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Southwest Airlines and American Airlines are two of the largest airlines in the United States. Both airlines have their own unique strengths and it’s important to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision when booking your next flight. In this article, we will compare Southwest Vs American Airlines in terms of their services, pricing, destinations, and other important factors to help you decide which airline is best for you. Let’s take a closer look at these two airlines and see how they measure up against each other.
| Criteria | Southwest Airlines | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Baggage Policy | Allows two checked bags for free and does not charge for carry-on luggage. | Charges for checked bags and carry-on luggage. |
| Seat Selection | Allows passengers to choose their seats for free at the time of booking. | Charges extra fees for advanced seat selection. |
| Flight Routes | Mainly operates in the United States, with some international flights to Mexico and the Caribbean. | Operates globally with flights to Europe, Asia, South America, and more. |
| On-Time Performance | Ranked as one of the best airlines for on-time performance. | Has had some issues with on-time performance in the past. |
| Customer Service | Known for their friendly and helpful customer service. | Has had some customer service complaints in the past. |
When it comes to choosing between Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, there are a few key differences to consider. Southwest Airlines allows two checked bags for free and does not charge for carry-on luggage, while American Airlines charges for both. Additionally, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to choose their seats for free at the time of booking, while American Airlines charges extra fees for advanced seat selection. Southwest Airlines mainly operates in the United States, with some international flights to Mexico and the Caribbean, while American Airlines operates globally with flights to Europe, Asia, South America, and more. Southwest Airlines is known for their friendly and helpful customer service, and is ranked as one of the best airlines for on-time performance. American Airlines has had some issues with on-time performance in the past and has had some customer service complaints.
Southwest Vs American Airlines: In-Depth Comparison Chart
| Criteria | Southwest Airlines | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1967 | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas, United States | Fort Worth, Texas, United States |
| Destinations | 101 | 350+ |
| Fleet Size | 754 | 950+ |
| Number of Employees | 60,000+ | 133,700+ |
| Revenue | $22.43 billion (2019) | $45.76 billion (2019) |
| Baggage Policy | 2 free checked bags and 1 carry-on bag | 1 free checked bag and 1 carry-on bag |
| Check-in Options | Online, mobile, and airport kiosk | Online, mobile, and airport kiosk |
| Loyalty Program | Rapid Rewards | AAdvantage |
| On-time Performance | 79.4% (2019) | 79.4% (2019) |
| Customer Satisfaction | 82/100 (2019) | 74/100 (2019) |
| Food and Beverages | No free meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase | No free meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase |
| Entertainment | No in-flight entertainment available | In-flight entertainment available on select flights |
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Contents
- Southwest Vs American Airlines
- Southwest Vs American Airlines Pros & Cons
- Final Decision: Southwest vs American Airlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the differences between Southwest and American Airlines?
- Which airline is cheaper, Southwest or American Airlines?
- Which airline has better customer service, Southwest or American Airlines?
- Which airline has better amenities, Southwest or American Airlines?
- Which airline is better for frequent flyers, Southwest or American Airlines?
- Southwest Airlines vs American Airlines: Which is better for you?
- How To Print A Boarding Pass For United Airlines?
- Are American Airline Tickets Cheaper At The Airport?
- How To Sign Up For American Airlines Frequent Flyer?
Southwest Vs American Airlines
In this article, we will compare Southwest Airlines and American Airlines to help you make an informed decision when choosing an airline for your next trip.
1. Flight Routes
Southwest Airlines has a more limited route network compared to American Airlines, which has more than 350 destinations worldwide. However, Southwest Airlines focuses on domestic flights within the United States, which means they have more frequent flights to popular destinations.
American Airlines, on the other hand, covers both domestic and international destinations, making it a better choice if you’re traveling abroad.
Overall, it depends on your travel needs and destination preferences when deciding which airline to choose.
2. Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags and one carry-on bag per passenger. They also have a generous policy when it comes to overweight and oversized bags.
American Airlines, on the other hand, charges for checked bags and has a maximum weight and size limit for both checked and carry-on bags. However, they offer elite status members and credit card holders free checked bags.
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, Southwest Airlines might be the better choice for you. However, if you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, their baggage policy might be more advantageous.
3. In-Flight Amenities
Both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines offer in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi on most of their flights. American Airlines has a wider selection of movies, TV shows, and music, while Southwest Airlines offers free live TV and music streaming.
Southwest Airlines also offers free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights, while American Airlines only offers complimentary snacks and drinks on select flights.
If you value in-flight amenities, American Airlines might be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer free entertainment and snacks, Southwest Airlines is a great option.
4. Pricing
Southwest Airlines is known for their low fares and lack of hidden fees. They also offer a price match guarantee, which means you can get a refund if you find a lower fare on another website.
American Airlines has competitive pricing, but they do charge for some services that Southwest Airlines offers for free, such as checked bags and in-flight snacks.
Overall, it depends on your budget and travel needs when deciding which airline to choose.
5. Loyalty Programs
Both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or miles for every flight you take. You can then use these points or miles to redeem flights, upgrades, and other rewards.
Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program has been ranked as one of the best in the industry, with no blackout dates and unlimited reward seats. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program also offers a lot of perks for frequent flyers, such as priority boarding and free checked bags.
If you’re a frequent flyer, it’s worth considering the loyalty programs when choosing an airline.
6. Customer Service
Both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have a reputation for good customer service. Southwest Airlines is known for their friendly and helpful staff, while American Airlines has received praise for their response to customer complaints and issues.
Overall, customer service can be a deciding factor when choosing an airline, especially if you encounter any issues during your trip.
7. On-Time Performance
According to recent statistics, Southwest Airlines has a better on-time performance compared to American Airlines. However, this can vary depending on the route and time of year.
