
Best Airline App 2026
For this contest, we are turning our spotlight to the skies, celebrating excellence in every aspect of your journey. From America's best airlines and luxurious airport lounges to the most rewarding frequent flyer programs, we want to know what makes your travel experiences truly exceptional.
Whether you prioritize unparalleled cabin service, seamless connections, or elite loyalty perks, this is your opportunity to honor the industry leaders that elevate globe-trotting.
Newsweek is proud to recognize this year's 10 standout airline apps—selected by our editors and voted on by readers for their exceptional quality and distinctive excellence. Each has been officially recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Airline Apps of 2026.
1. American Airlines
(American Airlines)

The American Airlines app simplifies travel with a dynamic home screen that surfaces your boarding pass and real-time gate changes automatically. Users can track checked luggage from check-in to the arrivals carousel using the integrated baggage tracker. The app features in-app chat support to instantly connect passengers with customer service during delays. Travelers can also book flights, check their AAdvantage mileage balance and easily change seats using the intuitive seat map.
2. JetBlue Airways
(JetBlue)

The JetBlue app prioritizes passenger comfort and entertainment by serving as a remote control for your seatback screen. It provides instant access to mobile boarding passes, flight status alerts, and TrueBlue loyalty point tracking in a minimalist design. A dedicated Destination tab guides users through airport amenities and terminal layouts to find dining and shopping options. The app also allows travelers to pre-order meals and message customer support directly for rapid assistance.
3. United Airlines
(United Airlines)

The United Airlines app delivers high utility by offering a comprehensive digital travel assistant that streamlines the entire airport journey. It features an interactive terminal guide with step-by-step navigation and real-time bag tracking alerts sent directly to your lock screen. The app integrates a dedicated Ready to Fly hub where passengers can upload required travel documents before arriving. Additionally, travelers can access free seatback or personal device entertainment controls through the platform.
4. Delta Air Lines
(Fly Delta)

Delta's Fly Delta app excels in situational awareness by automatically updating your digital boarding pass based on real-time flight changes. A standout feature is the live map baggage tracker, which utilizes scannable bag tags to pin-point your luggage's exact location. The app conveniently saves your parking spot location and guides you through unfamiliar terminals with interactive airport maps. Users can also seamlessly manage SkyMiles, rebook disrupted flights and purchase premium upgrades instantly.
5. Southwest Airlines
(Southwest Airlines)

Southwest's app focuses on speed and simplicity, letting travelers book flights, change reservations and check in with just a few taps. It sends prompt push notifications detailing boarding group positions, gate assignments and flight status updates directly to your screen. The app features a clean interface for tracking Rapid Rewards points and viewing upcoming trip timelines. Passengers can also use it to stream free live television and movies on their own mobile devices.
6. Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines
(Alaska Hawaiian)

The newly integrated Alaska Hawaiian app brings seamless dual-brand management to West Coast and Pacific travelers under a single interface. Users can track flights, manage reservations, and check in for trips operated by either carrier without switching platforms. The app features mobile boarding passes, real-time push notifications for gate changes, and an integrated frequent flyer tracker. Passengers can also use it to stream complimentary in-flight entertainment directly to their personal tablets or smartphones.
7. Breeze Airways
(Breeze Airways)

The Breeze Airways app mirrors the airline's modern, low-stress philosophy by offering an incredibly streamlined and user-friendly mobile experience. Passengers can complete check-in, select premium seating bundles, and download electronic boarding passes to their digital wallets in seconds. The app tracks BreezeRewards points and allows users to modify flight itineraries without paying hidden change fees. It also serves as the primary portal for connecting to high-speed, in-flight Viasat Wi-Fi network.
8. Frontier Airlines
(Frontier Airlines)

Frontier's app is designed to help budget travelers manage ancillary options and avoid unexpected fees at the airport gate. It allows users to quickly add carry-on bags, purchase checked luggage and select seat assignments directly within the check-in flow. The app stores digital boarding passes and tracks Frontier Miles progress toward elite status tiers. Push notifications keep flyers updated on flight status, boarding times, and exclusive, mobile-only promotional flight discounts.
9. Sun Country Airlines
(Sun Country Airlines)

The Sun Country Airlines app offers a straightforward, functional platform focused on making regional vacation travel as simple as possible. It provides quick access to digital check-in, seat selection and mobile boarding passes to bypass long airport terminal lines. Travelers can monitor their Sun Country Rewards balances and manage pooled family points accounts directly on their phones. The app also delivers reliable, real-time gate information and flight arrival updates for stress-free commuting.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees for Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards are selected through an editorial review process conducted by Newsweek editors. The editorial team identifies brands, destinations and services within each contest category based on editorial research and industry knowledge.
Winners are determined through a public voting process hosted on Newsweek.com, where readers may vote once per category per day during the contest period.
For further information, see our FAQs or email readers.choice@newsweek.com.