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From 1st To 6th: DOT Data Proves Delta Is No Longer America's Most Reliable Airline

Delta Air Lines has dropped from first to sixth place in US airline reliability rankings according to January 2026 DOT data, with a 2.45% cancellation rate. The carrier, which held the top spot for five consecutive years, has been surpassed by Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines, among others.

3 May 2026Source: Simple Flying

Why it matters

This represents a significant shift in the US airline reliability landscape and suggests operational challenges at one of America's largest carriers, directly affecting passenger experience and airline reputation. The data indicates potential systemic issues that could impact customer choice and airline competitiveness.