How far can you go to test something? YouTuber takes challenge to ranks every US airline

YouTuber Eric Decker, known by his online alias Airrack, embarked on an audacious quest: flying on every domestic airline in the United States within a week. This adventure, meticulously documented by Decker, came with strict guidelines. He remained within the airport system throughout, opted for the "nicest" seat on each airline, and assessed flights based on criteria like price, comfort, service quality, and a unique "X-factor." Even basic needs like bathroom breaks and sleep were confined to airport premises or aircraft.

Decker's meticulously planned itinerary faced setbacks early on when his initial three flights suffered delays or cancellations. Undeterred, he pressed on, encountering a variety of airlines and sharing his candid impressions of each.

Some airlines left a positive mark on Decker. Southwest Airlines stood out by granting him a sought-after first-row seat, although a significant delay resulted in a C-tier rating. Despite its reputation for budget travel, Spirit Airlines surprised Decker with cleanliness, friendly service, and a solid B-tier rating. Frontier Airlines also earned praise, particularly for a standout flight attendant who received a gift card as a token of appreciation.

Conversely, certain airlines failed to meet Decker's expectations. Horizon Air's uncomfortable cabin temperature and eventual cancellation led to an F-tier rating. Silver Airways similarly received an F after a flight cancellation.

Decker also considered the pricing of flights in his evaluations. While Delta Airlines offered comfort, lounge access, and complimentary snacks, its premium cost kept it from reaching the top tier. Likewise, Endeavour Air received an A-tier rating despite its expensive tickets.

The journey included experiences with small regional carriers as well. Cape Air's cramped six-seater plane landed in the C-tier, primarily due to limited legroom. However, Lana'i Air, a private jet service, impressed Decker enough to earn an S-tier rating.

As his week-long odyssey concluded, Decker boarded an American Airlines flight, anticipating a luxurious experience. However, he relinquished his seat to visit his mother, resulting in an E-tier rating for American Airlines.

Decker's ambitious airline ranking endeavor has captured considerable online interest. While the final rankings remain undisclosed, his insights offer valuable perspectives on the diverse landscape of US airlines.