Many of the major US airlines are frequently good choices for flight travel. Choosing between Alaska and United Airlines is closely related to where you’re flying, how you travel, and what you value the most. However, Alaska is a popular choice for domestic passengers, particularly on the West Coast, whereas United dominates international and premium travel.
The text below covered everything from flight routes to reward programs, general comfort, in-flight amenities, baggage limits, and service quality. Here you’ll find side-by-side comparisons between Alaska Airlines and United Airlines.
Quick Comparison Table of Alaska Airlines and United
Here’s a quick comparison table for Alaska Airlines vs United Airlines:
| Features | Alaska Airlines | United Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Route Network | 100+ destinations (Strong West Coast presence) | 350+ destinations (A vast global network than any other U.S. airline) |
| Fare Types | Saver, Main, First | Basic Economy, Economy, Economy Plus, Polaris |
| Baggage Service | Personal item only; fees for carry-on/checked | No carry-on in Basic Economy; checked bag fees |
| Global Alliance | Oneworld Alliance | Star Alliance (the World’s largest airline alliance) |
| Fleet | Primarily Boeing 737s; Some Airbus A320s | Diverse, including Boeing 787, 777 (long-haul), 737s, and A320s |
| Customer Service | Highly praised for friendliness and consistent satisfaction | Mixed reviews; less consistent |
| Flight Reliability | High on-time performance | Competitive, but differs by hub. |
| Cancellation Rate | Very low (<0.5%) | Low (<1%) |
| Premium Cabins | Robust First Class | Polaris Business Class, First Class |
| Loyalty Program | Mileage Plan | MileagePlus |
Route Network Comparison of Alaska Airlines and United Airlines Destinations
When comparing United Airlines and Alaska Airlines’ route networks, significant variations emerge in their service regions and global connectivity.
Destinations or Route
United Airlines flights stand out in this category because of their extensive route network, which serves over 300 locations across all six continents. The airline caters to both international and domestic travel demands, making it one of the few large airlines with full global coverage.
In contrast, Alaska Airlines focuses on over 100 destinations, primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The airline’s network is mainly regional, but its membership in the Oneworld Alliance greatly expands its reach and offers valuable destination flexibility.
Alliances and Partnerships
United is a major member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, which greatly broadens its reach through partnerships with overseas carriers. Alaska Airlines, which has not been a member of a major alliance for many years, has recently joined the oneworld alliance, increasing its worldwide connections and providing passengers with more international travel options.
Seat Comfort and In-Flight Experience on United Airlines and Alaska Airlines
Both airlines offer a comfortable flying experience with onboard amenities. United features provides a variety of seating options. Here is a breakdown:
Comfort and Seating Options
Both airlines offer multiple seating options to meet the diverse needs of their passengers. United Airlines features Economy Plus seats with increased legroom; however, Alaska Airlines has Premium Class seating with extra space and complimentary refreshments. Each airline offers an improved experience for passengers who select these upgraded seating options in the main cabin.
- United Airlines offers Polaris Business Class, which has lie-flat seats and access to premium lounges, while Alaska Airlines provides a strong first-class service with more legroom and personalized care.
- Furthermore, both airlines offer premium economy service, which provides passengers with a more comfortable experience than ordinary economy but without the cost of first class.
In-flight Amenities
Alaska Airlines offers a pleasant range of amenities, with plenty of space and facilities even in regular economy class. Their first-class seats and upgrades, such as the Premium Main Cabin, offer additional perks, providing superior comfort.
In comparison, United offers choice and diversity by dividing their classes from Basic Economy to Polaris Business, which includes luxurious bedding and workplaces fitted with TV screens on some airliners.
Comparing Baggage Policies of Alaska Airlines and United Airlines
Alaska Airlines is known for its customer-friendly baggage policies, which reduce fees for strollers, car seats, and mobility devices. On the other hand, United Airlines has its own baggage policies, which normally involve costs for checked luggage, with certain exceptions for overseas flights and higher-tier frequent flyer members.
- Alaska Airlines permits one free carry-on (including Saver prices) and charges $35 for the first checked bag.
- United Airlines’ Basic Economy class does not provide a carry-on bag, and checked luggage costs $35 or more, depending on the trip.
When making travel plans, travelers should check the baggage policies of each airline, taking into account the weight, quantity, and related costs of each bag.
Alaska Mileage Plan and United MileagePlus Loyalty Program Comparison
The world of frequent flyer programs may be competitive and complicated. Still, rewards are important, and both the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and the United Airlines MileagePlus program provide unique benefits.
United Airlines’ MileagePlus Program allows users to earn and redeem miles on a large network of domestic and international flights. Travelers can enjoy privileges such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to United Club lounges by joining one of the several membership tiers.
