American Airlines vs. Southwest: Which One Is Best?

The U.S. has its share of airlines, from full-service options to carriers dedicated to cutting costs. Among these are American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, serving many of the same routes. If you’re trying to decide who’d win between an American Airlines versus Southwest showdown, read on.

In this guide, we’ll break down where each airline flies, the fees they charge, their loyalty programs and what to expect when flying with them.

Where they’re based and where they fly

Winner for route options: American Airlines

American Airlines

American Airlines is a Texas-based airline, located in Fort Worth. It’s one of the “Big Three” U.S. airlines, alongside United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

It's worth noting American flies to more locations than any other airline in the U.S. It currently flies to 350 destinations in 63 countries. Below are the airline’s primary hub cities.

» Learn more: The complete guide to American Airlines partners

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is based in Dallas and primarily flies within the U.S. However, its route network has grown over the past few years to include more international destinations.

As of writing, Southwest operates flights to 121 airports in 11 countries. Though the airline doesn’t use a hub model, it does have a significant presence at several U.S. airports listed below.

» Learn more: Where does Southwest fly?

Airline loyalty programs

Winner for value of program and rewards: American Airlines

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines’ AAdvantage program has four published elite status levels available to members. These provide benefits such as complimentary upgrades, airport lounge access and free checked bags.

Members earn miles based on the price of their ticket, but redemptions with American are still based on semi-fixed pricing. This means it’s possible to extract much more than their 1.6 cents of value if you book tickets correctly.

» Learn more: The guide to American Airlines elite status

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program allows customers to earn and redeem points when they travel with the airline. Depending on your elite status and the fare class ticket you buy, you’ll earn a specific number of Rapid Rewards points on each flight.

Unlike American’s loyalty program, the price of an award ticket is tied directly to the cash cost of your airfare, meaning the amount you need for a particular flight can vary.

For this and other reasons, we value Rapid Rewards points at 1.5 cents each.

Earning elite status on Southwest can grant you perks such as priority boarding and free drink coupons, but overall it’s a fairly similar experience whether you’re flying as a top-tier member or with no status at all.

» Learn more: Southwest Airlines makes elite status easier to earn

Extra fees

Winner for lowest fees: Southwest Airlines

American Airlines

American Airlines operates with a more typical airline fee structure than Southwest. Those without elite status or co-branded credit cards are subject to additional fees if they want more than just the basics. This means that if they’d like to check a bag or choose preferred seating, it’s going to cost extra.

Southwest Airlines

There’s no contest when it comes to who wins in the fees category. Southwest has long been known as one of the best airlines for fee-free flying. All customers are granted two free checked bags and incur no change or cancellation fees. Seats aren’t assigned, so you don’t have to pay extra to pick a seat, either.

» Learn more: Which airlines have the best (and worst) fees?

In-flight experience

Winner of the sky: American Airlines

American Airlines

American Airlines operates several different cabins of service depending on where you’re flying, including economy, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, business class and first class. On some long-haul flights, you may have the option to choose a lie-flat bed.

The airline offers complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic drinks on shorter flights, while a free meal and alcoholic beverages are offered on longer trips. Those in premium cabins can also expect perks such as pajamas and amenity kits.

American also requires you to use your own device to watch streaming movies or TV shows. Wi-Fi costs vary depending on your flight but start at $10, and there’s no free texting option onboard.

» Learn more: The best airline for in-flight entertainment

Southwest Airlines

Southwest operates a single-class cabin on all its flights, meaning everyone who boards will be sitting in economy. Although complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are available, alcohol must be purchased and there aren’t any substantial food options for sale.

If you want to watch a movie or TV show while traveling, you can do so for free, but you’ll need to bring your own device and headphones. Wi-Fi is available for an $8 fee, but messaging through WhatsApp or iMessage is free.

» Learn more: The guide to Southwest priority boarding

Credit card offerings

Winner for most credit card options: American Airlines

American Airlines

American has a robust selection of 11 co-branded cards, and many come with benefits like unlimited priority boarding, airport lounge access and free checked bags. However, they can also be expensive, with the top-tier card requiring a $595 per year fee.

Here's a deeper dive into individual card offerings.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest’s credit card versus American Airlines’ offerings aren’t much of a comparison. Southwest offers three personal co-branded cards alongside two business options. These cards can grant perks such as early check-in, upgraded boarding and an annual travel credit.

On the whole, however, they’re lower to mid-tier cards, with the most expensive personal card costing $149 per year.

Here's an even closer look at the brand's consumer cards and what they offer.

If you seek more flexibility in redeeming miles for award flights, consider applying for a more general travel credit card instead. A more general travel credit card differs from an airline card in that you can book flights with multiple carriers, rather than reaping the benefits of staying loyal to a single brand.

The more high-end the travel credit card, the more benefits you can enjoy, including airport lounge access or automatic elite status in certain programs. That said, a brand-specific airline card can net you benefits like waived baggage fees, which can have meaningful dollar value.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

American Airlines vs. Southwest: The results

American Airlines comes out ahead in most of these categories, but the truth is that the airline that’s best for you will likely depend on your flying habits, where you live and where you’re traveling.

If you’re an infrequent traveler who tends to carry a lot of luggage or travel mostly within the U.S., Southwest might be a better option for you. If you value the additional perks and amenities American has to offer or if you want to travel abroad, it may provide a better experience.

The information related to AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.