US Domestic Airlines: A Complete Guide to America’s Top Carriers
Planning to fly within the United States? Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family, or taking a quick getaway, choosing the right US domestic airlines can significantly affect your trip experience, convenience, and cost.
At Airfare Compare USA, we make it easy to compare fares, policies, and services of major US domestic airlines. Our powerful search engine helps you find the best airline based on price, baggage rules, in-flight service, and flexibility.
What Are US Domestic Airlines?
US domestic airlines operate flights within the United States, connecting major metropolitan hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago with regional airports and smaller cities. These airlines form the backbone of America’s vast air travel network.
Domestic airlines in the US serve millions of passengers daily, offering crucial links for work, family, and leisure travel. With dozens of routes to choose from, it’s important to understand your options before booking.
Types of US Domestic Airlines
There are two main categories of US domestic airlines:
Full-Service Airlines
-
Offer amenities like in-flight meals, seat selection, and Wi-Fi
-
Multiple fare classes including first class and business
-
Frequent flyer programs and lounge access
Low-Cost Airlines
-
Focus on cheap base fares, with added fees for extras
-
Great for budget-conscious travelers or short trips
-
Limited onboard services but competitive schedules
Most Popular US Domestic Airlines
Let’s take a look at the major US domestic airlines that dominate the national airspace:
Southwest Airlines
Known for free checked bags (two per passenger), no change fees, and excellent customer service. A top choice for flexibility.
Delta Air Lines
Reliable schedules, clean planes, and strong customer satisfaction. Delta is a leader among full-service US domestic airlines.
American Airlines
One of the “Big Three” US airlines. Offers extensive domestic routes and multiple cabin options.
United Airlines
Known for frequent flights, loyalty programs, and upgraded cabins. A strong full-service carrier.
Spirit Airlines
One of the lowest-cost carriers. Extra fees apply for bags and seat selection but unbeatable for short, no-frills trips.
Frontier Airlines
Ultra-low fares for basic travel needs. Ideal for passengers who travel light and want the cheapest fare available.
Quick Comparison of Top US Domestic Airlines
| Airline | Carry-On Bag | Checked Bag | Change Fees | Wi-Fi | Seat Selection | Snacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | ✅ Free | ✅✅ Free | ❌ None | ✅ | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes |
| Delta | ✅ Included | ❌ (varies) | ❌ Flexible | ✅ | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes |
| American | ✅ Included | ❌ (basic) | ❌ Flexible | ✅ | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes |
| United | ✅ Included | ❌ (basic) | ❌ Flexible | ✅ | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes |
| Spirit | ❌ (extra) | ❌ (extra) | ✅ Yes | ❌ | ✅ (extra fee) | ❌ No |
| Frontier | ❌ (extra) | ❌ (extra) | ✅ Yes | ❌ | ✅ (extra fee) | ❌ No |
Major Routes
-
New York ↔ Los Angeles
-
Chicago ↔ Miami
-
Atlanta ↔ Orlando
-
Dallas ↔ Las Vegas
Cheapest Routes
-
Denver ↔ Phoenix (Frontier, Southwest)
-
San Diego ↔ Las Vegas (Spirit, Allegiant)
-
Boston ↔ Washington D.C. (JetBlue, Delta)
These routes are frequently served by multiple US domestic airlines, giving travelers plenty of options to compare.
Tips for Choosing the Best Domestic Airline
1. Consider Baggage Needs
If you carry checked bags, Southwest is the only major US domestic airline offering two free checked bags.
2. Check Change Policies
Need flexibility? Choose Delta or United, both known for waived or low change fees.
3. Look Beyond the Base Fare
Low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier may charge for everything—seats, bags, boarding passes. Be sure to compare the total cost of flying with each airline.
Explore Airline Profiles
Looking to learn more about specific US domestic airlines? Visit our detailed guides:
Each profile includes policies, pros and cons, and booking tips.
Compare US Domestic Airlines with Airfare Compare USA
At Airfare Compare USA, we simplify your flight search. With just a few clicks, you can compare dozens of US domestic airlines on routes across the country. Whether you’re flying coast to coast or just one state over, we help you find the best fare — fast.
✅ Compare prices
✅ See baggage rules
✅ Filter by airline, layovers, flight time
✅ Book in seconds