What’s Your Favorite Airline?
Let me guess—it’s probably not a U.S.-based one. And honestly? I get it.
Why International Airlines Often Win
If you’ve ever flown with Emirates or Singapore Airlines, you already know what truly elevated air travel feels like. From the seamless check-in experience to luxurious in-flight service, everything is impeccably executed.
The airport lounges are sophisticated, the food rivals restaurant quality, and the aircraft are often newer, quieter, and more comfortable. It’s an upgraded experience from start to finish—and hard to beat once you’ve had a taste.
I first flew Emirates Airlines 18 years ago. I was in my mid-twenties and it was a travel experience I won’t ever forget. I had a business class seat from the U.S. to Dubai and back. Every aspect of my travel to / from the Middle East was leaps above what I experienced on other airlines.
But When Emirates or Singapore Isn’t an Option…
Let’s be fair—it’s not all bad with U.S. airlines. I’ve been flying Delta Air Lines more often lately. The reason? They offer the most direct flights from my home airport, which cuts down on travel time—something I highly value.
Thanks to a few corporate travel perks, I usually enjoy priority boarding and better economy seat assignments. That may seem like a small perk, but I really appreciate it since I’m not likely to qualify for many status level upgrades.
My American Express Platinum cards gives me $200 in travel dollars a year on one carrier so I sometimes spend $25 or so per segment to upgrade to an economy plus seat.
My American Express Platinum Card also gives me access to Delta Sky Club lounges—a lifesaver when connecting through major hubs like Atlanta (ATL). Pro tip: Delta’s ATL Sky Club near Concourse B is one of their best.
United Airlines: A Surprise Hit (Sometimes)
While I no longer have elite status with United Airlines, I flew them frequently during my Asia-heavy travel years. In the last couple of years, I’ve usually in the last boarding group and stuck in a back-row seat with no USB access—which is frustrating. In fact, it’s frustrating enough where I tried my hardest to avoid United. More recently, however, United has corporate perks like better economy seats and earlier boarding that I can leverage when traveling for work.
That said, I want to give credit where credit’s due: on a recent trip to Brazil, I visited the United Polaris Lounge in Houston (IAH). It was one of the best business class lounges I’ve experienced in the U.S.—spacious, elegant, and offering à la carte dining. I had a delicious sit-down dinner before boarding, which made the long-haul flight significantly more pleasant. The entire lounge space was elevated and felt much more like some of the premium international carriers.
Sometimes, even an airline that doesn’t top your list can impress you when it counts.
Is Southwest Still a Good Option?
For families, Southwest Airlines remains a solid choice—especially thanks to their generous free change policy. When our kids were younger, the free checked bags made travel logistics a breeze.
Unfortunately, they’ve since eliminated the free bag benefit for many travelers, and they don’t offer enough flights from my local airport to be a reliable option for work trips or adults-only travel.
One workaround? The AMEX Platinum’s airline fee credit helps offset baggage fees with other carriers—so we rarely pay out of pocket.
My Real Loyalty Strategy
I don’t pledge loyalty to a single airline. Instead, I optimize for flexibility and comfort:
✔️ Direct routes from my home airport to minimize travel time
✔️ Employer perks, like seat upgrades or early boarding
✔️ Travel credit card benefits that boost comfort, status, and rewards
I might not always fly the most luxurious airline in the sky, but I always aim to travel smarter, make each trip smoother, and embrace luxury where I can—whether it’s a Sky Club mimosa or a perfectly timed seat upgrade.
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