United vs. Southwest Airlines: A Complete Comparison Guide

Passengers often get stuck with the common question, “United vs Southwest Airlines: Which is Better for Travel?” especially when trying to choose between two of the most popular airlines in the United States. Both airlines are well known for their exceptional service and sophisticated fleets, and they offer a wide network of domestic and international routes. 

Despite these similarities, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines differ greatly in their price structures, baggage regulations, seating options, and basic travel flexibility. United Airlines is often the first choice for passengers seeking international routes, assigned seating, and reward program perks. On the other hand, Southwest Airlines is the go-to airline for people who want low fares, free checked luggage, and hassle-free booking with no change fees. In this guide, you will explore a detailed comparison of United vs Southwest Airlines, including factors such as fares, baggage fees, comfort, and onboard experience. 

Major Differences Between Southwest and United Airlines

Southwest Airlines is better for budget-conscious and flexible travelers, while United Airlines is better for international travel, premium cabins, and loyalty perks. Here is the detailed comparison between these two airlines: 

Features	United Airlines	Southwest Airlines
Aircraft Fleet	Diverse fleet including Boeing (737s, 757s, 767s, 777s, 787s) and Airbus.	All Boeing 737 aircraft (single-aisle)
Loyalty Program	MileagePlus	Rapid Rewards – simple, points-based
Reliability	Overall good; weather and hub variations	High on-time performance and fewer delays
Premium Cabin	Polaris Business, Premium Plus, First	Not available
Baggage Fees	Fees start at $35 for the first bag	2 free checked bags
Alliance	Star Alliance	None
Cancellation Rate	Slightly higher (~1.3% average)	Very low (~0.5% average)
Route Network	Domestic: Strong network in the Midwest & the East International Global (Asia, Europe, South America)	Domestic: Extensive network in West & South International: Limited (Mexico, Caribbean, Central America)

Fare Prices and Value

Here is a quick overview of how each airline compares in terms of pricing and value: 

1. Southwest Airlines

Southwest slightly beats United Airlines in fees because it does not charge for carry-on bags (even on the Basic fare) or for seat selection. The airline now uses open seating, which will change soon. In January 2026, the airline will implement new seat assignments based on the fare type you paid for.

2. United Airlines

United, similar to other big US airlines, has several services for which you have to pay an extra fee. Carrying a bag on United is usually free, but basic economy tickets will hit you for the price of checked luggage and even a carry-on bag.

For example, United’s checked bag fees depend on the route and whether you pay for your bag in advance. You can also check United’s baggage calculator to get the specific fees for your flight. Moreover, United charges for seat reservations, but people with elite status receive this service free of charge. 

Route Network Comparison

Here’s an overview of the primary routes and destinations offered by Southwest and United Airlines:

Feature	Southwest Airlines	United Airlines
Domestic Network	Serve 210+ U.S. cities	120+ U.S. locations
International Network	120+ destinations across six continents.	11 countries primarily in North America, Europe, Asia, & Latin America.
Popular Destinations:	Europe, Asia, Australia, South America	Mexico, Cuba, Aruba, Belize, Costa Rica

Onboard Experience

Both airlines offer travelers several seating classes, along with amenities such as more comfortable recliners, different legroom, and meal options. The table below compares the onboard experiences of United Airlines and Southwest Airlines:  

Seating Classes	United Airline	Southwest Airline
First Class	Extra legroom, Premium food selections, and priority services. Available for domestic and international flights.	Not Available
Business Class	Larger, more comfortable seats lie flat on some routes.	Provides priority boarding, faster reward points, and free premium refreshments.
Premium Economy	Bigger seats with more recline, better meals, and amenities. Only available on long-haul flights.	Not Available
Economy Plus	Additional legroom of up to 6 inches is granted. This class of seating can be bought, or MileagePlus members can get it. Reclining seats.	Not Available
Economy Class	Standard and reclining seats are offered. You can buy extra options for seat selection. Normally, the legroom is from 30 to 32 inches.	There are no reserved seats; everything is on a first-come, first-served basis. It is being generously provided with the legroom, which measures about 32 inches. One cannot recline in the seats.

