American Airlines vs Southwest Compared [2022]

, Western Most There are numerous airlines, and most of them fly to almost all of the countries in the world. Although the price of your ticket will be a significant consideration in determining which airline is best for you, it is not the only element that should be taken into account. Your flight over a long distance will place a significant emphasis on service and entertainment, whilst shorter domestic journeys may place a greater premium on cost-effectiveness.

We will contrast American Airlines and Southwest Airlines in order to assist you in making a decision between the two most popular airlines in the globe. More than 200 million customers travel with American Airlines every year, making it the most popular airline in the world. Southwest Airlines is the largest low-cost carrier in the United States.

You will be able to discover more about American Airlines and Southwest Airlines with the assistance of this comparison guide. In order to assist you in making a choice, we will evaluate the amenities provided by each airline, including the entertainment options, the meals, and any additional fees. After reading this guidance, it is our sincere hope that you will feel comfortable making reservations for your upcoming vacation.

Differences Between Southwest Airlines and American Airlines in Important Aspects

The primary distinctions between Southwest Airlines and American Airlines are as follows:

• American Airlines flies to a greater number of sites across the globe, but Southwest Airlines flies to a greater number of locations within the United States

• American has a significantly higher number of partnership options, whereas Southwest’s selection of partnership options is much more limited. The increased number of partnerships makes it simpler for you to swiftly acquire frequent flyer points, which in turn makes the process more efficient.

American generally charges for luggage ($30-75 for any bag), whereas Southwest has a more generous luggage allowance ($75 only for the 3rd checked bag). Southwest offers a unique “Companion Pass” programme, whereas American does not offer a similar programme. American allows pre-flight seating selection, whereas Southwest does not allow seat selection. American has in-flight drinks and snacks, whereas Southwest is notorious for not providing them on shorter domestic hops.

The American airline company Overview

When it comes to its remarkable fleet of more than 850 mainline aircraft, American Airlines is the largest airline in the world. This is the case regardless of any other factors. Both Boeing and Airbus are included in this category. Boeing and Airbus are also included.

The corporation was initially created in 1930 through the amalgamation of a number of other smaller airlines. It’s possible that by now you’ve heard that American Airlines was the first company to hire a female commercial pilot (Bonnie Tiburzi, 1973). A founder member in good standing of the OneWorld Alliance, which is the third largest alliance in the world, it also holds this distinction.

At the moment, the administrative heart of AA can be found in Dallas and Fort Worth (Texas – Love Field). The airline operates major hubs in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Washington, in addition to a number of other important cities in the United States. The average number of flights that American Airlines completes in an hour is roughly 6,000. Additionally, among all airlines, they provide the greatest service for international travel.

Prices for Flights on American Airlines

American Airlines provides a total of 8 distinct pricing classes for its customers to choose from. They are as follows:

• Basic Economy is the least expensive but most common type of meal. There are a few premium enhancements available, including the ability to select your seat, but the tickets themselves are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged (with exception for cancelled flights by the airline).

• Basic seat selection is always free in the Main Cabin, and you can upgrade to paid Preferred seat selection at any time. Free onboard entertainment, food, and other amenities are also included. Additional enhancements, such as a fee-based Wi-Fi service, are also available.

• Seats with additional legroom and priority boarding for a more convenient experience are included in the Main Cabin Extra package.

• Premium Economy refers to economy fares that have additional comforts included. On select long-haul international, Hawaii, and Alaska flights, passengers will enjoy increased legroom as well as several other conveniences.

• Business Class provides the greatest level of onboard service on international flights that are shorter in distance. In addition to wider seats, additional legroom, blankets, and pillows, premium passengers receive a variety of other advantages and additional support.

• First Class: This is the highest level of service that American Airlines offers on flights within the United States. Passengers travelling in this privileged class may look forward to receiving five-star service, premium food, priority boarding, and a wide variety of other complementary perks.

• Flagship Business provides an improved flying experience in the form of a business trip, with extra facilities geared toward long-distance travel. There are chairs that recline completely, eating options handpicked by chefs, lounge areas, and free Wi-Fi, among other amenities.

• Flagship First is the most prestigious and personalised service offering available for long-distance travel from American Airlines. For the most opulent flying experience possible, you will have access to exclusive fine meals, premium lounges at some hubs, premium assistance, and priority seating.

The American airline company Baggage Policy

American Airlines passengers are permitted to bring one suitcase and one personal item onto the plane with them. American Airlines does not levy any additional fees on its passengers who bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse, handbag, briefcase, or laptop) with them on their flights. The maximum allowable dimensions for carry-on luggage are 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.

When you book an American Airlines flight on the economy rate, you will typically be required to pay an additional cost per bag for your checked luggage. Flights inside the United States and Canada start at $30 per person. The ability to bring one or more checked bags for no additional cost is frequently available with premium prices. The maximum allowable weight for people travelling in standard class is fifty pounds. Bags weighing up to a maximum of 70 pounds each are permitted for first and business class travellers.

