Compared to Europe, Delta, American, Alaska and United all are well ahead of their European peers. Granted, their stage lengths are shorter on average, but would I rather fly Lisbon-Frankfurt (~3 hours) or CDG-AMM (4h 40m) in LH or AF's slimline Y seat or American's 737 F seat? Easy answer. Grateful we have the option, given how the industry's been behaving.

And Virgin America, until the retrofit to Alaska's updated interiors happens, are still leading the pack.