American Airlines vs. United Airlines: Which is better?
When it comes to air travel in the United States, American Airlines and United Airlines are two of the biggest players. Along with Delta, they make up the “Big 3,” with extensive networks spanning both domestic and international destinations.
So, when trying to decide between American Airlines and United Airlines, how do you choose? Both airlines offer many of the same basic services, but some key differences can make one a better fit for you than the other.
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of American Airlines and United Airlines, covering everything from routes and reliability to fees, basic economy, loyalty programs, and business class offerings. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each airline to help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and priorities.
ROUTES AND DESTINATIONS: WHERE CAN THEY TAKE YOU?
When you’re trying to decide between American and United, one of the first things to consider is where you want to go. Here’s a look at their route networks:
Domestic Network
If your travel plans primarily involve destinations within the United States, American Airlines generally offers more options. American flies about 30% more seats domestically than United does. Plus, American’s partnership with Alaska Airlines further broadens its reach across the country.
That said, United also has a substantial domestic network, serving more than 210 airports in the U.S.
International Network
For international travel, United Airlines tends to have a stronger route map, flying to around 120 international destinations. United is also a member of the Star Alliance, which gives passengers even broader access to destinations worldwide.
American Airlines also provides extensive international routes, with daily flights to more than 350 destinations in 60 countries.
The bottom line
Choosing between American and United often comes down to your specific destination needs. If you mostly travel domestically, American might be the better choice. But if you frequently travel internationally, United’s network could be more suitable.
RELIABILITY: ON-TIME PERFORMANCE, CANCELLATIONS, AND BAGGAGE HANDLING
When you’re booking a flight, you want to know you’ll arrive on time and with all your luggage in tow. Let’s see how American and United stack up in terms of reliability.
On-Time Performance and Cancellations
Overall, both airlines are pretty similar when it comes to getting you where you need to go on time. In 2023, both airlines had on-time arrival rates of around 80%.
To get a little more granular, from January to August 2023:
- United’s on-time rate was 75.51%
- American’s on-time rate was 76.44%
Cancellation rates were also close, but American had the edge:
- United’s cancellation rate was 2.28%
- American’s cancellation rate was 1.52%
Tarmac delays, those frustrating times when you’re stuck on the plane before takeoff or after landing, also favored American:
- United had 0.84 tarmac delays per 10,000 flights
- American had 0.39 tarmac delays per 10,000 flights
Baggage Handling
What about your luggage? Here’s how the two airlines performed when it came to baggage handling:
- American mishandled 0.76 bags per 100 bags enplaned
- United mishandled 0.73 bags per 100 bags enplaned
Keep in mind that mishandling rates can change over time, depending on weather, staffing, and other factors.
Fees: A comparison of extra costs
When choosing between airlines, it’s wise to consider the potential for extra costs. Let’s take a look at how American and United stack up when it comes to fees.
Checked Baggage Fees
Both airlines charge for checked baggage, and the fees are pretty comparable. Here’s a quick rundown:
- United: $35 (prepaid) / $40 (non-prepaid) for the first checked bag, $45 (prepaid) / $50 (non-prepaid) for the second checked bag.
- American: $35 (prepaid) / $40 (non-prepaid) for the first checked bag, $40 (prepaid) / $45 (non-prepaid) for the second checked bag.
Other Potential Fees
Keep in mind that you might encounter other fees, such as charges for selecting specific seats or change fees if you need to alter your travel plans. While these can vary, American Airlines generally has slightly lower average fees compared to United.
Basic economy: What to expect in the most affordable fare class
Both American and United offer basic economy fares to compete with budget airlines. These fares come with some restrictions and limitations.
Typically, you won’t be able to select your seat until check-in, and you’ll have limited options for changing or canceling your flight.
United Airlines Basic Economy
United’s basic economy fares come with some pretty strict rules. Unless you have MileagePlus Premier status or you’re flying across the Atlantic, you won’t be allowed to bring a full-sized carry-on bag. You’ll have to make do with a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
American Airlines Basic Economy
American’s basic economy fares are a little more forgiving. You can bring a carry-on bag, and you can select your seat (albeit after you check in). American also allows same-day confirmed or standby options, which can be useful if your plans change at the last minute.
