Similarities and Differences among Large Airlines in North America
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Canadian Airlines are some of the largest airlines from North America operating regular flights around the world. This article describes some of the key information about these large airlines to help you understand key similarities and differences among them.
AA operates 273 plus destinations worldwide with its hubs in Los Angeles International, Dallas/Ft. Worth Regional 7403 Dfw, Chicago O’Hare and Miami International. Its current fleet size is 974 planes with average age of 12.6 years. According to estimates, 71.8% of its flights maintain a strict timetable.
AA allows passengers to carry one standard size bag with dimensions not exceeding 45 inches and one personal bag dimensions not exceeding 36 inches. Passengers can carry Outerwear, Approved Child Restraint Device, Food, Diaper Bag, Stroller, Food and Mobility or an Assistive Device free of charge. For second and third checked bags, AA charges $40 and $150 respectively to its economy fare passengers. Average legroom in AA flights is 2 feet 7 inches and seats are around 1 foot 6 inches wide.
AAdvantage is AA’s frequent flyer program that awards points to passengers based on miles flown. Passengers can earn free flights, vacation packages, gift cards, class upgrades, rental cars, hotels and so on with their reward points. A passenger needs to earn at least 12,500 Award points to redeem a flight within the continental United States.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”) is another major U.S. based airline that operates regular flights across all continents. It operates approximately 5,400 daily flights in 333 destinations in 64 countries from Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Delta Air Lines is one of the major members of SkyTeam Alliance.
In 2013, in terms of scheduled passengers carried, Delta Air Lines was the largest airline in the world. And it was second largest in that year in terms of capacity and revenue passenger-kilometers flown. The Headquarters and latest hub of Delta Air Lines is located at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia with 9 more domestic hubs. Besides 10 domestic hubs, Delta has three international hubs in Tokyo, Paris and Amsterdam.
The current fleet size of Delta Air Lines is 764 planes with average age of 16.9 years. 84.75% of flights operated by Delta Air Lines leave on time which is fairly better than the average international rate of 75.64%. Delta allows its passengers to carry one standard bag, dimensions not exceeding 45 inches, and one personal bag along with Food, Mobility or Assistive Device, Diaper Bag, Stroller, and an Approved Child Restraint Device free of charge. Delta charges $40 and $75 respectively for 2nd and 3rd additional checked bag. Average legroom in Delta flights is 2 feet 7 inches and seats are 1 foot 6 inches wide.
SkyMiles is Delta’s frequent flyer program that awards points to passengers based on miles flown. Passengers can earn free flights, vacation packages, gift cards, class upgrades, and so on with their reward points. A passenger needs to earn at least 12,500 award points to redeem a flight within the continental United States.
United Airlines
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United Airlines, Inc. (United) is the largest airline in the world based on number of destinations served. United Airlines serves a total of 374 destinations across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. So, the only continent not served by United is South America.
It has a total of 9 hubs including the largest one in George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. United is one of the major members of Star Alliance. Its current fleet size is 710 planes with average age of 13.6 years.
According to estimates, 71.32% of flights operated by United maintain schedule time which is slightly below the average international rate of 75.64%. United allows its passengers to carry one standard bag and one personal bag, dimensions not exceeding 45 inches and 36 inches respectively. Other items that can be carried free of charge include Food, Outerwear, Mobility or Assistive Device, Approved Child Restraint Device, Stroller, and Diaper Bag. For first and second additional checked bag United charges $100 and $200 respectively to economy fare passengers.
MileagePlus is United’s miles based frequent flyer program that awards points to earn free flights, class upgrades, rental cars, hotels, gift-giving options, club/lounge membership, and other gifts and gadgets. A passenger needs to earn at least 12,500 awards points or spend at least $2500 with United to redeem a flight within the continental United States.
Alaska Airlines
Based in Seattle, Washington, Alaska Airlines (AS) is the 7th largest airline in the United States. It serves more than 95 destinations in North and South America. Its only hub is located in Los Angeles International.
The current fleet size of AS is 145 planes with average age of 9.6 years. AS charges its passengers $25 for the first bag, another $25 for the second bag and $75 for the third bag. But passengers traveling within the United States are allowed to carry one free checked bag. Items that can be carried free of charge include Food, Outerwear, Mobility or Assistive Device, Approved Child Restraint Device, Stroller, and Diaper Bag. 81.87% of all the flights operated by AS maintains a strict time schedule which is slightly better than the international average 75.64%.
Average width of AS flight seats is 1 foot 5 inches. AS flights have 2 feet 7 inches legroom. MileagePlan is AS’s miles based frequent flyer program that awards points to earn free flights, class upgrades, rental cars, gift-giving options, and charity donations. A passenger needs to earn at least 12,500 awards points with AS to redeem a flight within the continental United States.
Air Canada
Ninth largest passenger carrier by fleet size and one of the founding members of Star Alliance, Air Canada (AC) is the largest airline and flag carrier of Canada. It operates regular flights in more than 178 destinations across all continents except South America. The only hub of AC is located in Toronto Pearson International Airport.
AC’s current fleet size is 165 planes with average age of 15.3 years. 76.13% of all flights operated by AC leave on time which is just above the international average of 75.64%. Passengers are charged $27, $37, and $105 respectively for first, second and third bags. Passengers are allowed to carry first bag dimensions not exceeding 46 inches and weighting not more than 22 pounds and second bag not exceeding 36 inches in dimensions and 22 pounds in weight. Passengers of AC on an economy fare have 2 feet 7 inches of legroom.
