In the competitive world of U.S-domestic air travel, two names consistently stand out: United Airlines and American Airlines. Both of these major carriers dominate the skies, offering numerous domestic and international flights and attracting millions of passengers annually.
However, choosing the right airline between these two giants can be challenging, given the variety of factors that come into play, from frequent flyer programs to the quality of in-flight entertainment.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down the differences and similarities between United Airlines and American Airlines across a variety of categories, such as loyalty programs, seat comfort, and customer service, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for the best airline for your domestic flights, international routes, or simply want to maximize your award flights, we’ll explore which carrier is the better fit for your personal preferences.
1. Fleet Size and Route Network
United Airlines
As one of the largest airlines in the world, United Airlines operates an extensive international network. United is a member of the Star Alliance, which significantly expands its reach with partners like Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Lufthansa, allowing travelers access to more than 1,300 destinations globally. United offers a significant number of daily flights, especially out of its hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
United’s strength lies in its international presence. Whether you’re flying to Asia, Europe, or South America, United flights are available on multiple long-haul routes. Furthermore, the airline’s partnerships and codeshare agreements with airlines like British Airways and Singapore Airlines make international connections smoother for its passengers.
American Airlines
American Airlines also boasts an impressive global reach, as part of the Oneworld Alliance, with partners including British Airways and Qantas. However, while American's international reach is formidable, it tends to have a more dominant presence in domestic markets compared to United, with more domestic flights across key cities in the United States.
American Airlines' major hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, and Los Angeles provide excellent connectivity, particularly for travel to Latin America and Europe. However, compared to United, their presence in Asia is more limited, which can be a deciding factor for international travelers.
Winner: United Airlines
While both airlines have significant reach, United Airlines takes the lead in this category due to its more expansive global network, especially for travelers focused on international travel.
2. Frequent Flyer Programs
United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus is widely regarded as one of the more generous frequent flyer programs. The program allows passengers to earn bonus miles on flights and through financial products like co-branded credit cards. With MileagePlus, members can earn and redeem miles on both United flights and through Star Alliance partners. There are also well-known sweet spots from the western U.S to Tokyo on ANA's business class that you can book through MileagePlus, a rarity in today's dynamic-dominated redemption environment.
MileagePlus offers multiple tiers of elite status, from Silver to 1K, which unlocks benefits like priority check-in, free checked baggage, and complimentary upgrades to premium cabins or first class. The program is also notable for offering better award availability than many competitors, making it easier for travelers to redeem their miles.
American Airlines AAdvantage
The American Airlines AAdvantage program is equally popular and provides access to a wide range of flights within the Oneworld Alliance. AAdvantage members earn miles on American Airlines flights, as well as on partner airlines, and can redeem these miles for free flights, upgrades, and other perks.
The AAdvantage program has four elite tiers, with Gold Status being the entry-level. Higher tiers come with increased baggage allowances, priority boarding, and access to premium lounges. However, award availability can sometimes be more limited compared to United, especially for popular routes.
Winner: United Airlines MileagePlus
Although both programs offer great value, United MileagePlus stands out due to its better award availability and the variety of partner airlines through the Star Alliance network, making it a more versatile option for travelers looking to maximize award travel.
3. Seat Comfort and Cabin Experience
United Airlines
When it comes to seat comfort, United Airlines has made significant strides in recent years, especially in premium cabins like business class and first class. In economy class, United offers the standard 31-inch seat pitch, which is on par with most other major airlines. However, for those willing to pay a bit extra, United’s Economy Plus offers extra legroom, providing a better experience on long-haul flights.
United’s business class, branded as Polaris, is one of the best in the industry, with lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and an upgraded amenity kit. For travelers flying internationally, Polaris offers an exceptional experience.
American Airlines
American Airlines also offers comfortable seating across its cabins. In economy class, the seating is quite similar to United’s offerings. American has Main Cabin Extra, which provides additional legroom for a fee, similar to United’s Economy Plus.
Where American truly shines is its Flagship Business Class and First Class products. The business class seats are comparable to United’s Polaris, but the Flagship First offers even more space, enhanced privacy, and superior service for passengers on select international routes.