In-Flight Experience of United vs Southwest Airlines

The following are the in-flight services and amenities offered to passengers on United Airlines:

• Complementary snacks or meals (Depending on ticket class and route)
• seatback displays.
• in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Full food service and better seats (premium cabins)
• Extra legroom. 

Here is the list of in-flight services and amenities offered to passengers on Southwest Airlines:

• No seatback entertainment screens.
• Offers free streaming entertainment on personal devices.
• Provides complimentary snacks.
• Known for friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Wi-Fi is available for purchase. 

Credit card offerings

Both United and Southwest offer co-branded credit cards with great perks. These include earning points on purchases and travel privileges such as free checked bags and priority boarding. Here is a detailed breakdown between Southwest and United Airlines:

Southwest Airlines Credit Cards:

• Advantages: First checked bag free, early boarding, bonus points on anniversary, and no blackout dates.
• Collecting Rapid Rewards points through purchases and earning a higher number of points when flying with Southwest.
• Eligible credit cards comprise Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, and Priority.

United Airlines Credit Cards:

• Advantages: The package includes a checked bag, priority boarding, and, with certain cards, access to airport lounges.
• MileagePlus miles on normal spending, in addition, you’ll get extra miles when you fly with United.
• Cards available include United Explorer, United Quest, and United Club.

Baggage Regulation Comparison 

Here’s a detailed comparison of United and Southwest Airlines’ baggage rules and fees: 

Categories	Southwest Airlines	United Airlines
Checked Baggage	2 checked bags free of charge. However, each bag should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and 62 inches.	Checked baggage is allowed for a fee. 1 bag = $35 (approx. ). The second bag costs $45 and weighs 50 pounds, and measures 62 inches.
Special Items	Sports equipment and other specialty items are allowed either free or at a reduced rate.	Special items, such as sports equipment, incur an extra charge.
Overweight & Oversized Baggage	A $75 charge is assessed for baggage weighing more than 50 pounds and measuring more than 62 inches.	There is a $100 fine for baggage weighing 51 to 70 pounds. The airline imposes a $200 fee for baggage weighing 71 to 100 pounds. For bags between 62 and 115 inches, the airline charges $75.
Carry-on Baggage	Passengers are allowed one personal item and one regular carry-on bag each.	One personal item and one carry-on bag are permitted.

Frequent Flyer Programs

Frequent travelers can benefit from the United MileagePlus program, which offers worldwide coverage and a range of travel perks and elite status benefits. Whereas Southwest Rapid Rewards is a more flexible program that makes it easy for members to redeem points, offers unlimited reward seats, and features the famous Companion Pass, which lets a friend fly with you.

Here is the difference between United MileagePlus and Southwest Rapid Rewards: 

1. United Airlines:

• United’s MileagePlus program enables members to accumulate miles not only on United flights but also on partner airlines and on regular flight purchases.       
• United miles do not expire and can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and more. 
• Members of higher tiers receive free upgrades, priority boarding, and access to the airline’s lounges.      

2. Southwest Airlines:

• Points never expire.
• A-List designation with priority boarding and additional points.
• Unlimited reward seats.
• Free flights with a specified traveler when using a companion pass. 

Pricing Breakdown: United vs Southwest Airlines

The table below lists the comparison of the pricing styles and fare options offered by Southwest and United Airlines: 

Feature	Southwest Airlines	United Airlines
Overall Pricing	Popular among flyers for its low cost and budget-friendly fares.	Typically more costly than other airlines at all seating levels.
Starting Fares	One-way tickets from $49; round-trip flights from $97	One-way fares range from $50 to $1,000, depending on the distance.
Affordability	Budget-friendly	The prices depend on the route, class, and services.
Discounts & Promotions	There are always new discounts and promotional sales.	One time, discount, special fare, and select offers.
Additional Perks	Concentrate on affordable fares and straightforward pricing.	Vacation package bundling, elite status privileges, and military discounts.

Conclusion 

Whether you fly with United Airlines or Southwest Airlines, it ultimately depends on your travel priorities, budget, and flying habits. Both airlines are large U.S. carriers with strong reputations, but they serve different types of travelers. If you value low fares, free checked bags, flexible booking, and a simple travel experience, Southwest Airlines is the better choice. Whereas, United Airlines is a better choice for passengers seeking international destinations, reserved seating, premium cabin options, and loyalty program benefits. 

Frequently Asked Questions