Comparing Major U.S. Airlines: American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Delta

Choosing the right airline can make all the difference when booking a flight. While American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Delta are all major U.S. carriers, they offer different experiences in terms of pricing, seating, baggage policies, and customer service. In this blog post, I'll break down their key differences and similarities to help you decide which airline is best for your next trip.

1. Ticket Prices & Fare Classes

• American Airlines and United offer a variety of fare classes, from Basic Economy to First Class, catering to both budget travelers and luxury flyers.
• Delta follows a similar model but has built a stronger reputation for premium service, especially in business and first-class cabins.
• Southwest, on the other hand, has a more simplified pricing structure with three fare types (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select) and does not charge change fees.

2. Baggage Policies

• Southwest stands out as the only major U.S. airline offering two free checked bags, making it a favorite for travelers with lots of luggage.
• American, United, and Delta all charge for checked baggage in Economy, typically around $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.
• All four airlines allow a free carry-on bag, except for Basic Economy fares on United, which only include a personal item unless you’re a MileagePlus credit cardholder.

Advisor Tip: Did you know that American Airlines offers bag delivery within 100 miles of domestic airports? Bags will be delivered in 4-6 hours. Looks like pricing started around $50/bag. 

Advisor Tip 2: American, United, and Delta offer free bags for military members. 

3. In-Flight Comfort & Entertainment

• Delta consistently ranks high for seat comfort, legroom, and in-flight entertainment, with personal screens on most long-haul flights.
• United and American offer seat-back screens on select flights, but some aircraft only have streaming entertainment.
• Southwest does not have seat-back screens but offers free onboard Wi-Fi for streaming entertainment.

Advisor Tip: If you're flying on Delta, make sure you're a SkyMiles member so you can get free wifi.

4. Frequent Flyer Programs

• Delta’s SkyMiles is highly rated, especially since miles don’t expire. However, award travel can sometimes be expensive due to dynamic pricing.
• American’s AAdvantage and United’s MileagePlus are also strong loyalty programs, but miles can expire if you don’t remain active.
• Southwest’s Rapid Rewards is straightforward, with points tied directly to ticket prices and no blackout dates.

Advisor Tip: United also lets you use miles on fees like checked bags. 

5. Customer Service & Reliability

• Delta is often ranked the highest in customer satisfaction, known for its fewer cancellations and better overall reliability.
• Southwest also scores well, thanks to its no-hassle policies and friendly service.
• United and American receive more mixed reviews, with United struggling with delays and American dealing with inconsistent customer service.

Comparison Chart: American Airlines vs. United vs. Southwest vs. Delta

Final Thoughts: Which Airline Should You Choose?

• For budget travelers → Southwest (no baggage fees, flexible change policy).
• For premium travel & best service → Delta (superior reliability, great first-class experience).
• For international flights → American or United (strong global networks, good business-class options).
• For domestic business travelers → Delta or United (strong hubs and upgrade options).

Each airline has its strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice depends on your travel priorities.