In this section we will discuss domestic airlines. If you desire information about international airline ticketing and airfares, click on “International Airfares” on the home page. Click here for airlines and their web addresses.
In the United States there are three basic groups of airlines. The first group contains what is considered the six major airlines. These are Delta, United, American, Northwestern, Continental, and US Air. These airlines have the largest capacity, the most complex route structure throughout the United States, and offer at least two classes of seating (business and coach or economy). These airlines fly several different types of airplanes which vary in their seating and distance capacity. A traveler can fly to more places, and change planes easier than with other airline carriers. They usually offer more services, which usually include meals and snacks. However, airlines today are decreasing the length of flights, which in turn is reducing the number meals served. In other words, shorter flights have a smaller window of time in which they can serve meals. Advance seating assignments and luggage transfers to other large carriers is another advantage of this group.
The airfares of these large airlines are generally higher unless they are competing for the same routes as the low airfare companies. (Click here for discussion on strategies for a obtaining low airfares, or see section on the home page: how to search for low airfares.)
These major carriers are beginning to change by cutting routes and allowing more last minute travel on some routes. These routes have typically been expensive because business travelers are the most likely to travel at the last minute. It was reported by USA Today that the average price paid for tickets bought three days or less before the travel date has fallen 12%. Click here to review the discussion on last minute airline tickets.
The second group of airlines would be the low airfare or discount airlines. The seven largest companies in this category are Southwest, American West, ATA, Jet Blue, Air Tran, Frontier and Spirit. They sell around 25% off their seats each day. These airlines usually fly one type of airplane. They generally fly shorter point-to-point routes rather than long distance. Coast to coast or other popular destinations are growing however. The percent of low airfare airlines is increasing rapidly in the air travel industry. They usually serve no meals, and some have no seating assignments. With the increasing use of the internet, more will begin to offer advanced seating assignments. If changing to another airline a passenger will have to claim their luggage and recheck it on the nest airline for the rest of the trip.
The third group is the regional airlines. They basically code share with the large airline companies at hubs. They have smaller planes that are usually a standard type and size. They provide a lower airfare and fly low demand groups. They also provide airfare service to small shuttle-type markets such as St George for passengers landing in Salt Lake on Delta (provided by Sky West).