Southwest Airlines vs United Airlines
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Southwest Airlines and United Airlines based on our 100-point scoring system.
Winner
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines — Domestic & Select International Flights
88/100
Very Good4.2
22,150 reviews
United Airlines
United Airlines Domestic & International Flights
83/100
Very Good3.8
142,600 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
Overall Score
88/100
83/100
Price
$150.00
$170.00
Customer Rating
4.2/5
3.8/5
Review Count
22,150
142,600
Best For
Best for Bag-Inclusive Value
Best for Global Routes
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
Southwest Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort15/20
Price & Value15/15
Route Network11/15
Loyalty Program8/10
Customer Service13/15
Punctuality & Reliability13/15
Baggage Policy13/10
United Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort0/20
Price & Value0/15
Route Network24/15
Loyalty Program7/10
Customer Service4/15
Punctuality & Reliability0/15
Baggage Policy0/10
Pros & Cons
Southwest Airlines
Two free checked bags on every fare — the clearest and most consistent cost advantage over competing US carriers.
No change or cancellation fees on any fare type, making Southwest the most flexible major US airline for travelers with uncertain plans.
Rapid Rewards points never expire on active accounts, and the Companion Pass is one of the highest-value companion benefits in US aviation.
Open seating model is divisive — travelers who want to pre-select a specific seat or guarantee adjacent seats for families must pay for EarlyBird Check-In or rely on early 24-hour check-in.
No alliance membership and no interlining with other carriers limits usefulness for complex international itineraries.
No seatback screens and limited premium product options make Southwest less competitive for long-haul or business travelers seeking elevated comfort.
United Airlines
340-destination network and Star Alliance membership deliver the most extensive effective route coverage of any single US carrier choice, critical for complex international itineraries.
MileagePlus miles never expire — a genuine program benefit that allows casual travelers to accumulate value without the pressure of expiration deadlines common in competing programs.
United Polaris business class is one of the strongest premium cabin products on a US legacy carrier, with lie-flat seats and direct-aisle access on most widebody international routes.
3.8/5 customer rating reflects real and persistent service quality issues, particularly on domestic routes where United's ground experience and customer service lag Delta's benchmarks.
$35 first checked bag fee applies in most economy fare classes, adding meaningful cost for travelers who check bags on every trip compared to Southwest's two free bags.
77% on-time rate, while industry-average, means roughly 1 in 4 flights arrives late — a statistic that compounds on connecting international itineraries.
Our Verdict
Southwest Airlines comes out ahead with a score of 88/100 compared to 83/100. Southwest Airlines is best for best for bag-inclusive value. However, United Airlines may be a better fit if you prioritize best for global routes.
Airline pricing, routes, and policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify details directly with the airline before booking.