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[Dallas, TX] — American Airlines has secured the title of the most improved carrier among corporate travel buyers, according to the 2026 Business Travel News Airline Survey. While Delta Air Lines maintains its dominant lead in the industry, American has demonstrated the most aggressive recovery in average ratings between 2025 and 2026, signaling a potential shift in how corporate procurement teams view the carrier.
The data reveals a steady upward trajectory for American. The airline earned an average score of 3.26 in the 2026 survey, a notable rise from 3.26 compared to 2.75 in 2025 and a distant 2.15 in 2024. This represents a year-over-year increase of 0.51 points and a cumulative gain of 1.11 points over a 24-month period. Despite this momentum, American remains the lowest-ranked airline among the major US carriers surveyed, highlighting a substantial gap in perception that the company is now working to bridge.
Corporate Buyer Sentiment Shifts Following Distribution Friction
The surge in ratings has caught the attention of travel management experts who track the volatility of corporate airline relationships. Bob Brindley, chief strategy officer at Partnership Travel Consulting, characterized the year-over-year growth as a positive indicator. Brindley suggested that if this trend continues, American could realistically challenge United Airlines for a higher position in corporate rankings, although he noted that Delta remains a formidable leader in the sector.
This recovery follows a period of significant tension between American and its corporate partners. The airline previously faced heavy criticism regarding its distribution strategy, specifically the rollout of New Distribution Capability (NDC). The implementation of NDC created operational friction for travel agencies and corporate buyers, who felt the transition hampered their ability to manage travel efficiently.
While distribution concerns still linger in industry discussions, American leadership maintains that the rating boost is the result of broader investments. Neil Geurin, vice president of global sales at American Airlines, stated that the company has poured substantial resources into enhancing products and services, a strategy he believes will continue to improve customer perceptions.
Distribution Channel Ratings Show Unexpected Recovery
A surprising highlight of the 2026 survey is the marked improvement in the distribution channels category. American achieved a score of 3.47 in this specific metric, marking an increase of 0.57 points. This represents the airline's second-highest category rating, suggesting that the initial backlash against its NDC strategy may be softening as corporate buyers adapt to the new systems.
For corporate travel managers, the efficiency of distribution is paramount. They require seamless access to airline content through established booking channels to maintain oversight of corporate spend and traveler safety. The improved score suggests a strengthening relationship between the airline, travel agencies, and procurement teams.
However, Geurin emphasizes that the recovery is not solely due to distribution. He attributes the overall gain to a holistic upgrade of the passenger experience, citing improvements in aircraft hardware, airport infrastructure, premium cabin offerings, and onboard connectivity.
Fleet Modernization and the Return of Seatback Entertainment
To attract high-yield corporate travelers, American is aggressively redesigning its narrowbody fleet. A primary goal of the current modernization program is to increase the proportion of premium seating. The airline intends to raise the availability of premium seats on narrowbody aircraft from roughly 25% to approximately 40% in the coming years.
These upgrades include an expansion of First Class and Main Cabin Extra seating, alongside redesigned interiors and improved storage solutions. In a move to address long-standing passenger complaints, American has also committed to restoring seatback entertainment screens across its narrowbody fleet. While new aircraft deliveries starting in 2028 will feature these screens natively, existing aircraft will undergo retrofits to ensure passengers are not solely dependent on personal devices.
Connectivity is also receiving a massive overhaul. Starting in the first quarter of 2027, American will begin installing Starlink Wi-Fi on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft. This high-speed service is designed to support streaming and professional online communication, directly catering to the needs of the modern business traveler.
Beyond the aircraft, the airline is investing in its ground experience. American is currently executing what it describes as the largest investment in its history for the expansion and renovation of Admirals Club and Flagship lounge facilities.
Terminal F Expansion at Dallas Fort Worth
A cornerstone of American’s long-term growth strategy is the massive expansion at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). In May 2025, American and DFW Airport increased the projected investment for the new Terminal F project to approximately $4 billion.
Terminal F will be operated exclusively by American Airlines and is designed to feature:
- 31 total gates
- Expanded international facilities
- Increased premium passenger spaces
- Enhanced check-in infrastructure
- A dedicated parking garage
The rollout will occur in stages, with the first phase—consisting of 15 gates—scheduled to open in 2027. Neil Hammond, a partner at GoldSpring Consulting, described the project as an ambitious move that provides the necessary capacity to fuel future growth at American's primary hub.
In addition to Terminal F, the airline has continued to optimize existing infrastructure. In September 2026, nine new gates were opened at Terminal C, and expansion work at Terminal A remains ongoing.
Comparative Performance Against US Rivals
While the growth is statistically significant, the 2026 survey underscores the distance American still needs to cover to reach the industry leaders.
| Airline | 2026 Average Score |
|---|---|
| Delta | 4.22 |
| Southwest | 4.11 |
| United | 3.68 |
| Alaska | 3.41 |
| American | 3.26 |
The data shows that while American has improved across all 11 survey categories, it still lags behind its primary domestic competitors. However, the consistent gains across every metric suggest that the airline's turnaround strategy is beginning to yield tangible results in the eyes of corporate travel buyers.
Why This Matters: The Corporate Traveler's Perspective
For the business traveler, these shifts translate into a tangible change in the "on-board office." The transition from 25% to 40% premium seating means a higher probability of securing a workspace-capable seat on domestic routes, reducing the physical toll of frequent travel.
From a logistical standpoint, the move toward Starlink Wi-Fi and the return of seatback screens addresses a critical pain point: the reliability of the "connected flight." For many corporate users, the ability to stream a high-definition video call or access cloud-based documents without lag is no longer a luxury but a requirement for productivity.
Furthermore, the $4 billion investment in DFW Terminal F suggests that American is prioritizing the reduction of hub congestion. For the traveler, this means shorter transit times and more efficient boarding processes at one of the world's busiest airports. While Delta currently holds the crown for luxury and service, American is pivoting toward a strategy of aggressive infrastructure growth and hardware upgrades to win back the corporate market.
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