What’s Your Favorite Airline? Let Me Guess—It’s Probably Not a U.S.-Based One. I Get It.
The Best Customer Experiences
If you’ve ever flown Emirates or Singapore Airlines, you know what impeccable service feels like. From check-in to landing, every detail is thoughtfully refined. The lounges are stunning. The food is delicious. The planes are often newer and more comfortable than their competitors. It’s an upgraded experience all around.
When Emirates or Singapore Isn’t a Choice, How Do You Choose an Airline?
Let’s be fair—it’s not all bad with U.S. airlines. Lately, I’ve been flying Delta more often, mainly because they offer the most direct flights for my routes. Thanks to a few corporate perks, I get priority boarding and access to better economy seats. Plus, even on smaller regional carriers, Delta almost always provides USB charging ports in coach. My American Express Platinum card also grants me access to Delta’s lounges. This is especially useful when connecting through their Atlanta hub. Here, lounge options are plentiful.
I used to have United Airlines status from frequent flights to Asia, but I haven’t traveled as much post-COVID. Honestly, I don’t love flying United these days. I usually end up in the last boarding group. I’m stuck in the back of coach, often without USB ports. Still, I have to give credit where it’s due. On a recent work trip to Brazil, I was blown away by United’s business class lounge in Houston. The modern space was impressive. There was a choice to order from a menu. Additionally, I enjoyed table service. These features joined made it one of the best lounge experiences I’ve had in the U.S. Sometimes, even airlines that don’t top my list still manage to impress.
For family travel, Southwest Airlines is a solid choice, especially with kids. Their free checked bags were a big selling point for trip planning. Yet, that perk has been eliminated. I appreciate their no-change-fee policy. Unfortunately, the lack of available flights from my city and minimal work-travel miles mean Southwest isn’t a go-to for me.
So, How Do I Manage Airline Loyalty?
I don’t commit to a single airline. Instead, I focus on:
✔️ The number of direct flights from my home airport to reduce time away.
✔️ Perks available through my full-time job, like priority boarding or seat upgrades.
✔️ Maximizing credit card benefits, especially for lounge access and status boosts.
I may not always get to fly the best airline, but I do my best to make every trip a little smoother. And I love when I get to experience a little luxury too.