Membership Program for Loyal Customers of American Airlines

The Advantage Program is a customer loyalty programme that awards points whenever members make travel reservations or spend money at their partners in the rental car, hotel, or restaurant industries. You can make an upgrade with the points, rent a car, or use them to pay for a hotel room. The most significant advantages are reserved for members of their Elite Status who travel on a regular basis.

The American airline company Food A complimentary food will be provided for passengers travelling in economy class on the majority of American Airlines flights operating within the United States. A bag containing snack mix and a beverage of the customer’s choosing is often included in it. There is an additional cost associated with purchasing alcoholic beverages.

On flights that are significantly longer, you may be offered a free snack that is more substantial. Even while this isn’t a full dinner, it’s still a lot heartier than a bag of chips or a snack mix. It’s possible that you’ll be able to purchase something from the in-flight menu.

An Overview of the Southwest

Southwest Airlines was established in 1971 and primarily provides service to the state of Texas. By 1979, it had expanded to service states adjacent to its original territory, and by 2021, it was transporting more domestic passengers than any other US airline operating in North America.

They have a strong reputation for dependability, which contributes to the outstanding ratings they have received from the Department of Transportation (DOT). There are seldom any reports of customers being unhappy with the service, or having their bags lost or delayed.

Southwest is showing its age by stubbornly refusing to conform and remaining committed to what it already knows.

Fares from the Southwest

Southwest Airlines provides a more straightforward fare structure of three levels in compared to American Airlines:

• Business Select is the Southwest product that most closely resembles the concept of “first class.” In point of fact, “Business Select” just denotes the privilege of boarding the aircraft at an earlier time.

• The Anytime Fare is completely refundable, and there are no fees assessed for making changes.

• Wanna Get Away is a non-refundable but more affordable option.

Southwest’s Policy on Carrying Baggage

When it comes to baggage, Southwest is really accommodating. Every passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on bag in addition to one personal item. The dimensions of carry-on luggage are capped at a certain maximum size. Carry-on bags are required to have dimensions of at least 10 by 16 by 24 inches.

If your luggage is too large to fit in the overhead compartment, it is your responsibility to check it at the baggage claim.

There is a limit of two luggage that can be checked for each traveller. The weight of each individual piece of luggage must not exceed 50 pounds. If your luggage weighs more than 51 pounds or is longer than 62 inches, you will be charged an additional $75 for your baggage.

Loyalty Program for Southwest Airlines (Miles Program)

In addition, Southwest provides its customers with the opportunity to earn points. Through the Rapid Rewards Points airline miles programme, you have the opportunity to earn points on any flight that you purchase.

When you make purchases from Southwest’s retail partners, you are eligible to earn points. There are no dates that are off limits, and your points will never become invalid.

Southwest also offers its own credit card for use on Southwest flights. Passengers have the opportunity to earn $40,000 in points and receive three times the normal number of points for each dollar spent on eating.

There are two different alternatives for accumulating miles that can be chosen from when purchasing a card through the airline: the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card and the Rapid Rewards Priority card.

Food from the Southwest

Snacks are provided for passengers flying with Southwest Airlines at no additional cost. It is fairly simple and consists of a tiny bag of snack mix in addition to a drink of your choosing.

Since Southwest Airlines is frequently less expensive than American mainline carriers, you should anticipate that they will be willing to make some accommodations.

Security of Aircraft

Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, two of the largest airlines in the United States, both rely significantly on the Boeing 737 airliner, which has an excellent safety record in general.

American Airlines operates a more diverse fleet than its competitors, including Airbus 320s and practically every model of Boeing aircraft from the 737 to the 800 series; the 777 and 787 are the airline’s largest body models.

Southwest, on the other hand, is virtually completely dependent on the Boeing 737. This is a direct result of their well-known standardised playbook for business (and quality).

In general, there are more traffic safety accidents involving American Airlines. This is largely because to the growing fleet age and model variances at American Airlines. The majority of accidents have been relatively small; nonetheless, the catastrophe that occurred in Queens in November 2001 is considered to be one of the deadliest wrecks in aviation history. All 260 passengers and crew members perished in the accident. The United States of America also appears to be a more frequent target for acts of terrorism and hijackings.

Southwest Airlines vs. American Airlines: The Closing Statement

Are you going to be travelling overseas? Your typical flight patterns will help determine which airline is the best option. Because it offers more direct flights and convenient connections, American Airlines is unquestionably the superior choice for passengers travelling internationally.

Only Flying Within the Country? However, domestic travel within the United States is a significantly better value than international travel since it is more economical, has a more robust reward programme, and has superior short hop direct flights.