United VS American Airlines: Which Is Better For You?

Are you wondering the best airline for planning a trip with family or friends? The biggest airline in terms of both financial indicators and passenger volume, American Airlines has a vast network with 6,700 daily flights that serve 350 destinations in 50 countries. Conversely, United Airlines is a strong competitor, with 4,500 daily flights to about 370 destinations across the globe.

This blog compares and contrasts major elements of American Airlines vs United Airlines, such as hub and destination reach, seat comfort, baggage fees, miles account and airline credit card to examine the similarities and differences between American Airlines and United Airlines. With the help of our comprehensive advice, passengers should be able to select the airline that best suits their schedule and have a more enjoyable vacation.

United VS American Airlines: Hubs and Destination

When comparing American Airlines and United Airlines hub and destination services, a number of noteworthy differences emerge that highlight the respective airline's network capabilities and strategic goals.

United Airlines: As a member of the Star Alliance, United Airlines has alliance relationships with about 36 airlines, giving it access to a wider network. Passengers have access to 1,200 airports worldwide thanks to this vast network.
American Airlines: A significant member of the Oneworld alliance, it focuses on providing all-inclusive service to over 350 destinations in 60 countries. It has affiliations with 14 other airlines. It also has a strategic alliance with Alaska Airlines and a notable domestic network.

This comparison between American Airlines vs United international flights highlights how American Airlines prioritizes local and some international routes. At the same time, United Airlines focuses on international connections through the Star Alliance, providing travelers with several alternatives depending on their travel needs.

United VS American Airlines Seats: Economy, First Class, & Business Class

Passengers have a range of options depending on their requirements and tastes while looking through United Vs American Airlines Economy / Premium Economy seats comfort and class offers. Here's a summary of what visitors may expect:

1- American Airlines Vs United Economy

American Economy Class allows passengers to check in with a carry-on bag and select their own seat, making basic economy traveller accommodation more comfortable. It also offers standby and same-day confirmed alternatives, giving travellers more flexibility. American Airlines charges seat selection fees that begin at $21+ for individuals who book in Basic Economy.
United Economy Class on the other hand restricts the amount of carry-on bags that customers may bring and places restrictions on seat choices, which may negatively impact the whole travel experience for those on a tight budget. United Airlines charges seat selection fees that begin at $34+ for individuals who book in Basic Economy.

2- American Airlines VS United Premium Economy

The American Airlines vs United seat size on both carriers have a height of 30 to 31 inches and a width of 17 to 18 inches. For individuals who prefer greater legroom, United Airlines provides Economy Plus seats (also called Premium Economy) with a height of 34–37 inches.

The 33-36 inch height of American Airlines Main Cabin Extra seats places it in a competitive market with United Premium Economy.

3- United VS American Airlines First Class

Both airlines offer luxurious options. First Class seats have a height of 37-40 inches and a width of 20-21 inches, with some offering a fully flatbed feature. First Class on international flights offers fully flatbed seats with direct path access, ensuring privacy and comfort.

United First Class: Flyers on United Airlines are eligible for Premier Access travel privileges. These consist of special security lanes for check-in and boarding, priority luggage handling, and priority boarding.

American First Class: Airline offers flight experiences to locations across continents. Security, boarding, and check-in with priority privileges. In-flight entertainment, flat chairs with a Casper sleep set, upscale amenity kits, superior chef-inspired cuisine

4- United VS American Airlines Business Class

American Airlines is renowned for providing first-class and business class options that are of the highest standard on its international routes. These options include Flagship First Class and Flagship Business Class, which put a priority on comfort and luxury.

United Airlines on the other hand, uses its globally equipped aircraft that includes Polaris Business Class. It places a high priority on enhancing the quality of the passenger experience by offering excellent video entertainment on all of its aircraft, ensuring that all passengers, regardless of class, have a pleasurable trip.

You can also read: How To Correct Misspelled Name American Airlines Ticket?

