Choosing the best airline between United and Air Canada might be challenging, as it depends significantly on your needs and preferences. Among the many options for air travel in the United States, United Airlines and Air Canada stand out as leading options. They are outstanding airlines that often capture the passengers’ attention.
Both airlines have perks and drawbacks depending on their pricing, routes, loyalty plans, services, aircraft, safety, and other aspects. Since both of these airlines are Star Alliance members, let’s compare them so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison Table of Air Canada vs United Airlines
A brief table comparing Air Canada with United Airlines is provided here:
| Features | Air Canada | United Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Major Hubs | Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal | Chicago, Newark, Denver, Houston |
| Global Reach | Focused on Asia, Europe, and the Middle East | Extensive Global Network |
| Global Alliance | Star Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty Program | Aeroplan | MileagePlus |
| Fleet | 205 mainline aircraft (Airbus & Boeing for short/long haul) | 1,037 mainline aircraft |
| Premium Seats | Signature Class | Polaris Business |
| Cancellation Rate | approx. 0.8% (recent monthly rate) | 1.37% (recent monthly rate) |
| Reliability | 63% on-time (last among major North American carriers) | etter on-time rates; ranked 5th by Cirium |
| Best For | Cross-border, Canada, & International destinations | U.S. routes & International Business |
Air Canada and United Airlines Route Network Comparison
Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and largest airline. It has a vast route network, connecting travelers to over 220 destinations globally. This includes a significant presence throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. Air Canada has several hubs in Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, providing great connections both within Canada and internationally.
United Airlines is a significant American airline with a global reach. With more than 350 destinations, it runs a vast network, making it one of the biggest airlines globally. To facilitate effective domestic and international connections, United has strategically placed its hubs in important U.S. cities, including Chicago, Denver, and Houston.
Cabin Classes, Comfort & In-Flight Experience on United Airlines and Air Canada
Cabin Classes and Comfort
Air Canada has several cabin classes, including Signature Class, Domestic First Class, Economy, and Premium Economy. Business Class seats on its long-haul flights have lie-flat seats, making long trips more pleasant.
United offers similar cabin classes, such as Economy, Economy Plus, Domestic First Class, and United Polaris. Offering passengers better seating and in-flight entertainment options, the airline has been investing in modernizing its fleet and cabin furnishings.
- United’s economy is better on the newer 787s and 777s, but it is tighter on the older aircraft. Economy seats, on the other hand, are 17–18 inches wide and 30-32 inches in pitch.
- The economy seats on Air Canada often have a little extra legroom, and the contemporary style offers a more comfortable ride.
In-Flight Amenities and Wi-Fi
Air Canada offers passengers a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including a big selection of movies, television series, and music. Many of their aircraft feature touchscreens and USB charging outlets. Additionally, Air Canada offers Wi-Fi on many flights, allowing customers to stay connected throughout their journey.
United also has an amazing in-flight entertainment system, offering a diverse selection on most flights. They have modified their fleet to accommodate Wi-Fi on numerous planes.
Which Airline Has Lower Baggage Fees — Air Canada or United Airlines?
All passengers on Air Canada are permitted to check one bag in Standard Economy and above, and two bags in Latitude Economy and above. They will charge $100 for each extra bag. There will be a pound limit for each ticket class (approximately 32 kg/70 lb), with the maximum limit for each flight going to the Signature and Business classes.
On United, checked baggage is only included in premium classes. One checked bag costs $35 for all economy travelers, and each additional checked bag costs $45 per person. Premium travelers are permitted to pack more than 70 pounds in their baggage, whereas economy travelers are limited to 50 pounds. Additionally, passengers must pay a charge for overweight baggage with United Airlines.
| Baggage Type | Air Canada | United Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on | Free (1 bag + personal item) | Free (1 bag + personal item) |
| First Checked Bag | $35-40 varies by route ($100 for additional bag) | $35 for domestic and higher for international ($45 for an extra bag) |
| Basic Economy | No seat selection; no checked bag | No carry-on; no seat selection |
Comparing Loyalty Programs — Aeroplan and MileagePlus
Two well-known airline companies enticingly provide loyalty programs: United Airlines’ MileagePlus and Air Canada has Aeroplan Loyalty program.
Aeroplan Rewards is a well-known loyalty program that rewards visitors. You can accumulate these reward points and use them to pay for various airline services. These points can be earned through frequent travel and credit card purchases.
On the other hand, United Airlines offers MileagePlus points, which grant access to a variety of benefits, including boarding privileges, entry to the upscale lounge, and several more.