Winner: American Airlines
While both airlines provide a comfortable flying experience, American Airlines wins this round thanks to its superior Flagship First Class and well-rounded business class offerings, which edge out United’s Polaris.
4. In-Flight Service and Amenities
United Airlines
United Airlines offers an impressive selection of in-flight entertainment options, including seat-back screens and streaming services on most flights. Passengers also get access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, and music, which is a good thing for long-haul travelers.
For economy class passengers, United provides complimentary snacks, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. In premium cabins, a full meal is served, accompanied by free beverages, including alcohol.
American Airlines
American Airlines is comparable when it comes to in-flight entertainment, offering seat-back screens or streaming options on most of its long-haul and domestic flights. However, American falls slightly behind in terms of consistency, with some older aircraft lacking seat-back screens altogether.
Like United, American offers complimentary snacks and drinks in economy, with a full meal service and alcoholic beverages available in business class and first class. It's often been noted, however, that American's first-class food is severely lacking, as seen in Trek Trendy's recent three-day back-to-back test of all American carriers:
Winner: United Airlines
United Airlines wins in this category thanks to its more consistent availability of in-flight entertainment across its fleet and better snack offerings.
5. Customer Service and Passenger Experience
United Airlines
United has made efforts in recent years to improve its customer service, but it has faced challenges in the past regarding high-profile incidents. However, the airline has since invested heavily in improving its passenger experience, from flight attendants to online support.
American Airlines
American Airlines has also had mixed reviews regarding its customer service, with some passengers praising their in-flight crew while others complain about delays and inconsistency in ground support. In general, frequent flyers report that their experience depends heavily on the route and crew.
Winner: Draw
Neither airline has a distinct advantage in terms of customer service. Both have areas for improvement and offer similar experiences depending on the route and specific needs of the traveler.
6. Baggage Fees and Policies
United Airlines
United Airlines' baggage fees are in line with other major airlines, with checked baggage fees typically around $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag. Elite status members and certain credit card holders, such as those with the United MileagePlus credit card, often receive waived fees for checked luggage.
American Airlines
American Airlines has a similar baggage fee structure, with the first checked bag costing $30 and the second one $40. AAdvantage elite members and holders of co-branded credit cards also benefit from waived baggage fees.
Winner: Draw
Both airlines have comparable baggage policies and fees, with benefits available for frequent flyers and credit cardholders. This is pretty standard across the industry now, and thus is a wash.
7. Credit Card and Financial Products
United Airlines
United Airlines partners with Chase to offer its MileagePlus credit card, which comes with a host of benefits, including bonus miles, free checked baggage, and access to lounges. The card has a relatively low annual fee, and the nerdwallet credit card review ranks it highly for frequent flyers looking to maximize their award flights.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers co-branded credit cards through Citi and Barclays. These cards offer AAdvantage miles for purchases and similar benefits to the United MileagePlus card. However, the American Airlines card often comes with higher annual fees, which may not appeal to everyone.
Winner: United Airlines
The United MileagePlus credit card offers similar perks but with a lower annual fee, making it a better option for travelers looking to maximize their rewards without spending too much on fees.
8. Pricing and Value for Money
United Airlines
United’s fares are generally competitive, especially for international flights. However, its domestic flights can sometimes be more expensive, particularly on popular routes like Los Angeles to San Francisco.
American Airlines
American Airlines often competes directly with low-cost carriers on domestic routes, and it’s not uncommon to find cheaper fares compared to United. However, for international travel, particularly in premium cabins, American’s prices tend to be higher.
Winner: American Airlines
When it comes to value for money on domestic flights, American Airlines edges out United, especially for budget-conscious travelers.
Conclusion: Which Airline is the Clear Winner?
Both United Airlines and American Airlines have their strengths, but which one comes out on top overall?
- For international travelers: United Airlines wins due to its extensive international routes and strong partnerships within the Star Alliance.
- For domestic flyers: American Airlines offers better value, especially for budget-conscious travelers.
- Frequent flyer programs: United MileagePlus is more versatile and has better award availability.
Overall, if international travel, frequent flyer programs, and premium service matter most to you, United Airlines is the clear winner. However, if you primarily fly domestically and are looking for good value on domestic flights, American Airlines may be the right choice.
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