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United States-based airlines are navigating a unique period in the first quarter of 2025 as the market shifts towards premium cabins. According to travel data company OAG, four of the 13 major carriers have scheduled fewer seats this quarter compared to last year. Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines have all reduced their capacity.
Spirit Airlines, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024, cut its seat capacity by 14.9%. Meanwhile, Sun Country Airlines has focused on expanding its cargo network with Amazon, adding eight Boeing 737-800 freighters through an amended agreement.
Conversely, some airlines are increasing their capacity. Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines have expanded their quarterly seats by 3.7%, 10%, and 5.7% respectively. Smaller carriers like Allegiant Air and Avelo Airlines have also seen significant growth.
