Southwest Airlines vs United Airlines: Which Is Better?

Choosing to fly, whether for work or pleasure, can be anxious and exciting. When passengers compare United and Southwest Airlines, they often find themselves confused about where to begin. Both of these airlines are well-known, with their enormous and sophisticated fleets, and offer a wide network of routes both domestically and abroad.

Although these airlines fly together, their approaches to in-flight amenities, cost, passenger comfort, and customer satisfaction differ significantly. Therefore, we’ve put up a guide to compare two major airlines, United and Southwest.

While United Airlines, one of the world’s largest airlines, is renowned for its global presence, Southwest Airlines stays current by offering affordable airline tickets to travelers worldwide and is well-known for its flexibility and generous baggage allowance.

Explore this comprehensive comparison of United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, which includes all pros and cons, as well as highlights their policies, in-flight amenities, and other key aspects.

Southwest Airlines vs United Airlines: Quick Comparison Table

Here is a quick rundown of the features of the United and Southwest Airlines.

Route Network Comparison: Southwest vs United Airlines Destinations

When deciding between United and Southwest Airlines, your travel plans will determine which option is best. United Airlines has a broad worldwide network of 350+ destinations in 70 countries, whereas Southwest Airlines concentrates on economical, domestic travel with select international destinations. Here’s a breakdown of the primary routes and destinations of Southwest and United Airlines:

Southwest Airlines:

• Domestic Network: Serve 210+ U.S. cities
• International Network: 120+ destinations across six continents.
• Popular Destinations: Europe, Asia, Australia, South America

United Airlines:

• Domestic Network: 120+ U.S. locations
• International Network: 11 countries primarily in North America, Europe, Asia, & Latin America.
• Popular Destinations: Mexico, Cuba, Aruba, Belize, Costa Rica

Cabin Classes Comfort & In-Flight Experience: Southwest vs United

Cabin Classes or Seating Comfort:

Both airlines offer travelers several seating classes with a range of amenities, including greater reclines, different legroom, and meal options. You may get comprehensive details about these seating classes here.

In-Flight Experience

With several cabin classes, from Basic Economy to Polaris Business, each with differing degrees of comfort and amenities, United Airlines provides a more conventional travel experience.

• Depending on your ticket class and route, many United aircraft offer free snacks or meals, seatback displays, and in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Full food service and better seats are features of premium cabins, while Economy Plus offers more legroom for a price.

On the other hand, Southwest Airlines maintains simplicity with its single-class cabin and its well-known open seating policy, which allows passengers to select any available seat once they are on board.

• Although Southwest does not provide seatback displays, it offers free personal device streaming entertainment, free food, and informal, welcoming service.
• The airline is frequently praised for its friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere, and Wi-Fi is available for purchase.

Baggage Policy: Which Airline Has Lower Fees — Southwest or United?

When it comes to luggage allowance, Southwest Airlines is the best deal overall, especially for passengers who are bringing more than one bag.

Loyalty Programs: Rapid Rewards vs MileagePlus

If you are a frequent flier with United or Southwest Airlines, you have probably heard about the loyalty programs that the airlines provide to their loyal customers. United MileagePlus gives global coverage and elite benefits, whereas Southwest Rapid Rewards offers flexible redemption options, unlimited reward seats, and a companion pass.

United Airlines:

• United’s MileagePlus program allows users to earn miles for flights, partner airlines, and ordinary flight purchases.
• United points never expire and can be used for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and other rewards.
• Higher-tier members receive complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access.

Southwest Airlines:

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is renowned for its ease and adaptability. With no limit periods, members can simply exchange their points for flights, hotels, and rental cars as they earn them. Perks include:

• Unlimited reward seats.
• Points never expire.
• Free flights with a specified traveler when using a companion pass
• A-List designation with priority boarding and additional points.

Reliability of United vs Southwest

United has a superior reputation when it comes to on-time performance and cancellation rates, while Southwest has fewer landing delays, almost none at all.

Southwest Airlines Performance:

• Southwest’s on-time rate was 74.7%, which means around three out of every four flights landed on schedule.
• It has the highest cancellation rate of any U.S. airline, with a 2.75%, even surpassing budget airlines Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
• Compared to United Airlines, the airline had a lower percentage of lost or delayed luggage (0.56%).
• Highly praised for free checked baggage, no change costs, and amiable service.

United Airlines Performance:

• With a 78.89% on-time arrival rate, United’s flights were more reliable than Southwest’s.
• It also had a substantially lower cancellation rate (1.73%).
• However, United had a 0.68% rate of lost or delayed bags due to improper baggage handling.

Travelers’ Opinions: United vs Southwest

Although Southwest received praise for its welcoming staff, luggage benefits, and straightforward policies, it is criticized for its inadequate communication during delays.

However, United receives bad evaluations for its inconsistent support and handling of misplaced baggage, despite earning support for its superior service and technology. Here is some feedback from United and Southwest Airlines’ passengers:

• Southwest is my preferred domestic airline because of its welcoming staff and complimentary checked baggage.
• My bag was delayed at Southwest, but they made an amazing recovery by delivering it to my hotel the following morning.
• Polaris Business Class was amazing, with comfortable seats and outstanding service, but the airline’s luggage handling service is terrible.
• The flight went smoothly and on schedule; however, the gate crew appeared overworked and unappreciated.

Credit Card Availability: United vs Southwest Airlines

United and Southwest both offer co-branded credit cards with notable incentives, such as purchase points and travel privileges, such as free checked bags and priority boarding. Here’s a detailed comparison between Southwest and United Airlines:

United Airlines Credit Cards:

• Cards available include United Explorer, United Quest, and United Club.
• Earn infinite rewards: MileagePlus miles for daily purchases, plus extra miles for United flights.
• Benefits: It includes checked bags, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges with specific cards.

Southwest Airlines Credit Cards:

• Available cards include Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus, Premier, and Priority.
• Earning rewards: Rapid Rewards points for purchases, and additional points for Southwest flights.
• Benefits: Free checked baggage, early boarding, anniversary points, and no blackout dates.

Pricing: Which Airline Offers Better Value?

When selecting an airline, fare classes and ticket prices are important considerations. The table below illustrates the pricing styles and fare classes of Southwest and United Airlines.

Southwest Airlines:

• Southwest Airlines is the clear leader when it comes to low-cost airline tickets since it offers affordable flights for anyone.
• The airline offers round-trip flights starting at $97 and one-way tickets starting at just $49, making it affordable for all budgets.
• The airlines also offer their customers several discounts and promotions, making it simple and affordable for them to purchase airline tickets.

United Airlines:

• United Airlines’ flight tickets are typically more expensive than Southwest Airlines’ in all seating classes.
• Depending on the trip distance, United Airlines offers a range of rates, with one-way tickets starting at about $50 to $1,000.
• United Airlines offers several perks, including bundled vacation packages, elite status advantages, and discounted tickets for military personnel, in addition to its usual rates.

Which Airline Is Better for You: United vs Southwest

Here is a summarizing table to help decide between Southwest and United Airlines based on travelers’ travel style, preferences, and needs.

Your decision between Southwest and United Airlines is based on what is most important to you – budget, flexibility, or premium benefits. Southwest Airlines is a great option if you want a hassle-free, low-cost vacation and are traveling domestically with luggage.

Passengers can travel freely to their destination thanks to its courteous services, generous baggage allowance, and no change cost. On the other hand, if you prefer premium services, a variety of class selections, and facilities, consider United Airlines.

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