After more than a decade of flying across over 60 countries and logging over a million miles, I’ve developed a sharp radar for airlines that consistently underperform. While the best airlines continue to push boundaries with innovation and service, others seem stuck in operational limbo, or worse, slipping further behind.
In 2025, the divide between good and bad airlines is sharper than ever. If you’re planning to fly this year, knowing which carriers to avoid could save you time, frustration, and even money.
This guide focuses on airlines that consistently deliver poor experiences across safety, reliability, comfort, and service. I’ve based this on current 2025 data from FAA, DOT, Skytrax, FlightAware, and OAG, as well as my own flight logs and detailed passenger reports.
How I Evaluated the Worst Airlines
My evaluation criteria cover six essential aspects of airline operations: safety record, fleet condition, on-time performance, customer service, cabin experience, and how they handle disruptions. Airlines that failed in three or more of these areas consistently earned a place on this list. Importantly, this isn’t just about cheap carriers,some premium brands underperformed just as much in execution.
Viva Aerobus – Cheap, but at What Cost?
Viva Aerobus continues to expand aggressively in Mexico and the U.S., but service quality has not kept pace. On-time performance has dipped below 70% in early 2025, and I’ve received repeated complaints from passengers stranded in secondary Mexican cities with little to no communication.
Their ultra-low-cost model may look attractive, but added fees for bags, check-in, and even printing boarding passes stack up quickly. More concerning is the airline’s lack of consistent crisis handling, especially during cancellations or mechanical delays.
I’ve personally experienced a three-hour tarmac wait with no crew updates. Viva may be affordable, but the reliability and professionalism are too inconsistent to recommend.
Frontier Airlines – The Most Complained-About Carrier in the U.S.
Frontier Airlines has earned its place on this list not because it’s budget-friendly, but because it’s often unprepared to deal with basic operational disruptions. DOT reports show that from January to March 2025, Frontier had a cancellation rate of over 4%, among the highest in the country.
What makes matters worse is their aggressive unbundling strategy. Everything costs extra, seats, water, carry-ons, and customer support during delays is frustratingly limited.
On one of my recent flights from Denver, a mechanical delay led to an overnight cancellation. Rebooking involved hours of app errors and no phone support. If you choose Frontier, be prepared to fend for yourself.
Air India – Promises Modernization, But Delivers Chaos
Air India has long been discussed as a carrier on the edge of transformation. Under new ownership by Tata Group, there’s genuine investment in new aircraft and service training. However, in early 2025, many routes are still operated with old, poorly maintained planes, particularly on long-haul flights to Europe and North America.
Cabin conditions remain uneven. Seats are worn, inflight entertainment often malfunctions, and cleanliness standards continue to fall short of expectations.
On multiple recent flights, I noted foul odors, broken recline functions, and unresponsive cabin crew. Until their promised modernization is complete across the full fleet, Air India remains a gamble, and not one I’d take for an international journey.
Ryanair – Efficient, Yes. Enjoyable? Not at All.
Ryanair remains one of Europe’s most profitable carriers, and operationally, they perform well. But make no mistake: this is an airline designed for efficiency at the expense of comfort or flexibility. While they do maintain high punctuality (around 78% in early 2025), passenger satisfaction is routinely low.
Baggage fees are harsh, customer service is minimal, and the boarding process often feels like a cattle call.
I’ve witnessed staff denying boarding over minor check-in issues, and their online change process is notoriously unforgiving. If you’re not hyper-organized and ready for a no-frills experience, Ryanair can quickly become a nightmare.
Wizz Air – Unreliable Routes, Frequent Cancellations
Wizz Air, Eastern Europe’s budget carrier, is suffering from growing pains. After expanding its route map aggressively post-COVID, the airline has scaled back sharply, abandoning dozens of routes with minimal warning. It now holds the worst delay rate among European carriers, according to Eurocontrol. What frustrates passengers most is the lack of real-time communication during disruptions.
In my recent flight from Budapest, a four-hour delay ended with an unexplained cancellation. No compensation. No rebooking help. Until Wizz Air stabilizes its scheduling and support structure, it’s a carrier I advise travelers to avoid.
Allegiant Air – Old Planes, Few Backup Options
Allegiant Air targets smaller U.S. cities with point-to-point service and no-frills pricing. Unfortunately, the airline struggles with mechanical reliability and irregular operations. Its average fleet age remains high, around 13 years, and in 2024, Allegiant had a series of emergency landings linked to mechanical faults.
Because Allegiant doesn’t fly most routes daily, cancellations often mean waiting 48–72 hours for another flight, especially in smaller airports.
I flew from Asheville to Tampa last year, one cancellation meant a full weekend lost. Unless you live near a hub city and have flexible plans, Allegiant’s low fares come at a steep risk.
