Ultimate Guide To 7 Largest Airlines In The USA

Last Updated on Dec 12th, 2024 by Ankita Awasthi, Leave a Comment

Believe it or not, the top seven largest airlines in the list don’t just serve the majority of the country’s passengers but also comprise a combined market cap of nearly $130 billion. Interestingly, the aviation industry caters to hundreds of destinations all over the world and hence shines out through its business, services, and revenues.

Previously, flying in top-level airlines was just a dream for the maximum number of travellers. However, over a century or so, the industry has expanded its scope bracket enabling the flyers to have the best air ticket deals for themselves.

As per the information by the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA), statistically speaking the FAA’s Air Traffic Organisation serves around 2.9 million passengers through 45,000 flights or more every day. This could be possible mainly due to the enormous expansion of the most extensive airline services. 

Enhancing the fleet size and aircraft size, various airlines ensured that people reached their destinations faster than expected. That brings us to the curiosity of which airlines tops the list of the biggest airlines in the US. Read further and explore the list of airlines that are surprisingly topping the charts in the US, mainly on the basis of their fleet size and passenger capacity. 

Largest Airlines in the US Based On Number Of Passengers Carried

1. American Airlines
2. Delta Airlines
3. Southwest Airlines
4. United Airlines
5. Air Canada 
6. Alaska Airlines
7. JetBlue Airways

1. American Airlines Biggest Airlines in The US

Despite the challenges faced due to pandemic years, American Airlines managed to transport the highest number of passengers across North America. With a total passenger count of 95.3 million in 2020, the American airline beat its competition United Airlines by more than 37.5 million passengers. Interestingly, American Airlines is not only topping the charts of the America’s biggest airlines in the USA but is also acing the race of the biggest airport in the world as well. Besides this, it is also one of the biggest airlines to offer cheap flights for students.

• Fleet size: 858 mainline aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus
• Revenue: $44.5 billion
• Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas, United States

2. Delta Airlines Biggest Airlines in The US

Although American Airlines is acing all the spheres of competition, it is still coming second on the company revenue analysis to Delta Airways. Delta is regularly acknowledged for its excellence in everything from services to customers, operational efficiency, and work culture.

• Fleet size:  851 Airbus and Boeing aircraft
• Revenue: $44.9 billion 
• Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

3. Southwest Airlines Biggest Airlines in The US

Since 1976, the airline has successfully paid a quarterly dividend and encountered 40 long years of profitability. Having a success record for such a long period of time is in itself a milestone apart from being an industry record. It has been featured several times in business magazines as a leading company in the aviation business. The airlines’ consistency has managed to keep at sets an example for all the airlines. 

• Fleet size:  753 Airbus and Boeing aircraft
• Revenue: $22.0 billion
• Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States

Suggested Read: List of Biggest and Busiest Airports in USA

4. United Airlines Biggest Airlines in The US

United Airlines is the senior-most airline company that caters to all of the major destinations of the United States of America. Established in 1926, United Airlines was previously named Varney Air Lines. Apart from making its way into this list, it also managed to rank among the top 10 airlines worldwide on the basis of the routes it covers and fleet size. Each year, its aircraft carry 143,200,000 passengers to their destinations. Regarding its other information, the United States largest airlines operates eight major hubs around the world. The most significant airport is Chicago-O’Hare. This is the United airlines hub in USA has the most flights and the largest number of passengers . Interestingly, in 2013, this airline was one of the initial U.S. carriers to offer Wi-Fi via satellite.

• Fleet size:  842  Airbus and Boeing aircraft
• Revenue: $41.9 billion
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States

5. Air Canada Biggest Airlines in The US

Although Air Canada is Canada’s largest international and domestic airline, it managed its way to remain in the largest airlines record even in the United States. It caters to 6 continents and 210 international destinations through its services. The airline significantly caters to more than fifty million flyers! Unbelievable, right? 

Founded in 1937, Air Canada airlines have been doing exceptionally well ever since its inception. 

• Fleet size: 180 Airbus and Boeing aircraft
• Revenue:  $2.10 billion
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada

6. Alaska Airlines Biggest Airlines in The US

For half a decade now, Alaska has been ranked as the nation’s most efficient in terms of fuel efficiency by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). In fact, the airline has been awarded an FES score (FES) of 1.14, which is pretty high for an airline company. Interestingly, for the past eight years, it consistently managed to earn the J.D. Powers’ highest rating in the North America Airline Satisfaction Survey. The airline transports more travelers across Alaska and the lower 48 territories than all other carriers.

• Fleet size: 145 Airbus and Boeing aircraft
• Revenue: $3.57  billion
• Headquarters: SeaTac, Washington, United States

7. Jetblue Airways Biggest Airlines in The US

One of the best low-cost American airlines, Jetblue airways is the seventh-largest airline in the US. It is also one of the top 5 pet-friendly airlines for USA to India travel. A1 in-flight wifi services and speedy service at no extra charge *at every seat, on every flight*are two of the characteristics highlights of the airlines. The airline has been certified as a 3-star airline for its quality of services and products. By product quality in the aviation business,  the officials refer to the seats, amenities, food, beverages, etc. Likewise, the service quality is referred to the ground as well as cabin staff. As per the latest updates, Jetblue airlines’ were catering to passengers through 1000 flights daily even through the pandemic travel restricted period of time.

• Fleet size: 282 Airbus and Boeing aircraft
• Revenue: $2,957 Million
• Headquarters: Long Island City, New York, United States

Popular Routes Operated By These Airlines

• Atlanta to Hyderabad Flights
• Atlanta to Mumbai Flights
• Boston to Hyderabad Flight
• Boston to Delhi Flights
• Boston to Mumbai Flights
• Chicago to Chennai Flights
• EWR to Mumbai Flights
• Chicago to Mumbai Flights
• Lax to Mumbai Flights
• Houston to Hyderabad Flights
• Chicago to Hyderabad Flights
• SFO to Mumbai Flights
• Seattle to Bangalore Flights
• Seattle to Delhi Flights
• Seattle to Mumbai Flights

Related Topic- Airlines and Airports

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does fleet size mean in airlines?

A: Fleet size refers to the number of aeroplanes authorized under the same airlines ownership or control regardless of whether or not the aeroplanes are a part of different subsidiaries, divisions, or organizational structures on a contractual basis.

Q: How many airlines are there in the USA?

A: There are around 100-150 active airlines in the U.S. when you include all categories (major, low-cost, regional, cargo, and charter airlines). However, this number fluctuates due to mergers, acquisitions, and new airlines entering the market.

Q: What is the largest airline in the world?

A: Announced on the top of the worlds largest airlines several times before, American Airlines is declared as the same, yet again. Be it on the basis of the flights, seats, or the available seat miles, American Airlines is single-handedly acing all the charts. In fact, American Airlines even managed to deliver the most to its capacity during the peak period of pandemic years.

That’s pretty much everything about it! Still in doubt? Leave a comment, and we’ll acknowledge your concerns! 

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