Both carriers are major U.S. airlines competing aggressively in 2026, with United focusing on high-frequency domestic and ambitious long-haul expansion, while American emphasizes a turnaround year with loyalty program improvements and regional network growth. Choice depends on your route, loyalty program preferences, and whether you prioritize frequency (United) or domestic expansion (American).
American Airlines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Both airlines offer distinct advantages in 2026: United excels for long-haul and high-frequency travelers seeking global reach, while American targets those prioritizing domestic coverage and improved onboard experiences. Choose United if you fly international routes or need frequent connections; choose American if you value loyalty program benefits, regional accessibility, and focus on domestic turnaround improvements.
Compare American Airlines vs United Airlines
Legacy carrier operating global hub-and-spoke network with premium cabin options.
Second-largest US carrier with strong international presence, hub-and-spoke operations across multiple US cities.
American Airlines vs United Airlines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for American Airlines vs United Airlines with 207 attributes.
Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Premium Cabin Seat Pitch (Business/Polaris)
Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket Price
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
DOT Complaints Per 100,000 Passengers (2024)
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score (2024)
Baggage Delay Complaints (per 100,000 passengers)
American Airlines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for American Airlines vs United Airlines.
Is American Airlines or United Airlines better?
United Airlines generally outperforms American in operational metrics (on-time performance, customer satisfaction) and financial health. Under CEO Scott Kirby's "United Next" strategy, United has improved its premium cabin product (Polaris business class), expanded its hub capacity, and returned stronger margins than American. American has higher debt and has faced strategic challenges since a failed corporate travel pivot in 2022-2023. For most travelers, the practical answer is: fly whichever airline has more nonstop options from your home airport. United's hubs (Newark, Houston, Denver, Chicago O'Hare) give it a network advantage in those cities; American's hubs (DFW, Charlotte, Miami) make it stronger there.
Is United MileagePlus or AAdvantage better?
United MileagePlus is generally considered more valuable for international premium cabin awards, particularly through Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, ANA (All Nippon Airways), and Singapore Airlines. MileagePlus has no expiration on miles with qualifying activity and publishes a relatively predictable partner award chart. American AAdvantage has strong value for Oneworld redemptions — British Airways, Japan Airlines first class, and Cathay Pacific business class — when saver award space is available, though AAdvantage partner redemptions have faced dynamic pricing shifts. For domestic travel, both programs are comparable. Most travel rewards experts lean toward MileagePlus for flexibility and partner coverage.
Which airline has more routes, American or United?
American Airlines operates more total routes and destinations overall, partly due to its larger domestic network and Charlotte hub (one of its highest-frequency hubs), plus strong Latin America and Caribbean coverage (Miami hub). United has a stronger transpacific network (San Francisco, Los Angeles hubs) and highly competitive transatlantic coverage (Newark, Washington Dulles). United's international coverage via Star Alliance (Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines) is complemented by strong Pacific routes. American's Oneworld Alliance covers strong European partner routes (British Airways, Iberia) and Asian coverage (Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific). Both cover the global network — route differences are most meaningful on nonstop domestic and regional options.
Does American Airlines have better first class than United?
On domestic routes, both American (Flagship First domestic/First class) and United (Polaris domestic/United First) offer comparable premium cabins on mainline aircraft — typically 2-cabin configurations with lie-flat seats on premium transcontinental routes (LA-New York, etc.) and recliner seats on standard domestic first class. On international long-haul routes, United Polaris (lie-flat business class on 787, 777, 767) has received stronger industry reviews for hard product consistency and ground experience (Polaris lounges at major hubs). American's flagship business class (lie-flat on 777-300ER, 787-9) is competitive but its first-class international product (4-cabin on certain routes) is offered on fewer routes.
How do I earn miles faster on American vs United?
Both AAdvantage and MileagePlus reward miles earned primarily through flying (based on fare class and distance) and credit card spending. For credit card accelerators: United's Chase United Explorer and Quest cards earn 2x MileagePlus miles on United purchases and have broad transfer partners via Chase Ultimate Rewards (which can transfer to United at 1:1). American's Citi AAdvantage cards and Barclays AAdvantage Aviator offer 2x on American purchases. For non-flying earning, Chase Ultimate Rewards transferring to MileagePlus gives United an edge — Chase points can also go to Hyatt, Southwest, and others, while Citi points (AAdvantage primary bank) are less flexible. Both programs partner with hotel loyalty programs for reciprocal points.