United vs. Southwest: Which Airline Is Best?
United leads with its global reach, but Southwest is making moves of its own.
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Updated · 5 min read
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Contributing Editor Southwest Airlines and United Airlines are among the most popular domestic carriers. However, one might be better suited for your next trip than the other, depending on your travel needs and preferences.
In this head-to-head comparison, see how each airline’s network reach, operations performance, fees and in-flight experience compare.
Where they’re based and where they fly
Winner: United Airlines
United Airlines
United Airlines has seven hubs across the country.
United Hub Cities:
- Chicago O’Hare
- Denver
- Houston Intercontinental
- Los Angeles
- Newark Liberty
- San Francisco
- Washington Dulles
These hubs make it easier for travelers to find a convenient trip route wherever they’re located. According to Flight Connections data, United served 221 domestic and 167 international destinations as of July 2025, more than three times the number of Southwest destinations.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines operates on a point-to-point model with focus cities like Atlanta and Los Angeles instead of hubs. As of July 2025, FlightConnections data reports that Southwest serves 103 domestic destinations and 17 international destinations.
In the first half of 2026, Southwest is expanding its reach to Anchorage, Alaska. It’s also servicing daily nonstop flights between Ontario, California, and Honolulu, starting in June 2026.
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Reliability
Winner: Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
We ranked six of the leading domestic carriers, based on their operations outcomes, specifically, on-time flights, cancellations, and mishandled luggage. Based on our analysis, Southwest ranked the top best airline in 2026 for its operations performance.
Passengers will appreciate Southwest’s 79.92% on-time flight reputation. Only 0.82% of its flights were canceled and 0.4% of luggage was reportedly mishandled, the lowest rates in both categories among all carriers in the analysis.
United Airlines
By comparison, United Airlines was in lower-middle of the pack, ranking fourth for reliability. The percentage of on-time flights was 78.84%, marginally lower than Southwest’s on-time performance. United also had more cancelled flights (1.34%) and more incidence of mishandled baggage (0.69%).
Fees
Winner: Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Overall, Southwest beats United Airlines in terms of lower optional fees. Passengers can expect to pay a $35 fee for their first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag. Travelers who paid for Choice Extra fare can check up to two bags for free.
We also ranked the top domestic airlines based on their bag fees and economy seat assignment fees. Southwest was in fourth place, due to its lower baggage fees and $55.67 average economy seat cost.
- Same-day confirmed change: $0; fare differences apply.
- Average seat selection: $55.67.
- Checked bag (domestic): $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second bag.
- Carry-on pet: Up to $125 per pet carrier each way.
- In-flight Wi-Fi: $8 per flight.
» Learn more: Which airlines have the best (and worst) fees?
United Airlines
United Airlines was fifth in our ranking of lowest airline fees for 2026, behind Southwest. Its average economy seat selection price was $58.49 — higher than Southwest’s average — in addition to its steeper checked baggage fees.
Other extras, like bringing your four-legged friend aboard and browsing the web while in flight, were also more expensive on United compared to Southwest.
- Same-day confirmed change: $0; fare differences might apply.
- Average seat selection: $58.49.
- Checked bag (domestic): $40 for the first bag, $50 for the second bag.
- Carry-on pet: $150 per kennel, exceptions apply.
- In-flight Wi-Fi: $8-$10 per flight.
In-flight experience
Winner: United Airlines
United Airlines
Travelers who want a premium experience on board a long-haul flight might find that United Airlines offers more comfortable options. It offers multiple seat fares including a wider seat and more legroom in Premium Plus and a luxe, relaxing ride in United Polaris with lie-flat seats, privacy doors and amenity kits.
Additionally, the airline offers in-flight dining and complimentary entertainment via the seatback entertainment system or your personal device.
Southwest Airlines
On Jan. 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines implemented assigned seating, ending its longstanding open-seating policy. It doesn't offer first or business class, but you can get extra legroom seats. You can get early access to seat selection by holding the right cards or paying for more expensive fares:
- Choice Extra: Offers extra legroom and is located toward the front of the aircraft and in exit rows. For example, it has an additional 5 inches of seat pitch on 737-700 aircraft.
- Choice Preferred: Offers standard leg room and is located toward the front of the aircraft.
- Choice: Offers standard leg room and is located toward the back of the aircraft.
Southwest planes don’t have seatback screens. Instead, you can access Southwest’s in-flight entertainment portal via your personal device for free entertainment.
» Learn more: Basic economy versus main cabin
Loyalty program
Winner: Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
The Southwest Rapid Rewards program points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals and more. A big bonus is that points never expire and there are no blackout dates.
This is helpful for travelers who don’t travel often but still want rewards for their loyalty.
Rapid Rewards points are valued at 1.3 cents apiece, based on our latest analysis. However, due to the current dynamic pricing model for awards, points can be worth more or less, depending on your chosen route.
» Learn more: These are the most valuable airline rewards programs
United Airlines
Arguably, the biggest edge that United’s MileagePlus program has is in reward redemption. MileagePlus miles are worth 1.2 cents each, below Southwest’s valuation, but the program shines by giving members options on how those earned miles can be used.
Thanks to the airline’s wide network via Star Alliance and other partnerships, members gain greater flexibility to redeem award flights on United and partner-operated flights.
MileagePlus Premier membership unlocks perks like complimentary checked bags, seat upgrades and priority boarding.
Credit card offerings
Winner: United Airlines
United Airlines
United Airlines offers six credit cards to travelers: four personal and two business. The perks of these cards vary but can include airport lounge access, free checked bags and priority check-in.
Here’s a look at three of the best United credit cards:
United credit cards
Annual fee
- $0
- $350
- $695
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earnings on United purchases
2x miles per $1.
3x miles per $1.
4x miles per $1.
Other earnings
2x miles per $1 spent at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. 1x mile per $1 everywhere else.
2x miles per $1 spent on dining, all other travel and select streaming services. 1x mile per $1 everywhere else.
2x miles per $1 spent on dining, all other travel. 1x mile per $1 everywhere else.
Still not sure?
Southwest Airlines
Southwest offers three personal co-branded cards and two business options. These cards can grant perks such as early check-in, upgraded boarding and an annual travel credit.
However, the benefits they offer in comparison to United’s credit cards are fairly mediocre because Southwest has a much smaller footprint.
Here is how Southwest’s three personal credit cards break down:
Southwest credit cards
Annual fee
- $99
- $149
- $229
Welcome offer
Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 40,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earnings on Southwest purchases
2x points per $1.
3x points per $1.
4x points per $1.
Other earnings
2x points per $1 at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined annual purchases, 1x points per $1 on all other purchases.
2x points per $1 at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $8,000 in combined annual purchases, 1x points per $1 on all other purchases.
2x points per $1 at gas stations and restaurants, 1x points per $1 on all other purchases.
Other Southwest benefits
3,000 points every cardmember anniversary.
6,000 points every cardmember anniversary.
7,500 points every cardmember anniversary.
Still not sure?
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
Who comes out on top?
In our ranking of the best airline of 2026, Southwest ranked fourth, securing an edge over United Airlines, which ranked fifth in our analysis. Southwest's stellar performance reliability, notably lower fees and loyalty program highlights helped it stand out.
But United Airlines can still be a strong option for your next trip, too. If you want to explore more long-haul travel options or want a premium in-flight experience that some travelers come to expect in first and business class, United might be a fit for your preferences.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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