Airline ticket prices surged last year, but a new airline ranking by WalletHub maintains that price is just one of the factors travelers should be looking at.

The report noted that there are a number of important factors that need to be considered when selecting an airline.

"They range from cancellation and delay rates to baggage mishaps and in-flight comfort," the report said. "We also considered costs in relation to in-flight amenities for the sake of fairness. For example, it wouldn’t be right to penalize an airline that charges for drinks if its tickets are far cheaper than those from an airline with free in-flight refreshments."

The report noted that costs have garnered a lot of attention after ticket prices shot up 25% last year. At the same time, however, consumers have ways to manage costs.

"Finding the most affordable airfare is now quite easy for anyone with an internet connection, so this report examines those other, overlooked aspects of air travel to help consumers make more-informed decisions," the report said.

Following in ascending are WalletHub's best U.S. airlines of 2023.

11. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is one of six airlines that do not transport animals. The airline ranks fourth in comfort; seventh in affordability; tenth in reliability; and last in safety.