Quantcast

US legacy airlines differ in premium cabins, lounges, fleet, and network strategies

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
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
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
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
US legacy airlines differ in premium cabins, lounges, fleet, and network strategies
Policy
Webp 3
Robert D. Isom, CEO and President | American Airlines

The United States air travel market is led by three major airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These carriers have established themselves as the main players in the industry, each offering distinct experiences and strategies to attract customers.

American Airlines stands out as the only one among the three to offer a traditional first class cabin on international flights. Its Flagship Suite provides privacy and modern amenities, including Saks Fifth Avenue bedding. All three airlines offer first class options on domestic routes, but American’s international first class is unique.

Delta Air Lines has shifted away from international first class, instead offering Delta One, which features lie-flat seating and is noted for its food and service quality. Delta’s Premium Select and domestic first class are also part of its premium offerings.

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.

United Airlines provides Polaris Business Class for international flights, which includes larger seats and a 27-inch 4K display. Polaris Studios on the 787 Dreamliner also offer an ottoman for a companion. United has ordered 140 jets with this configuration from Boeing.

When it comes to airport lounges, United’s Polaris Lounges are often rated as the best for international travelers, offering sit-down dining, a variety of food options, shower rooms, and rest areas. Delta’s Sky Clubs are recognized for consistent service, while Delta One Lounges at New York JFK, Boston Logan, and Los Angeles International provide an exclusive experience. American’s Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges are generally seen as less comprehensive, though the Chelsea Lounge at JFK is highly regarded.

Each airline’s main hub reflects its operational strategy. Delta’s base at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, handling over 100 million passengers annually. American Airlines is headquartered at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which it dominates with about 80-85% of the airport’s traffic. United’s main hub is Chicago–O'Hare International Airport, though Denver International Airport is also significant for the airline.

United currently operates the largest fleet among the three, with over 1,050 aircraft. American Airlines has just over 1,000, and Delta’s fleet numbers in the high 900s. United is the largest Boeing customer among the three, with more than half its fleet made up of Boeing 737s. American and Delta have a more balanced mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, though Delta has moved away from Boeing widebodies, operating only Airbus A350s for long-haul routes. None of the three airlines have ordered the Boeing 777X, citing that it does not fit their network needs.

In terms of network and alliances, Delta is considered the leader in domestic coverage, while United has the largest international network in the post-pandemic period. American Airlines has a strong presence in Latin America and Europe but is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, United helped found Star Alliance, and American Airlines is a founding member of oneworld. Star Alliance is currently the largest, with 26 members and coverage of over 1,000 destinations in nearly 200 countries. SkyTeam and oneworld follow with 19 and 15 members, respectively.

These differences in premium offerings, lounges, fleet choices, hub strategies, and alliances shape the identity and competitive positioning of each airline in the evolving U.S. air travel market.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025