After over 200 flights across North America, Europe, and Asia with both United Airlines and American Airlines, I’ve learned something: loyalty to an airline is rarely about brand, it’s about consistency, comfort, and context. As someone who splits travel time between domestic business routes and long-haul international trips, I often get asked, “Which is better, United or American?”
Well, there’s no single answer. But I’ll tell you what I know from experience, from comfort in coach to elegance in Polaris and Flagship, and back down to the data on delays and miles. This isn’t just a review. It’s a user manual for choosing between these two giants of U.S. aviation.
Fleet Size and Route Coverage: Who Has More Reach?
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- United Airlines operates over 950 aircraft, heavily featuring Boeing models like the 737, 757, 777, and 787. Its international dominance is anchored by its membership in Star Alliance and seven U.S. hubs, including Newark (EWR) and San Francisco (SFO).
- American Airlines boasts the largest fleet in the world, with over 980 active aircraft. It leans into Airbus and Boeing equally and is part of the Oneworld Alliance. Its major hubs include Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT).
Route Insights from Experience
When flying to Europe or Asia, I find United offers more direct flights to Asia, especially out of San Francisco. American dominates Latin America, thanks to strong connections via Miami.
Domestically, both cover the big routes (NYC–LAX, ORD–DFW), but United’s Denver and Houston hubs often open more options to the west and mid-continent.
Cabin Experience: What’s It Like to Fly in Each Class?
Here’s where preferences get personal, and practical.
Economy Class
- United’s Economy: Seats generally offer 30–31″ pitch and 16.3–17.3″ width. United’s newer aircraft feature large IFE screens and power outlets, though not fleet-wide.
- American’s Main Cabin: Slightly more modern interiors, especially on new Airbus A321s. Pitch averages 31″, and I consistently find better in-seat power coverage.
I’ve often found American’s short-haul legroom marginally more forgiving, especially on the A321neo. United can feel tighter, especially on older 737s.
Premium Economy: Worth the Upgrade?
Yes, especially on long-hauls.
- United Premium Plus: Reclines well, generous footrest, 38” pitch, and is available on most 777s and 787s.
- American Premium Economy: Similar seat specs (38” pitch, wider seat) but the meal service is often slightly better. I’ve been served champagne pre-departure on Flagship-configured aircraft.
Business Class: Polaris vs. Flagship
United Polaris wins in design; American Flagship Business often leads in food and service.
- Polaris: Lie-flat, direct aisle access, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and fantastic lounges. On a 15-hour flight to Tokyo, I slept 9 uninterrupted hours.
- Flagship: Lie-flat, direct aisle, but softer service. I’ve had better steaks and wine lists onboard American than United. However, Polaris Lounge beats most Flagship Lounges hands down.
On-Time Performance and Operational Reliability
No one wants to be stranded in Houston or Philly.
United Airlines
- OTP in 2024 averaged 79.6%, according to FlightAware data.
- Hub delays in Chicago (ORD) and Newark (EWR) remain a pain point.
American Airlines
- Slightly lower OTP at 77.4%, with more frequent cancellations at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth during storms.
From my notebook: United tends to recover faster during disruptions, especially with rebooking via the mobile app, which I find smoother than American’s.
Loyalty Programs: MileagePlus vs AAdvantage
I’ve held Premier Gold with United and Platinum Pro with American. Here’s how the programs stack up:
| Feature | MileagePlus (United) | AAdvantage (American) |
| Alliances | Star Alliance | Oneworld |
| Upgrade Rules | CPU on domestic | 500-mile certs or automatic |
| Redemption Value | Higher to Asia | Better to South America |
| Elite Levels | Silver to 1K | Gold to Executive Platinum |
I find MileagePlus miles more versatile internationally, especially when booking ANA or Lufthansa. But AAdvantage offers more loyalty benefits earlier, including systemwide upgrades for Exec Plat.
Pricing and Fees: Which Airline Is Cheaper?
Short answer: it depends on your route and time of booking.
From my spreadsheets of logged flights:
- United was consistently cheaper for flights to Asia (average $112 less on routes to Tokyo, Singapore).
- American was more affordable on Latin America flights (up to $150 savings to Bogotá or São Paulo).
- Domestic flight differences usually fall within $20–$40, but basic economy restrictions vary slightly.
Hidden fees (seat selection, bag changes, upgrades) feel more aggressive on American, especially on legacy aircraft.
