Quantcast

US airlines ranked by average domestic flight length

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
US airlines ranked by average domestic flight length
Policy
Webp my4djcnixmixw1ksf655oqjccs0m
Tom Boon Content Manager | Simple Flying

JetBlue Airways has the longest domestic stage length in the United States, averaging 1,026 nautical miles (1,901 kilometers). In comparison, major carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines have average distances below the industry standard. Southwest Airlines ranks 11th out of the 13 carriers examined.

In July 2024, the average US domestic passenger flight covers 678 nautical miles (1,255 kilometers), according to data analyzed from OAG encompassing every service, carrier, and equipment used. This analysis highlights JetBlue's prominent position with its longer stage lengths primarily due to numerous transcontinental services originating from New York JFK, Boston, and Florida. Additionally, flights from mainland US to Puerto Rico contribute significantly as they are considered domestic routes. JetBlue operates 63 domestic routes exceeding 1,026 nautical miles, with 37% of its July flights surpassing this distance.

The study also provides insights into United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. Despite operating over half of all domestic US services collectively, these airlines rank lower by stage length: United is ninth, Delta is tenth, and American is thirteenth. All three fall below the average for the analyzed airlines (793 nautical miles or 1,440 kilometers), with only American falling below the combined average for all domestic US carriers.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

A significant factor influencing these results is the prevalence of short spokes feeding into multiple hubs maintained by each airline. Regional jets (RJs) play a critical role in this connectivity strategy; 42% of their domestic services utilize RJs. The combined stage length for RJ-operated flights among these three carriers averages just 398 nautical miles (721 kilometers) across more than 1,280 routes. Conversely, mainline services without RJs have a higher average stage length of 881 nautical miles (1,632 kilometers).

Southwest Airlines' relatively low figure of 677 nautical miles (1,254 kilometers) supports its aircraft productivity model by facilitating more sectors per day. Approximately 44% of Southwest's flights fall within this distance range. This operational efficiency parallels that of European ultra-low-cost carrier Ryanair.

Interestingly, there is a notable difference between Southwest and ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines regarding stage lengths; Spirit's is approximately one-quarter higher due to a greater number of transcontinental routes and overnight services—a service model Southwest reportedly plans to adopt.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Air India has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, commencing on June 15, 2025.

May 5, 2025

Allegiant Air announced a limited-time promotion on May 1, 2025, offering Allways Rewards members up to $50 off bookings of $200 or more with promo code LOVEALLWAYS.

May 5, 2025

Airlines for America announced its gratitude to President Donald J. Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for their commitment to modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system.

May 5, 2025

Finnair has announced the cancellation of approximately 100 flights on May 5, 2025, due to industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union at Helsinki Airport.

May 5, 2025

EVA Air has announced its participation in the 2025 Taiwanese Heritage Night at Angel Stadium, where it will offer giveaways and a chance to win a free trip to Taiwan.

May 5, 2025

Copa Airlines has announced a new codeshare partnership with Volaris, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Mexico and Latin America.

May 5, 2025