You must not fly much - I do and you can’t plane shop …
In fact - was just moved from an LH Airbus to an UA Boeing bcs the Airbus got grounded …
Many points of Astro are well taken. With just under 3 million butt in seat miles as a passenger a lot depends on the company you work for and what they are willing to pay. Non stops? Low fares? Hub captive? It all factors in.I have a strong bias for Delta and United. Best training, best operational performance. I’ve worked at Delta’s training center, seen their operation. It’s impressive. United runs a good operation, and their app is simply industry leading and puts everything you need at your fingertips. United has more direct flights worldwide than anyone.
American has operational challenges, reliability and delay issues. Losing money when they should be making it. They’re struggling.
SWA is a good airline, but they don’t offer much (near zero) in the way of international destinations, and I don’t care for the boarding and seat assignment process.
Please let me add that you should avoid Spirit. Lousy operational metrics, awful clientele, and they likely won’t be here in a few years. Jet Blue is struggling. Unhappy employees, cutting routes, losing money.
I say this as a former Diamond Medallion on Delta, 1K on United, and current pilot for United.
Your geography will drive the choice. Where do you live? Where do you need to go?
For example, my daughter lives in Salt Lake City. A major Delta hub. She had a need to travel a lot this year. On my recommendation, she’s a Delta Skymiles member, uses the Delta Skymiles AMEX.
Delta takes great care of her. 15 trips this year (interviews) and on time for every one of them.
I will say this though. All of the airlines are in trouble when it comes to customer service and the flight experience. I used to call Southwest Air Greyhound, but really now they all are. My expectations are so low now, so my top choice is just getting to my destination safely. I think all the airlines, even Spirit, will supply that. It's a shame though, I used to love United, but their management team is telling customers to get bent. I've since bought tickets on 3 other airlines, they are all the same in the end.