If punctuality is important to you, it’s worth doing some research and checking the on-time performance for your specific flight.
8. Safety Record
Both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have a good safety record. However, American Airlines has had a few incidents in the past, including a fatal crash in 2019.
If safety is a top priority for you, it’s worth considering the safety record of each airline.
9. Environmental Impact
Southwest Airlines has taken several steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as investing in fuel-efficient planes and implementing recycling programs. American Airlines has also made efforts to reduce their environmental impact, but they still have room for improvement.
If you’re environmentally conscious, you might want to consider the airline’s efforts to reduce their environmental impact when choosing an airline.
10. Overall Experience
When it comes down to it, the overall experience of flying with Southwest Airlines or American Airlines will depend on your personal preferences and travel needs.
Southwest Airlines is known for their friendly and laid-back atmosphere, while American Airlines offers a more formal and polished experience.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which airline offers the best experience for your trip.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
Southwest Vs American Airlines Pros & Cons
Pros of Southwest Airlines
- Lower fares and no baggage fees
- Flexible change and cancellation policies
- Open seating allows for more flexibility and less stress
- Free snacks and drinks on all flights
- Excellent customer service
Cons of Southwest Airlines
- Limited number of destinations
- No first class or business class seating options
- No assigned seating can be inconvenient for families or groups
- No in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi
- No international flights
Pros of American Airlines
- Wider range of destinations, including international flights
- Multiple seating options, including first class and business class
- In-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi available on most flights
- Option to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles
- Ability to use lounges in airports
Cons of American Airlines
- Higher fares and baggage fees
- Less flexible change and cancellation policies
- Smaller seats and limited legroom on some flights
- Less friendly customer service
- Delayed flights and lost baggage can be common
Final Decision: Southwest vs American Airlines
After careful consideration and analysis of both Southwest and American Airlines, it is our opinion that Southwest is the better option.
Firstly, Southwest offers lower fares on average compared to American Airlines. Additionally, Southwest does not charge for baggage fees, which can save passengers a significant amount of money.
Secondly, Southwest has a better track record for on-time departures and arrivals compared to American Airlines. This can be a crucial factor for passengers who need to arrive at their destination on time.
Lastly, Southwest’s customer service is consistently rated higher than American Airlines. This can make a significant difference in the overall passenger experience.
Reasons for Choosing Southwest as the Winner
- Lower fares on average
- No baggage fees
- Better track record for on-time departures and arrivals
- Higher rated customer service
Frequently Asked Questions
Southwest and American Airlines are two major airlines in the United States. Both airlines offer domestic and international flights, but there are some differences between them. Here are some frequently asked questions about Southwest vs. American Airlines.
What are the differences between Southwest and American Airlines?
One of the main differences between Southwest and American Airlines is their business models. Southwest operates a low-cost carrier model, which means that they offer fewer frills but charge lower fares. On the other hand, American Airlines operates a full-service carrier model, which means that they offer more amenities and charge higher fares.
Another difference between the two airlines is their route networks. Southwest primarily operates in the United States and the Caribbean, while American Airlines has a larger international network that includes Europe, Asia, and South America.
Which airline is cheaper, Southwest or American Airlines?
Overall, Southwest is usually cheaper than American Airlines. Southwest’s low-cost carrier model allows them to offer lower fares than American Airlines. Additionally, Southwest does not charge fees for checked bags or flight changes, which can save passengers money.
However, it’s worth noting that American Airlines may offer cheaper fares for certain routes or during certain times of the year. It’s always a good idea to compare prices between the two airlines before booking a flight.
Which airline has better customer service, Southwest or American Airlines?
Both airlines have a reputation for good customer service, but Southwest is often considered to have better customer service. Southwest is known for its friendly and personable flight attendants, who often go out of their way to make passengers feel comfortable.
Additionally, Southwest has a unique boarding process that is designed to reduce stress and improve the customer experience. Passengers are assigned a boarding group and then board the plane in order, which eliminates the need to rush to get a good seat.
Which airline has better amenities, Southwest or American Airlines?
Overall, American Airlines has better amenities than Southwest. American Airlines offers in-flight entertainment, including movies and TV shows, on many of its flights. Additionally, American Airlines has a frequent flyer program that allows passengers to earn miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other perks.
Southwest, on the other hand, does not offer in-flight entertainment on most of its flights. However, they do offer free Wi-Fi on all of their planes, which can be a valuable amenity for many passengers.
Which airline is better for frequent flyers, Southwest or American Airlines?
For frequent flyers, American Airlines is usually the better choice. American Airlines has a larger route network and offers more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles. Additionally, American Airlines has partnerships with many other airlines around the world, which allows frequent flyers to earn and redeem miles on a wider range of flights.
However, for those who primarily fly within the United States, Southwest may be a better choice. Southwest’s low-cost carrier model and lack of fees for checked bags and flight changes can make it a more affordable option for frequent flyers.
Southwest Airlines vs American Airlines: Which is better for you?
In conclusion, the ongoing debate of Southwest vs American Airlines has been a topic of discussion for years. Both airlines provide unique experiences and benefits to their passengers. Southwest stands out with their no-frills approach and low prices, while American Airlines offers a wider range of amenities and services.
Ultimately, the choice between the two airlines depends on personal preferences and needs. For those looking to save money and don’t mind sacrificing some luxuries, Southwest may be the better option. For those who value a more comfortable and convenient experience, American Airlines may be the way to go.
Regardless of which airline you choose, both Southwest and American Airlines have proven to be reliable and safe options for air travel. So whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, rest assured that both airlines will get you to your destination safely and efficiently.
