowdown in the aviation sector." Additionally, smaller airports and regional flights may be impacted by inflation, Christensen believes: "As the number of pilots willing to work for the pay and the regional airline schedule decreases, we will see a decrease in the number of flights to small and medium-sized communities. The aircraft will continue to get bigger, which in turn will decrease the number of flights into and out of spoke communities. Consumers need to be ready for increased ticket prices and less availability in the coming years. Many military pilots and pilots trained by collegiate aviation are bypassing the regional airlines and instead moving on to National airlines ... If they are hired by regional airlines, their tenure before moving on to a major airline such as Delta, United, or UPS is much less." Most Pet-Friendly: Delta, Alaska Airlines, SkyWest A dog waits in an airport by Artem Labunsky - Unsplash If you're traveling with pets, there are thankfully plenty of options when it comes to animal safety. Three airlines tied for being most pet-friendly, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines and SkyWest—each of them reported zero incidents with pets. Safest Airline: Envoy Air Envoy Air is the safest in 2023. Envoy is one of two regional airlines in WalletHub's rankings, and mostly serves American Airlines. The safety runner-up (and winner in the national airlines group) is Spirit Airlines, which also happens to be the most affordable airline on WalletHub's list. Oftentimes, if a flight price seems "too good to be true," critics suggest that safety may be lacking. But in Spirit's case, the best of both worlds is possible; nervous flyers can rest easy knowing that they didn't compromise safety for a good deal. — To view the full rankings, visit WalletHub.
Avoid Busy Summer Beaches at These Hidden Gems
Once spring rolls around, beach lovers everywhere are eager to get to the coast and enjoy sun and sand. For many, the ocean breeze, warm water, and rejuvenating sun are the perfect getaway—however, crowded shores with rowdy visitors can put a damper even the most idyllic setting. Head to these under-the-radar beaches to ensure you don't miss out on the tranquility of a coastal getaway.Kauapea Beach, Hawaii This secret beach on the North Shore of Kauai past the town of Kilauea is only accessible by a steep, somewhat slippery hike. The golden sands and red rocks make this a beautiful beach, and in one area a "natural shower" even flows from the coastline cliff overhangs. Be prepared, though: the far side of the beach is "clothing optional." Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Sandbridge Beach pier by Brianna Tracy - Unsplash While not exactly a "secret" beach to local Virginians, the beach in Sandbridge is much more secluded than it is 25 miles north in Virginia Beach. Technically, it's part of the northern tip of the Outer Banks, and the beach boasts beautiful sunsets. While there isn't much to do in Sandbridge, that's part of the appeal; it's just a peaceful little coast town near the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Cumberland Island, Georgia Take a 45-minute ride by ferry from St. Marys, Georgia to Cumberland Island, and you'll find secluded beaches and abundant wildlife. The island is mostly uninhabited and the land is protected as part of the Cumberland Island National Seashore, which means that animals like wild horses and loggerhead turtles flourish in the area. Bird-watchers will find peregrine falcons and warblers, and fishing opportunities are plentiful. Aside from hiking, biking, and kayaking, though, the best way to enjoy the shoreline is by soaking up the sun on its 18-mile stretch of shoreline. Carova Beach, North Carolina North Carolina beaches stay popular all season long. Carova Beach, however, misses out on the crowds thanks to the fact that it is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles on non-paved roads. This Outer Banks beach is also where legendary Corolla wild horses roam free.Despite the isolation, visitors still have access to great restaurants, ice cream shops, lessons for kiteboarding and hang gliding, fishing charters, and kayak rentals to explore the Currituck Sound. Ship Island, Mississippi Ferries docked at Ship Island, Mississippi - courtesy of Natalie Strong Coastal Mississippi isn't always known for having the clear gulf coast waters that nearby Alabama and Florida beaches boast—but if you're willing to take a ferry ride out of Gulfport, you'll be met with the most gorgeous turquoise waters along the shores of Ship Island. While there are no overnight accommodations on the little island and camping isn't allowed, its beauty and seclusion make up for it. The only thing to do other than swim and relax is take a tour of the historic Fort Massachusetts, commissioned during the 1850s to protect the coast of Mississippi. Enderts Beach, California Within the Redwood National Park along the northern California coast is the shimmering pebble-lined Enderts Beach. The beach is only accessible via a 3/4 mile hike from the Last Chance Section of the California Coastal Trail, although the Nickel Creek Campground is close by for overnight accommodations. While the colder waters don't make this the best swimming beach, it is the perfect place to read or explore the coastline, full of sea caves and tidal pools. Dry Tortugas, Florida Fort Jefferson on the island of Dry Tortugas by Christopher Osten - Unsplash This beach is located nearly 70 miles west of Key West, on the remote Dry Tortugas National Park and is accessible only by boat or seaplane—making it strikingly less crowded than the rest of Florida's beaches. In addition to swimming in the clear waters and relaxing along its powdery beach shores, visitors can spot all kinds of marine life and an assortment of birds. Tour Fort Jefferson, dive to a shipwreck, snorkel and view coral reefs, or even camp overnight. Roque Bluffs, Maine Amidst the 274-acre Roque Bluffs State Park are both a freshwater and a saltwater beach, plus miles of hiking trails. This area is very rural, so even on the hottest summer days, the beaches have no crowds. Depending on the time of year, visitors will want to make a stop at Welch Farm, a family-owned blueberry farm where you can learn about the history of blueberry farming in Maine and pick up some fresh grown berries. Secret Beach, Oregon Secret Beach in Oregon by Venti Views - Unsplash Yes, it is really called Secret Beach. While its name may imply that it has given away its allure, the beach itself is easy to miss—which may explain why it remains to be so secluded. Visitors first have to make their way to the Secret Beach Trailhead on the Oregon Coast Highway (Highway 101). From there, two trails take you to the same beach: the first trail is a 200 yard hike, while the second is a bit more wooded and meandering. The beach features a stunning chiseled rocky coastline. Try to visit during low tide, when sea caves, coves, and tide pools can be explored best.
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