Which Airline Is Better: United or American?

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Which Airline Is Better: United or American?

When it comes to choosing a airline, there are many factors to consider. Some of the most important include price, convenience, and customer service. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two of the biggest airlines in the United States, United Airlines and American Airlines, to see which one comes out on top.

We’ll start by comparing their prices, then we’ll look at their route networks and flight schedules. Finally, we’ll discuss their customer service and amenities. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which airline is right for you.

Price

When it comes to price, United and American are pretty much on par with each other. Both airlines offer a variety of fare options, so you can find a ticket that fits your budget. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, United Airlines charges a higher fee for checked bags than American Airlines. Second, American Airlines offers more frequent discounts and promotions than United Airlines. Finally, American Airlines has a larger network of flights, which means you may be able to find a cheaper flight on American Airlines than on United Airlines.

Route Network and Flight Schedules

Both United and American Airlines have extensive route networks that cover the globe. However, there are a few key differences between the two airlines.

First, United Airlines has a stronger presence in international markets. The airline flies to more than 120 countries, while American Airlines only flies to about 60 countries. Second, United Airlines has more direct flights to popular destinations than American Airlines. For example, United Airlines offers direct flights from New York to London, while American Airlines does not.

Customer Service and Amenities

Both United and American Airlines have good customer service ratings. However, there are a few key differences between the two airlines.

First, United Airlines offers a wider variety of amenities than American Airlines. For example, United Airlines offers free Wi-Fi on all flights, while American Airlines only offers free Wi-Fi on select flights. Second, United Airlines has a more generous baggage policy than American Airlines. United Airlines allows passengers to check two bags for free, while American Airlines only allows passengers to check one bag for free.

Ultimately, the best airline for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the cheapest flights, then American Airlines may be a better option for you. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive route network, direct flights, and better customer service, then United Airlines may be a better option for you.

Airline Pros Cons
United Airlines
  • Largest global airline network
  • Frequent flyer program with many benefits
  • Good customer service
  • Can be more expensive than other airlines
  • Some flights have long layovers
  • Not as many direct flights as other airlines
American Airlines
  • Good selection of flights to many destinations
  • Award-winning customer service
  • Reasonably priced flights
  • Can be crowded during peak travel times
  • Some flights have long layovers
  • Not as many direct flights as other airlines

Comparison of Airline Amenities

When choosing an airline, it’s important to consider the amenities that are offered. Both United and American Airlines offer a variety of amenities, but there are some key differences between the two.

Lounge Access

United Airlines offers access to its United Club lounges for all passengers in first class and United Polaris business class. United Club members and those with certain credit cards can also access United Club lounges. American Airlines offers access to its Admirals Club lounges for all passengers in first class and American Airlines Flagship business class. Admirals Club members and those with certain credit cards can also access Admirals Club lounges.

In-Flight Entertainment

United Airlines offers a variety of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, music, and games. United’s in-flight entertainment system is available on all flights over 2 hours. American Airlines offers a similar selection of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, music, and games. American’s in-flight entertainment system is available on all flights over 3 hours.

Food and Beverage

United Airlines offers a variety of food and beverage options, including complimentary snacks and drinks on all flights. United also offers a paid meal service on flights over 5 hours. American Airlines offers a similar selection of food and beverage options, including complimentary snacks and drinks on all flights. American also offers a paid meal service on flights over 6 hours.

Wi-Fi

United Airlines offers complimentary Wi-Fi on all flights over 2 hours. American Airlines offers complimentary Wi-Fi on all flights over 3 hours.

Comparison of Airline Policies

In addition to amenities, it’s also important to consider the policies of an airline when choosing one. Both United and American Airlines have similar policies, but there are some key differences.

Baggage Fees

United Airlines charges a fee for checked bags. The fee for the first checked bag is $30 for domestic flights and $60 for international flights. The fee for the second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights and $100 for international flights. American Airlines charges a fee for checked bags. The fee for the first checked bag is $30 for domestic flights and $50 for international flights. The fee for the second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights and $100 for international flights.

Change Fees

United Airlines charges a fee for changing a flight. The fee for changing a flight is $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights. American Airlines charges a fee for changing a flight. The fee for changing a flight is $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights.

Cancellation Fees

United Airlines charges a fee for cancelling a flight. The fee for cancelling a flight is $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights. American Airlines charges a fee for cancelling a flight. The fee for cancelling a flight is $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights.

Pet Policies

United Airlines allows pets in the cabin for a fee. The fee for bringing a pet in the cabin is $125 for one pet and $200 for two pets. American Airlines allows pets in the cabin for a fee. The fee for bringing a pet in the cabin is $125 for one pet and $200 for two pets.

Ultimately, the best airline for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an airline with a variety of amenities, United Airlines may be a better choice. If you’re looking for an airline with affordable fares, American Airlines may be a better choice.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between United Airlines and American Airlines:

| Feature | United Airlines | American Airlines |
|—|—|—|
| Lounge Access | United Club for first class and United Polaris business class passengers, United Club members, and those with certain credit cards | Admirals Club for first class and American Airlines Flagship business class passengers, Admirals Club members, and those with certain credit cards |
| In-Flight Entertainment | Movies, TV shows, music, and games | Movies, TV shows, music, and games |
| Food and Beverage | Complimentary snacks and drinks on all flights, paid meal service on flights over 5 hours | Complimentary snacks and drinks on all flights, paid meal service on flights over 6 hours |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary Wi-Fi on all flights over 2 hours | Complimentary Wi-Fi on all flights over 3 hours |
| Baggage Fees |

Comparison of Airline Customer Service

When it comes to customer service, United Airlines and American Airlines are two of the biggest names in the industry. Both airlines have a long history of providing passengers with a safe and comfortable journey. However, there are some key differences between the two airlines in terms of their customer service offerings.

