Airline companies can be grouped into several categories, including international airlines, regional airlines, American airlines, and even carriers that are specialized in particular areas. Each has their own unique advantages, and the decision to choose which one to fly with is a personal one. However, there are a few things you should consider when choosing the airline that is right for you.
American Airlines
American Airlines is a major US-based airline that flies to nearly 350 destinations in 50 countries. Its hubs include Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, Philadelphia, Washington National, and Charlotte.
The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld global alliance. This network is committed to providing convenience for frequent international travelers.
American operates a large fleet of aircraft, including Boeing 777, 737, and Airbus A319-100. They also operate codeshare agreements with Gulf Air, Virgin Atlantic, Jetstar Airways, and Air Tahiti Nui.
American is the world’s largest airline by scheduled passenger-miles, measured by the number of scheduled passengers carried and revenue passenger-miles. Its hubs are at Los Angeles International, Philadelphia, Washington National, and Dallas/Fort Worth International airports.
First Class on American Airlines offers the highest level of service. It includes a priority boarding, luggage handling, and access to a dedicated lounge. On some routes, first class passengers receive complimentary meals and snacks.
Business class on American Airlines provides wider, comfortable seats and extra legroom. Passengers also enjoy free beverages and snacks.
Premium Economy on American Airlines allows customers to take two checked bags for free. In addition, Premium Economy will offer free alcohol and meals.
Basic economy is the lowest class of service offered on the airline. Passengers in this category are allowed to purchase food and drinks on board. However, they are not permitted to make changes to their itineraries.
American Founder C.R. Smith, with the assistance of Donald Douglas, designed the first DC-3 airplane. It revolutionized the airline industry.
American’s restructuring in the early 21st century included layoffs and a reduction in flight routes. The airline filed for bankruptcy in 2011.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world. It flies over 5,400 flights a day across the United States, Canada, and many other countries.
Delta has nine major hubs in the US and one in Europe. You can find flights to most major and regional destinations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as some European and Asian destinations.
Delta Airlines has a good track record of safety and reliability. It also offers a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, as well as complimentary snacks and mobile messaging.
Delta’s Basic Economy class is a good option for travelers on a tight budget. This class features complimentary in-flight messaging, a selection of snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. However, the seat is basic and the legroom isn’t as great as other airlines.
Delta’s First Class seats are recliner-style and offer a lot of legroom. They feature large windows and a moveable armrest. There is also a narrow storage area near the armrest.
Delta’s Premium Select and Delta Comfort+ classes are nice options for travelers looking for a bit of luxury onboard. The former offers amenity kits and fresh meals, while the latter offers larger and more comfortable seats.
For those travelers with a little more money to spend, Delta offers Delta One. This service comes with a flat-bed seat and access to the Sky Club.
If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, Delta may require you to check it at the boarding gate. It is best to check it 24 hours before your flight.
Delta’s Main Cabin boarding pass is more flexible than the standard ticket, allowing you to select your seat and make upgrades. In addition, you can view your boarding gate, and receive pre-boarding instructions before you board.
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines is one of the largest airlines in Asia and the world. The airline ranked number one in sales and passengers in 2014 and has been in the top five for the last 35 years.
China Southern Airlines is headquartered in Guangzhou, China. It operates an extensive network of international flights to many regions. In addition to its international services, the company has a strong domestic network. This year, it expects to carry 91 million passengers.
The airline offers its customers a wide range of services and amenities. For instance, in the air, passengers can watch nature documentaries, films in different languages, and BBC comedies. On the ground, they can enjoy Chinese and Western food.
China Southern Airlines has a total of 53 offices in the world. Some of them are in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.
As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, the airline delivers service to 1,024 destinations in 187 countries. In addition, the airline operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Moreover, the carrier has a strong safety record.
The airline is also the first in China to offer premium economy class seats. Customers can get seats in this class for as little as 10% more than a standard economy fare. These seats come with extra space.
China Southern Airlines also offers a variety of in-flight services. One of these is the in-flight cellar, which features wines from all over the world. Another is the in-flight tea garden. Also, customers can enjoy Chinese TV shows, popular movies, and dramas.
China Southern Airways, another subsidiary of the airline, flies to many of the popular destinations in Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Emirates
Emirates is an airline company that operates in the Middle East. Its headquarters are located in Dubai. They offer a comprehensive range of services. The company serves a large number of customers, both business and leisure.
Emirates is known for providing a comfortable and relaxing flight experience. As a result, the company has become one of the largest airlines in the world.
The company has a fleet of 229 aircrafts. These include wide-body and narrow-body aircraft. In addition, it has a cargo division and a hotel and tourism division.
During its first year of operation, the airline carried 260,000 passengers and 10,000 tons of freight. This helped the airline earn a profit. A decade later, it was named the airline of the year by Skytrax.
As an airline, Emirates has invested heavily in purchasing new airplanes. Their fleet comprises of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, which are equipped with an award-winning in-flight entertainment system.
Despite its success, the airline company faces some challenges in the area of innovation. Among them is the problem of crew-related shortfalls.
One of the major challenges that Emirates faces is the need to reduce flight frequencies because of crew shortages. Hence, the airline company has developed an innovative solution to this issue. For example, it has established a 24-hour check-in facility.
Emirates is also the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A380. Although the company has a number of other aircraft in its fleet, the Airbus A380 is its flagship aircraft.
The company is also known for its enticing “Fly Better” advert. In this advert, an Indian dancer in a sari is shown dancing to a pop song.
Regional airlines
Regional airlines are an important part of the nation’s air transportation system. They serve smaller communities and provide connections to international air transport networks. The airlines typically operate on smaller aircraft.
They can be independent or a subsidiary of a major airline. Many of them use the major’s brand, logo, and livery. Some are wholly-owned by the mainline carrier.
The Air Transport Association of America defines regional airlines as those that are $20 million to $100 million in revenue per year. They are also considered the fastest-growing segment of the aviation industry.
There are many different kinds of regional airlines, including small commuter carriers, large regionals, medium-sized regionals, and low-cost carriers. Each airline has a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
One of the biggest challenges facing small regionals is labor. Many have experienced a shortage of pilots and other key employees. Other issues include the costs of leasing and maintaining airplanes. Increasing prices of fuel and maintenance are putting strain on the budgets of many.
Some of the largest regionals have joined a lobbying group called the Regional Airline Association (RAA). RAA is not a group of members but instead a business organization that promotes safe and efficient regional airlines and enables them to share best practices.
Another major challenge for the regional airlines is the growing threat of high-speed rail. This competition could cut into the demand for flights. As a result, regional airlines may see their operations decline over the next few years.
One solution is to reduce redundant flying amongst carriers. Instead of using leased planes, individual airplanes can stop at a maintenance base to perform routine maintenance.