American Airlines vs. Southwest: Which One Is Best?

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are two Texas-based air carriers. Both are part of the "Big Four" of U.S. airlines, but American Airlines is generally considered a full-service airline whereas Southwest is considered a low-cost carrier.

We’ll break down where each airline flies, the fees they charge, their loyalty programs and what to expect when flying with them.

Where they’re based and where they fly

Winner for route options: American Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is based in Dallas and primarily flies within the United States, though its route network has grown over the last few years to include more international destinations.

As of July 2025, Southwest operates flights to and from more than 117 airports in 11 countries. Though the airline doesn’t use a traditional hub model, it does have a significant presence at several U.S. airports, which are listed below.

» Learn more: Where does Southwest fly?

American Airlines

American is another Texan airline, based in Fort Worth. It’s the biggest of the U.S. airlines, flying to more locations than any other airline in the United States. It currently flies to 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. Below are the airline’s primary hub cities.

» Learn more: The complete guide to American Airlines partners

Airline loyalty programs

Winner for value of program and rewards: American Airlines

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines’ AAdvantage program has one of the best rewards rates of the Big Four airlines. Members earn miles based on the price of their ticket, but redemptions with American are still based on semi-fixed pricing. This means it’s possible to extract much more than their 1.3 cents ​​of value if you book your tickets correctly.

The AAdvantage program also offers points redemptions on Oneworld alliance airlines and other airline partners, which gives AAdvantage members more options when it comes to booking international flights with American miles.

» Learn more: The guide to American Airlines elite status

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program allows customers to earn and redeem points when they travel with the airline. Depending on your level of elite status and the fare class of the ticket you buy, you’ll earn a specific number of Rapid Rewards points on each flight.

Southwest switched to dynamic pricing in May 2025. After combing the data of 88 round-trip Southwest flights, NerdWallet values Rapid Rewards points at 1.3 cents each.

Earning elite status on Southwest also doesn't grant you the same high-value perks that you would earn on American. Southwest can grant you benefits such as priority boarding and free drink coupons, but overall, it’s a fairly similar experience whether you’re flying as a top-tier member or with no status at all.

» Learn more: Southwest Airlines makes elite status easier to earn

Extra fees

Winner for lowest fees: Tie

Southwest Airlines

Southwest introduced baggage fees in May 2025, ending their longtime "bags fly free" policy. It also introduced premium seating options. You'll have to pay extra to choose your seat.

American Airlines

American operates similarly. Those without elite status or co-branded credit cards are subject to additional fees if they want to check a bag or choose preferred seating.

» Learn more: Which airlines have the best (and worst) fees?

In-flight experience

Winner of the sky: American Airlines

American Airlines

American operates several different cabins of service depending on where you’re flying, including economy, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, first and business. On some long-haul flights, you may even have the option to choose a lie-flat bed.

The airline offers complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic drinks on shorter flights, while a free meal and alcoholic beverages are offered on longer trips. Those in premium cabins also can expect perks such as pajamas and amenity kits.

Depending on your aircraft, American requires you to use your own device to watch streaming movies or TV shows. The cost of Wi-Fi varies depending on your flight, but starts at $10, and there’s no free texting option on board. American plans to introduce free Wi-Fi on its planes in January 2026.

» Learn more: The best airline for in-flight entertainment

Southwest Airlines

Southwest recently introduced premium seating options, including "extra legroom seats," which cost extra but come with more inflight perks.

If you want to watch a movie or TV show while you’re traveling, you can do so for free, but you’ll need to bring your own device and headphones. Wi-Fi is available for $8, but messaging through WhatsApp or iMessage is free.

» Learn more: The guide to Southwest priority boarding

Credit card offerings

Winner for most credit card options: Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Southwest offers three personal co-branded cards alongside two business options. These cards can grant perks such as early check-in, upgraded boarding and an annual travel credit. On the whole, however, they’re lower to mid-tier cards, with the most expensive personal card costing $229 per year.

American Airlines

American has four credit cards offered by Citi or Barclays. The benefits of these cards range from free priority boarding and complimentary lounge access to free checked luggage.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

American Airlines vs. Southwest: The results

American comes out ahead in most of these categories because of its more robust loyalty program and flight network.

If you’re a no-frills traveler who tends to fly mostly within the United States, Southwest might be a better option for you. If you’re someone who values the additional perks and want to use miles to travel abroad, American may provide a better experience.