United Airlines VS American Airlines Baggage & Fees

Planning a budget for travel-related expenses requires an understanding of airline luggage and fee. Below is a thorough analysis comparing the luggage of American Airlines vs United Airlines:

1- Carry-On Bag With Basic Economy

American Airlines: Provides a more economical basic economy experience, allowing carry-on baggage even with basic economy tickets, and allowing seat selection after check-in.
United Airlines: Strict seat selection policies apply, and basic economy passengers are not permitted to bring a full-sized carry-on bag.

2- Charges For Checked Bags:

American Airlines: When paying in advance, the first bag is $30, and the second bag costs $40. The cost structure is the same for domestic flights.
United Airlines: Charges $35 for the first luggage and $45 for the second if paid in advance. If paid for the first luggage on a domestic aircraft within 24 hours of departure, the price rises to $40.

The differences between United Vs American Airlines Baggage Fees are highlighted by this comparison, with Americans often offering lower rates and more accommodating procedures for travelers.

Comparative Analysis American Airlines Miles VS United Miles

One of the primary differences between the frequent flyer programs offered by American Airlines and United Airlines is the networks to which they belong. United Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, while American Airlines is a member of Oneworld.

1- Earning Miles: American Airlines AAdvantage VS United MileagePlus

American Airlines AAdvantage: For every qualified dollar spent on airfare, members of AAdvantage receive five miles. With no limit on the amount of miles earned each ticket, elite members can earn up to 11 miles for every dollar.
United MileagePlus: Similar to AAdvantage, United MileagePlus allows members to accrue up to 11 miles per dollar spent on airfare, with elite-level members earning an additional 5 miles per dollar. Redeeming miles is possible on United and its Star Alliance partners.

2- Redemption And Value: American Airlines AAdvantage VS United MileagePlus

American Airlines AAdvantage: Miles on American and its Oneworld partners can be exchanged for award travel. The program is well-known for its award charts, which provide a predictable redemption value of 1.7 cents each mile.
United MileagePlus: Provides award travel at variable prices that may be redeemed on United and Star Alliance partners. The value of a mile is around 1.2 cents, giving redemption possibilities some flexibility.

American Airlines VS United Credit Card

Analyzing the benefits that are most important to you is part of selecting the best airline credit card. These could be free checked baggage, discounted award flight prices, easier access to award flights, or no foreign transaction taxes. Your decision may also depend on whether or not you are willing to pay an annual fee.

1- United Airlines Credit Card

A variety of credit cards are available from United, ranging from the United Club Infinite Card with full lounge access to the United Gateway Card, which has no annual charge. Here are a few standouts:

The United Gateway Card offers points on purchases, including United flights, gas, and transit, and has no annual fee.
Benefits like priority boarding and a free checked bag are included with the United Explorer Card, which has an annual charge of $95 after the first year.
The United Quest Card comes with anniversary award flight credits, increased earning rates on United purchases, and an annual charge of $250.
For an annual cost of $525, the United Club Infinite Card provides lounge access, improved earning rates on United purchases, and extra travel perks.

2- American Airlines Credit Card

American Airlines offers a variety of credit cards through Citi and Barclays, from luxury cards with lounge access to those with no annual charge. Among the attributes are:

With no annual charge, the AAdvantage MileUp Card earns bonus miles on American Airlines and supermarket purchases.
With numerous methods to accrue miles and yearly travel credits, the AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard comes with an annual fee of $199.
The biggest perks are offered by the $595 annual cost Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which also comes with a substantial bonus mile offer and membership to the Admirals Club lounge.

Conclusion

When it comes to serving specific passenger needs, United Airlines VS American Airlines both have advantages and disadvantages. In our comparison of United Airlines and American Airlines for 2024, American Airlines comes out on top. Though United does have its own advantages, therefore to make an excellent choice while choosing among these airlines, keep in mind your priorities, which include price, comfort, and destination.

For further information on these two airlines, call 1-800-UNITED-1 for United Airlines or 1 (800) 433-7300 for an American Airlines representative. In the event that you do not receive a response from them immediately, you can alternatively contact an online travel agent at +1-866-738-0741 for a quicker response.