On the other hand, Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan has received great appreciation for its customer-centric approach and the value it offers to its members. Free upgrades, companion fare savings, and a no-blackout date policy make it easier for passengers to redeem their points.
| Loyalty Programs | Alaska Airline | United Airline |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Tiers | MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K | Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1k |
| Earning Miles | Based on the distance flown, fare class, and elite status. | Through flights and credit card spending |
| Elite Benefits | Bonus miles, complimentary upgrades, and priority boarding | Free upgrades to Premier and lounge access |
Alaska Airlines Visa and United Explorer Card — Which Is the Better Travel Credit Card?
The annual fees for both cards are $95, and their earning structures are comparable (2x on airline spending). However, Alaska’s card offers a Companion Fare each year, which can easily result in a second ticket savings of $300 or more.
In the meantime, the United Explorer Card offers more extensive airport benefits, including priority boarding, lounge access, and an enhanced security process.
- For couples and families, the Alaska Visa is the correct choice.
- For people who travel for work frequently, the United Explorer is more adaptable.
On-Time Performance and Customer Service of United and Alaska Airlines
United Airlines has an outstanding track record for on-time performance, and it makes an effort to keep all of its flights on schedule. Meanwhile, a new Forbes article claims that Alaska Airlines consistently ranks highly for its on-time record and beats many of its rivals, demonstrating its dedication to operational excellence.
| Airlines | On-Time Departures | On-Time Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines: | 87% | 85% |
| United Airlines: | 80% | 79% |
Alaska Airlines is known for its customer satisfaction, receiving fewer complaints than United. They provide exceptional customer service and flexible travel policies.
In contrast, United Airlines, with its enormous global network, occasionally receives criticism for customer service, but it is working to improve the passenger experience.
Traveler Opinions on Alaska vs United
Travelers’ opinions of Alaska Airlines are often more favorable than those of United Airlines, with Alaska frequently receiving praise for its reliability and customer service. Nonetheless, United provides a wider network of routes, particularly for international travel.
- A Reddit user shared, “After dealing with customer service from both airlines, I’ll never fly United again. Alaska has always treated me well, and I’ve been consistently satisfied with their service.”
- An individual on FlyerTalk stated, “In the last two years of frequent traveling, I’ve had very few delays with Alaska. In contrast, 2 of my 9 United flights this year were delayed, resulting in a 22% delay rate, which is not insignificant.
Ticket Cost and Value of Alaska and United Airlines
The flight’s base rates are typically based on seasonality, route popularity, and early booking.
Alaska’s Saver tickets are more flexible and offer a better overall value, particularly for lightweight travelers. Although United’s Basic Economy fares appear to be less expensive, they come with strict restrictions, such as the inability to bring a carry-on bag and being among the last to board.
- Alaska Airlines offers lower fares for off-peak travel, short domestic hops, and West Coast itineraries.
- United Airlines offers additional possibilities for business class and upgrades, but it may be more expensive initially, particularly on international flights.
Tip: The optimal time to book long-haul and international flights is about 2 to 3 months in advance.
Is Alaska or United Airlines the Better Fit for Your Travel Needs?
Here is a summarizing table of which airlines are better for different travelers.
| Traveler Type | Recommended Airline |
| West Coast Flyer | Alaska Airlines |
| International Business Traveler | United Airlines |
| Budget-Conscious | Alaska Airlines |
| Mileage Hacker | Alaska (Mileage Plan) |
| Premium Class Seeker | United (Polaris Business) |
Deciding between United Airlines and Alaska Airlines depends on what you value most in travelling. If an extensive global network, comprehensive international flights, and a well-structured loyalty program are priorities for you, then United is likely your best bet. Alongside these benefits, they operate a diverse fleet and offer premium cabins such as Polaris for long-haul flights.
In contrast, if outstanding customer support, higher-rated satisfaction, strong emphasis on the West Coast, or faster service are essential to your flight, Alaska wins in those areas.
FAQs
Alaska and United Airlines compete on service, rates, and fees, and overall quality. If you value customer service and a generous loyalty program, consider Alaska Airlines. In contrast, if you’re looking for an airline with a wide range of route alternatives, United Airlines could be the way to go.
Statistics and passenger reviews show that there is no substantial difference in reliability between United Airlines and Alaska Airlines; both have outstanding on-time performance and occasional delays.
Route Network is the primary difference between Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, as United has significant global coverage and Alaska focuses on the West Coast area. Other main differences include customer service, loyalty program, pricing strategies, baggage policies, and additional costs for premium services.
United Airlines is the best option for international travel due to its extensive global route network that connects all six populated continents. However, Alaska also serves international destinations, but focuses on domestic locations.