Consider the trade-offs
With basic economy fares, you’ll have to weigh the cost savings against the restrictions. If you absolutely need to bring a carry-on or want the flexibility to change your flight, American might be the better choice. But if you’re traveling light and your plans are firm, United’s basic economy could save you some money.
LOYALTY PROGRAMS: AMERICAN AADVANTAGE VS. UNITED MILEAGEPLUS
Both American Airlines and United Airlines offer loyalty programs that reward frequent flyers. With AAdvantage and MileagePlus, you can earn miles on flights and everyday spending, then redeem those miles for flights, upgrades, and other perks. Both programs also offer elite status tiers that come with even more benefits, like priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access.
Which program offers more value?
While both programs offer rewards and perks, American AAdvantage is generally considered to be more valuable than United MileagePlus. A recent analysis pegged the effective rebate from American at 7.10%, while United’s effective rebate was only 4.89%.
The same analysis found that United Premier status is only about two-thirds the value of comparable American status.
When it comes to redeeming your miles, both programs offer a variety of options, but award availability can vary. It’s always a good idea to compare redemption options and award availability for your desired travel dates before making a decision.
Choosing the right program for you
The best loyalty program for you will depend on your individual travel patterns and spending habits. If you fly frequently with one airline, it makes sense to focus on their loyalty program to maximize your rewards. If you’re not loyal to a particular airline, you may want to consider a more flexible travel rewards program that allows you to redeem points with multiple airlines and hotels.
Business Class: A Premium Experience
Both United and American offer a premium business class experience on many of their flights, especially on longer international routes.
United Polaris Business Class
United’s Polaris business class is designed for comfort and convenience. You can expect lie-flat seats for a restful flight, along with enhanced dining options and access to United’s premium Polaris lounges, where available.
American Airlines Flagship Business Class
American’s Flagship Business Class offers a similar experience, with lie-flat seats, enhanced dining options, and access to American’s premium Flagship lounges in select airports.
Comparison and Key Differences
While both airlines offer a solid business class experience, United Polaris is often ranked slightly higher. The differences are subtle, but some travelers prefer the seat design in United’s Polaris cabins. Others report that the service is more polished and attentive on United flights. It’s also worth noting that United Polaris lounges are generally considered a step above American’s Flagship lounges, offering a wider array of amenities and a more exclusive atmosphere. Ultimately, personal preference will play a big role in which business class product you prefer, but United Polaris tends to come out on top in most comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline is bigger, American or United?
It’s a tight race, but generally, American Airlines is considered slightly larger than United in terms of fleet size and the number of destinations served. However, both are massive global carriers with extensive networks.
Does United match status on American Airlines?
Airline status matching policies are always subject to change, but it is possible to request a status match. Typically, neither United nor American publicly advertises a guaranteed status match program. You’d likely need to apply, providing proof of your existing status with the other airline and hoping for approval. There are third-party services that can help with this.
Is American Airlines a good airline to fly with?
Whether American Airlines is “good” depends on your priorities. They offer a wide range of destinations and a large frequent flyer program. However, like all airlines, they can experience delays, cancellations, and occasional customer service issues. Reading recent reviews and considering your specific travel needs is always a good idea.
Which US airline is the best?
There’s no single “best” US airline, as it’s subjective and depends on individual preferences. Factors like price, route network, comfort, customer service, and frequent flyer program all play a role. Some consistently rank higher in customer satisfaction surveys, but it’s wise to research recent performance and consider your own travel priorities before making a decision.
To Conclude
American Airlines and United Airlines are two of the world’s largest airlines, but there are key differences between them. For domestic travel within the United States, American Airlines tends to offer more routes and better value. If you’re flying internationally, United often has the edge. American’s basic economy tickets also allow more flexibility if your plans change.
When it comes to loyalty programs, American’s AAdvantage program is generally considered more valuable than United’s MileagePlus program. On the other hand, United Polaris is often viewed as a slightly superior business class experience compared to American’s Flagship Business.
Ultimately, the best airline for you depends on your individual priorities. Price, route availability, reliability, and loyalty program benefits are all important factors to consider. So, before booking your next flight, take some time to research and compare your options. A little bit of planning can help you find the perfect flight for your needs.