Customer Service: Who Handles Issues Better?
I’ve called both airlines dozens of times. Here’s the truth.
- United: Faster response via Twitter/X and app live chat. Gate agents vary by hub, SFO agents are gold; EWR less so.
- American: More helpful phone agents, especially at Executive Platinum level. Mobile app updates gate changes better than United’s.
In total, I’d rate United slightly higher for digital support and American higher for human support at the top status levels.
Airport Lounges: United Club vs Admirals Club
- United Club: Broad network, average food (mostly packaged), decent Wi-Fi.
- Admirals Club: Better snacks, more freshly prepared options.
Premium Lounges Comparison
- Polaris Lounge (United): Best lounge food in the U.S., period. Table service, showers, craft cocktails. Only for Polaris passengers.
- Flagship Lounge (American): Also excellent, but fewer locations and sometimes overcrowded.
Which Airline Is Better for Domestic Travel?
If you fly often between major business hubs, both are solid, but here’s my expert summary:
- Choose United if you fly from or to Chicago, Denver, or San Francisco frequently.
- Choose American if you connect through Dallas, Charlotte, or Miami.
American’s domestic in-flight Wi-Fi and newer interiors give it an edge, but United’s app and upgrade system feel more rewarding for frequent fliers.
Which Airline Is Better for International Travel?
This is where United shines, particularly to Asia and Europe.
- United’s global Star Alliance partners and superior long-haul network offer more flexibility.
- American performs better to Central and South America and has stronger loyalty partner value (Qatar Airways, British Airways).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Fly?
- For Domestic Flyers: American has better in-flight tech and more short-hop options.
- For International Travelers: United offers superior premium lounges, long-haul routes, and easier global redemptions.
- For Frequent Flyers: MileagePlus offers better redemption options globally; AAdvantage gives you faster perks domestically.
My Pick & Opinion: When I Choose American, and When I Go with United
I don’t believe in blind airline loyalty. For me, the decision always comes down to route, aircraft, and expected experience.
Why I Prefer American Airlines for Domestic and Latin America
When I’m flying within the U.S., especially on short-haul routes like New York to Miami or Dallas to Phoenix, American Airlines almost always gets my booking. The reasons are simple:
- Cabin consistency on the A321 and A321neo is far better than United’s mixed fleet. American’s newer Airbus planes tend to have faster Wi-Fi, better lighting, and more accessible power outlets.
- Charlotte and DFW are extremely efficient hubs for domestic connections. I’ve never missed a layover at CLT despite some tight connections.
- I’ve also found that American’s mobile app updates, like gate changes or standby upgrades, are more reliable and timely.
For South America, particularly cities like Bogotá, Lima, or São Paulo, American is the dominant U.S. carrier. The airline’s strategic position in Miami gives it an undeniable edge in terms of frequencies and fare competition. Plus, LATAM partnership now offers solid network extension.
Why United Wins When I Travel to Europe or Asia
When I fly to London, Zurich, Tokyo, or Singapore, I almost always go with United Airlines, especially when I can book a Polaris Business Class seat.
- The Polaris experience is cohesive: From dedicated check-in counters and expedited security to the Polaris Lounge with restaurant-style dining and spa-inspired shower suites, it feels like premium air travel should.
- I’ve flown Polaris on the 787-9 Dreamliner from San Francisco to Tokyo, and it remains one of the best business class flights I’ve taken from a U.S. airline. The bedding was luxurious, the seat was private and fully lie-flat, and the meal service was surprisingly curated.
- United’s Star Alliance membership also gives me wider redemption flexibility. Booking flights on ANA, Lufthansa, or Turkish Airlines using MileagePlus miles is often easier and better value than trying to redeem AAdvantage miles internationally.
Another practical reason? United flies nonstop to more Asian cities from the U.S. than American, including routes like San Francisco to Singapore and Newark to Delhi. That saves time and avoids unnecessary layovers.
Bottom Line: Context Decides Everything
If I need reliability and comfort for a quick domestic hop, American Airlines is often more seamless. But when it comes to premium long-haul experiences, I actively seek out United, especially on routes where Polaris and Star Alliance partners elevate the journey.
I book flights not just based on loyalty status, but based on route fit, aircraft type, airport hubs, and expected cabin experience. In that calculus, both airlines have earned my business, but for very different reasons.