Ease of Booking

United Airlines and American Airlines both offer a variety of ways to book flights, including online, through a travel agent, or by calling the airline directly. However, United Airlines has a slight edge in terms of ease of booking. The airline’s website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and the airline offers a variety of tools to help passengers find the best deals on flights. American Airlines’ website is also user-friendly, but it does not offer as many tools as United Airlines’ website. Additionally, American Airlines has a reputation for being more difficult to reach by phone than United Airlines.

Response Time to Customer Service Requests

Both United Airlines and American Airlines offer a variety of ways to contact customer service, including online chat, phone calls, and email. However, United Airlines has a slight edge in terms of response time. The airline typically responds to customer service requests within 24 hours, while American Airlines typically responds within 48 hours.

Resolving Customer Complaints

When it comes to resolving customer complaints, United Airlines and American Airlines have similar track records. Both airlines have a commitment to resolving customer complaints in a timely and efficient manner. However, United Airlines has a slight edge in terms of customer satisfaction. The airline’s customer satisfaction rating is slightly higher than American Airlines’ customer satisfaction rating.

Overall Customer Satisfaction

Overall, United Airlines and American Airlines are both well-respected airlines with a long history of providing passengers with a safe and comfortable journey. However, United Airlines has a slight edge in terms of customer service. The airline’s website is easier to use, the airline responds to customer service requests more quickly, and the airline has a higher customer satisfaction rating than American Airlines.

Comparison of Airline Reputation

In addition to customer service, airline reputation is another important factor to consider when choosing an airline. Both United Airlines and American Airlines have a long history in the industry, and both airlines have a strong reputation for safety. However, there are some key differences between the two airlines in terms of their reputation.

Industry Awards

United Airlines has a slightly better reputation than American Airlines in terms of industry awards. The airline has won numerous awards for its safety record, its customer service, and its on-board amenities. American Airlines has also won a number of awards, but not as many as United Airlines.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

United Airlines has a slightly better customer satisfaction rating than American Airlines. The airline’s customer satisfaction rating is 4.2 out of 5, while American Airlines’ customer satisfaction rating is 4.0 out of 5.

Media Coverage

United Airlines has received more negative media coverage than American Airlines in recent years. The airline has been criticized for its frequent flight delays and cancellations, as well as for its high baggage fees. American Airlines has also received some negative media coverage, but not as much as United Airlines.

Social Media Presence

United Airlines and American Airlines both have a strong social media presence. The airlines use social media to promote their products and services, as well as to interact with customers. United Airlines has a slightly larger social media following than American Airlines.

Overall, United Airlines and American Airlines have similar reputations. Both airlines have a long history in the industry, and both airlines have a strong reputation for safety. However, United Airlines has a slightly better reputation than American Airlines in terms of industry awards, customer satisfaction ratings, and media coverage.

When it comes to choosing an airline, there are a number of factors to consider, including customer service, reputation, and price. Both United Airlines and American Airlines are well-respected airlines with a long history in the industry. However, United Airlines has a slight edge in terms of customer service and reputation. If you are looking for an airline with a strong reputation for safety and customer service, United Airlines is a good option. If you are looking for an airline with a slightly lower price point, American Airlines is a good option.

Which airline is better, United or American?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best airline for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, we can compare the two airlines on a number of factors to help you make a more informed decision.

**Pricing**

United and American are both major airlines with a wide range of fares to choose from. In general, United tends to be slightly more expensive than American, but there are often deals and discounts available to help you save money.

**Flights**

Both United and American offer a variety of flights to destinations around the world. United has a slightly larger route network than American, but both airlines offer direct flights to many major cities.

**Customer service**

United and American have both received mixed reviews for their customer service. In general, United has been praised for its friendly and helpful staff, while American has been criticized for its long wait times and inconsistent service.

**Overall, there is no clear winner between United and American. The best airline for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:

  • Your budget. How much are you willing to spend on your flight?
  • Your travel dates. Are you flexible with your travel dates?
  • Your destination. Which cities are you interested in visiting?
  • Your preferred airline alliance. Do you have any loyalty points or miles with a particular airline alliance?

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about which airline is the best choice for you.

Additional resources:

  • [United Airlines](https://www.united.com/)
  • [American Airlines](https://www.aa.com/)
  • [Airline comparison websites](https://www.kayak.com/airlines/compare/)

    there is no definitive answer to the question of which airline is better between United and American. Both airlines have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the best airline for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, based on the factors discussed in this article, it appears that United Airlines is the better choice for most travelers. It offers a wider range of destinations, more frequent flights, and better customer service than American Airlines. Additionally, United’s loyalty program is more generous, and its economy class seats are more comfortable. However, American Airlines does have some advantages over United, such as its larger fleet and more extensive international reach. Ultimately, the best way to decide which airline is right for you is to compare their offerings and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.