American Airlines vs. United Airlines — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 21, 2024
American Airlines and United Airlines are major U.S. airlines, with American known for its extensive network and United for its global reach and Star Alliance membership.
Difference Between American Airlines and United Airlines
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
American Airlines, founded in 1926, is one of the world's largest airlines by fleet size and passengers carried. United Airlines, established in 1926 as well, is also a major airline known for its extensive international and domestic network.
American Airlines is recognized for having a significant presence in the Central and South American markets. United Airlines, on the other hand, is known for its strong global presence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, partly due to its membership in the Star Alliance network.
In terms of fleet, American Airlines operates a wide range of aircraft, including the latest models from Boeing and Airbus. United Airlines also has a diverse fleet, and it was one of the first to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner into commercial service.
American Airlines is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and operates out of ten hubs, with Dallas/Fort Worth being its largest. United Airlines is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a significant hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Both airlines offer various cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class. However, their in-flight services, frequent flyer programs, and customer experience policies may differ, catering to different passenger preferences.
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Comparison Chart
Foundation Year
1926
1926
Market Strength
Strong in Central/South America
Strong global presence, especially in Asia-Pacific
Fleet Composition
Wide range, including latest Boeing and Airbus
Diverse, early adopter of Boeing 787
Headquarters
Fort Worth, Texas
Chicago, Illinois
Major Hubs
Dallas/Fort Worth
Chicago O'Hare
Compare with Definitions
American Airlines
American Airlines is one of the largest U.S. airlines with an extensive flight network.
She flew with American Airlines to visit family in Brazil.
United Airlines
Based in Chicago, with a key hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
She took a connecting flight through United Airlines' Chicago O'Hare hub.
American Airlines
Known for its significant operations in Central and South America.
American Airlines offers frequent flights to various cities in Mexico.
United Airlines
United Airlines is a major American airline with a strong international presence.
He frequently flies United Airlines for his business trips to Asia.
American Airlines
Headquartered in Texas with Dallas/Fort Worth as its largest hub.
He connected through American Airlines' hub at Dallas/Fort Worth.
United Airlines
Member of the Star Alliance, offering extensive global connections.
Her United Airlines flight was part of a Star Alliance round-the-world ticket.
American Airlines
Operates a modern fleet with a variety of aircraft models.
On her last trip, she flew on a new Airbus operated by American Airlines.
United Airlines
Provides a range of cabin classes, including business and economy.
On his United Airlines flight, he appreciated the extra legroom in economy plus.
American Airlines
Offers several cabin class options, including premium economy and first class.
She enjoyed the comfort of first class on her American Airlines flight.
United Airlines
Early adopter of advanced aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The United Airlines Boeing 787 offered a comfortable flight experience.
Common Curiosities
Which airline offers better in-flight entertainment?
This can vary based on the aircraft and route but both airlines invest in in-flight entertainment.
Are American Airlines and United Airlines part of any airline alliance?
American is part of the Oneworld alliance, while United is a member of Star Alliance.
Can I book international flights on both airlines?
Yes, both airlines offer extensive international flight options.
Do both airlines fly to Europe?
Yes, both American and United offer flights to various European destinations.
Which airline is better for travel within the U.S.?
Both are strong contenders for domestic travel, often depending on the specific route and hub locations.
Which airline has a larger fleet, American or United?
American Airlines typically has a larger fleet.
Do both airlines charge for checked baggage?
Generally, yes, though policies may vary based on fare type and frequent flyer status.
Which airline has more premium seating options?
Both offer comparable premium seating, but the specifics can vary by aircraft and route.
Do American and United have similar on-time performance records?
On-time performance can vary; it's best to check current statistics for the latest information.
Do both airlines offer Wi-Fi on flights?
Yes, both American and United generally offer Wi-Fi on their flights.
Do American and United serve meals on international flights?
Yes, both airlines typically provide meal service on international flights.
Which airline has a better business class product?
This can depend on the specific aircraft and personal preferences; both offer competitive business class products.
Can I earn frequent flyer miles with both airlines?
Yes, each airline has its own frequent flyer program.
How do the customer service experiences compare between the two airlines?
Customer service experiences can vary; it's advisable to check recent reviews and ratings for each airline.
Which airline has a more extensive route network in South America?
American Airlines generally has a more extensive network in South America.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