Below is a comparison table of the United Explorer Card and Air Canada Aeroplan Visa Infinite Credit cards:
| Feature | Aeroplan Visa Infinite | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-Up Bonus | Up to 60,000 Aeroplan points | 50,000 MileagePlus miles |
| Annual Fee | $120 | $95 |
| Free Checked Bag | Yes | Yes |
| Companion Fares | Yes (short-haul Canada) | Yes (on certain roundtrips) |
| Best For | Canadian travelers | U.S.-based flyers |
On-Time Performance and Customer Support of United and Air Canada
When it comes to on-time performance, United Airlines typically outperforms Air Canada. Nonetheless, there are fewer customer service complaints about United Airlines. Here is a breakdown:
On-Time Performance
United has an about 80% on-time arrival rate in 2023. As a result, they frequently rank on level with or slightly below Delta and Alaska Airlines, one of the more punctual airlines in North America.
Meanwhile, with an on-time arrival rate of almost 63% in 2023, Air Canada performed the lowest among major North American airlines in terms of on-time arrivals.
Customer Service
Air Canada has previously received fewer complaints about its customer service, particularly for delays and baggage handling. However, the airline has been working to enhance its reputation, though, by making investments in better customer experiences.
United has also encountered reasonable customer service problems in the past. However, it has made efforts to improve its reputation by implementing programs such as staff training and improvements to its onboard services.
United vs Air Canada Business Class
There are essential factors to consider while deciding between Air Canada Business and United Airlines Business Class.
Air Canada Business/Signature Class
- All Air Canada Signature class seats include fully flat mattresses with 6’7″ sleeping space, 18″ touch screens for entertainment, and an aisle for each seat.
- It offers carry-on and personal belongings, two checked bags, lie-flat seating in a private pod, premium cuisine and service, amenity kits, no change fees, access to Maple Leaf Lounge, expedited security, and general boarding.
United Polaris Business Class
- The United offers Polaris business class, which features totally flat beds with 6’6″ of sleeping area and direct aisle seating.
- This premium experience is only available to a limited number of passengers on specific flights. Polaris lounges offer personalized dining for three-course dinners, as well as private access to rest stations and showers.
- It serves a chef-curated a la carte menu featuring globally influenced meals. Seasonal cuisines are served in flight, while passengers sit in huge reclining seats enclosed in separate pods.
Travelers’ Opinions on United and Air Canada
Both airlines receive a wide spectrum of feedback, from very positive to quite bad. Online forums might occasionally tend toward complaints, as many people are more likely to share negative experiences than positive ones. An overview of common issues and “real traveler” viewpoints is provided below:
It receives complaints for delays, luggage handling, customer service, cabin experience, and other areas. Here are the views of some travelers.
- “Air Canada seems more welcoming and up-to-date,” the user said on Reddit.
- “In terms of international business class, United remains the dominant force,” the user said on Reddit.
- “If you fly frequently in the United States, MileagePlus is better,” the user said on Reddit.
- “I have more redemption choices with Aeroplan,” the user said on Tripadvisor.
Which Airline Offers Better Value?
The Air ticket price varies based on route, class, and time. Here is a quick rundown of airline ticket costs for the same route and class:
Air Canada’s round-trip tickets from Miami to Toronto, cross-country flights from Quebec to Yukon, and flights from Toronto to Paris cost, on average, $175, $341, and $1000, respectively, when purchased at any time of year along the East Coast. For the final result, add taxes to these totals.
On the other hand, United Airlines charges approximately $810 for round-trip tickets from Miami to Toronto. $875 for cross-country flights from Quebec to the Yukon and nearly $2,200 for a trip from Toronto to Paris at any time of year.
- Air Canada frequently offers lower prices on well-traveled Canada-US flights, particularly for economy fares.
- In contrast, United provides greater ticket flexibility and fewer surprise costs for last-minute or long-haul reservations.
Note: We conducted this specific pricing comparison using United’s Economy class option.
Choosing Between Air Canada and United Airlines
Here is a concise overview for tourists to help them choose between Air Canada and United Airlines for their upcoming journey.
| Traveler Type | Best Airline |
| Canadian Residents | Air Canada |
| International Business | United (Polaris) |
| Budget-Conscious | Air Canada |
| Mileage Hacker | Air Canada (Aeroplan) |
| Premium Cabin Seeker | United (Polaris) |
The decision between Air Canada and United Airlines is ultimately based on your unique travel requirements and preferences. United Airlines has a bigger global route network, whereas Air Canada specializes in serving Canadian destinations and has an excellent frequent-flyer program. Therefore, Air Canada is the best option for travel in Canada. Both airlines provide comparable cabin classes and in-flight entertainment.
FAQs
United Airlines is a better option than Air Canada for international travel, although it depends on your goals.
Yes, Air Canada is the dominant airline in Canada. However, United offers more routes and greater connectivity within the United States. Although both airlines offer similar experiences for domestic travel, some passengers prefer Air Canada due to its wider domestic network and maybe better service on specific routes.
Both features multiple amenities and offer a luxurious experience. However, in terms of facilities, lounges, and sleeping comfort, United Polaris is typically rated higher.
Yes. Both airlines, United and Air Canada, provide lounges for credit cardholders and frequent travelers. United offers Polaris and United Clubs, whereas Air Canada has Maple Leaf Lounges for a relaxing environment.
