Tradewind, JSX, Wheels Up, Aero named Conde Nast best airlines

A good portion of three-quarters of a million Conde Nast Traveler readers appear to be taking to the private skies.

There were 757,109 votes in the travel magazine’s 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.

Four of the top 10 Best Airlines in the United States this year were private or semi-private.

Tradewind Aviation was a repeat from 2024.

It was the top-ranked private airline taking the fourth spot.

Readers praised its “super helpful and generous staff.”

JSX took the sixth slot.

The travel magazine praised its low entry point, “with one-way fares as low as $179.”

JSX was ranked first by Travel + Leisure readers earlier this year.

Wheels Up, perhaps, will silence some critics.

Under the leadership of former Delta Air Lines Board Member George Mattson, the company was ranked as the seventh-best U.S. airline.

Conde Nast editors noted, “Following a $500 million investment in August 2023, Delta Air Lines is now Wheels Up’s largest shareholder—opening up a variety of new opportunities for customers to integrate commercial and private flight solutions from the two brands. For example, Delta One passengers can now connect their flights to Europe with last-mile private jet flights.”

Delta maintained its number one position in the survey.

Rounding out the list was Aero.

Conde Nast readers praised the Los Angeles-centric shared flight provider for its “Italian leather seats, in-flight catering from Erewhon, a top-shelf open bar, Starlink Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly policies.”

Wheels Up and Tradewind Aviation each offer full aircraft charter services and jet membership options.

Tradewind, along with JSX and Aero, offer by-the-seat flights, all using private terminals.