TAP Air Portugal – A Legacy Airline in Name Only
TAP positions itself as a full-service airline, but its actual execution is far from premium. Among European flag carriers, TAP consistently records one of the lowest on-time performances, and baggage mishandling rates remain high.
On a recent flight from Lisbon to New York, I experienced a four-hour delay with no announcement, followed by lost baggage for 36 hours. TAP’s customer service is extremely slow to respond, email replies can take weeks, and phone lines often disconnect. Even in business class, cabin service felt indifferent and rushed. Unless necessary, I’d recommend choosing Iberia, Lufthansa, or Air France for any European connections.
AirAsia – Still Recovering, and It Shows
AirAsia was once a benchmark for low-cost carriers in Southeast Asia. But post-pandemic, the airline has struggled with route cuts, refund disputes, and staff shortages. Fleet utilization has improved in 2025, but service remains patchy at best.
Check-in delays are common. App failures during boarding continue to cause confusion, and call center support is virtually non-existent.
On a recent trip through Kuala Lumpur, I encountered a three-hour delay and a lost seat assignment, with zero ground support to resolve the issue. AirAsia is still flying, but it’s no longer the reliable low-cost leader it once was.
Spirit Airlines – Young Fleet, Old Problems
Spirit Airlines operates one of the youngest fleets in North America, but that hasn’t solved its deeper issues. In early 2025, DOT data shows that Spirit had the highest passenger complaint rate among U.S. carriers. Cancellations often lead to chaotic rebookings, and their system is not equipped to handle high disruption volumes.
While the inflight product has improved slightly, particularly with Big Front Seat options, customer service remains the Achilles’ heel. On multiple occasions, I’ve seen passengers left without hotel vouchers or flight alternatives after disruptions. Spirit’s safety is sound, but the overall passenger experience remains poor when things go wrong.
Pakistan International Airlines – Grounded in Reputation
PIA continues to face international bans due to licensing and safety issues stemming from the 2020 pilot scandal. As of 2025, the airline remains banned from EU and UK airspace. Fleet renewal is slow, and many aircraft lack modern safety and entertainment features.
Domestic routes are functional, but international service is limited, outdated, and unreliable. Inflight experiences are marked by poor food, delays, and inconsistent crew service. Until regulatory and safety concerns are resolved, PIA remains one of the least recommended options in global aviation.
China Eastern: Behind Its Peers
China Eastern Airlines lags behind other Chinese carriers in delivering a competitive international product in 2025. While their safety record is solid, the soft product remains outdated. In long-haul Economy and Business cabins, inflight entertainment systems often don’t function, and meals are repetitive and cold. The crew service is functional but rarely warm or engaging.
Language support is limited, and during irregular operations, non-Chinese-speaking travelers often struggle to get assistance.
On a recent flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles, my seat recline didn’t work and two lavatories were out of order. Compared to airlines like Hainan or even Air China, China Eastern simply isn’t keeping pace.
Which Airlines Should You Avoid in 2025?
Flying in 2025 offers more options than ever, but not all airlines deliver on their promises. The airlines listed above have repeatedly failed to meet basic standards for reliability, communication, and customer care. Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or leisure, it’s worth spending a little more for peace of mind.
Based on safety, reliability, and passenger experience, here’s a quick summary of the worst airlines to avoid:
| Airline | Region | Main Issues |
| Viva Aerobus | Mexico | Delays, outdated fleet, refund delays |
| Frontier Airlines | USA | Unreliable operations, excessive fees |
| Air India | India | Dirty cabins, old fleet, poor service |
| Ryanair | Europe | Deceptive pricing, punitive policies |
| Wizz Air | Europe | Mass cancellations, delay chaos |
| Allegiant Air | USA | Limited frequency, mechanical issues |
| TAP Air Portugal | Europe | Chronic delays, baggage mishandling |
| AirAsia | SE Asia | Declining service, long delays |
| Spirit Airlines | USA | High complaint rate, poor disruption handling |
| PIA | Pakistan | Bans, safety concerns, outdated aircraft |
| China Eastern | Asia | Cramped seating, poor support |
FAQs: Worst Airlines in 2025
What airline had the most delays in 2025?
Wizz Air and TAP Portugal recorded some of the worst on-time performance statistics in Europe.
Which U.S. airline has the most customer complaints?
According to DOT data, Spirit Airlines and Frontier lead in complaints per 100,000 passengers.
Are low-cost airlines always worse?
Not necessarily. JetBlue, Southwest, and Scoot offer great value. It’s not about price, it’s about reliability and how airlines handle problems.
Should I avoid PIA completely?
For international routes, yes. PIA remains banned from many markets due to safety and licensing concerns.