Top 10 Airlines in USA
SUMMARY
The airline industry in the USA links millions of passengers to cities, states and international destinations every year. Airlines offer a range of services from international networks and domestic flights to low-cost travel and regional connections. They also earn money from cargo, loyalty programmes, baggage, seat selection and other services.
The Top 10 Airlines in the USA can be ranked in ways. Passenger numbers, domestic market share, fleet size and revenue are measures. For this list the ranking relies mainly on 2025 operating revenue using the recent full-year financial results. This gives readers a way to compare the financial size of the airlines.
There is one update to the list. Spirit Airlines, which used to be one of the US low-cost carriers is now excluded because it began an orderly wind-down of operations on May 2 2026 and cancelled all flights.
The latest Bureau of Transportation Statistics data also shows the scale of the US market. Scheduled US passenger airlines reported $252.6 billion in operating revenue in 2025. Domestic market-share data continues to place Delta, American, Southwest and United among the carriers.
Here are the 10 airlines and airline groups that had the revenue figures in 2025.
1. Delta Air Lines
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Latest Revenue | $63.4 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | About $5.0 billion (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
Delta Air Lines made about $63.4 billion in operating revenue in 2025. This made it the airline with the revenue in the list of US airlines. It also had about $5 billion in income for the year.
The airline started in 1925 and It expanded from its early aviation work into an airline that flies all over the world. Atlanta is the home of Delta Air Lines. Atlanta is also one of the important places where it is operated. The airline has a network that covers the United States and other parts of the world. It also has a programme called SkyMiles that rewards its customers.
Most of the money that Delta Air Lines makes comes from people who fly on its planes. It also makes money from moving cargo from its loyalty programme and from other services. Delta is big in the United States. Has flights to many places around the world. This makes Delta Air Lines one of the important airlines in the American market.
2. United Airlines
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois |
| Latest Revenue | $59.07 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | $3.35 billion (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
United Airlines had $59.07 billion in operating revenue in 2025. It also had $3.353 billion in income for the year. Most of the money that the airline made came from passenger services.. Other things that it does also add to the total.
The carrier has a large network in the United State and it also takes people to places across different continents. The main places where United Airlines operates include Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington.
United took more than 181 million passengers in 2025. It has a range of services. This includes flights within the United States and long trips to countries and it also moves cargo. This mix of services makes United Airlines a strong business.
For travellers, United is especially relevant for international journeys and connecting flights through its large hub network.
3. American Airlines
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Headquarters | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Latest Revenue | $54.63 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | $111 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
American Airlines had $54.6 billion in operating revenue in 2025. This was the amount of revenue that the company ever had in a single year.. It only made $111 million in net income for the year.
The airline has a big network that covers the United States and other parts of the world. The main places where the airline operates include Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix and other large cities in the US.
American Airlines also has flights that are run under the American Eagle brand. These flights are done by its own airlines and by other companies that work with American Airlines. In 2025 around 224 million people flew on American Airlines mainline and regional flights together.
Because of its network, American is a major choice for people who want to fly within the United States or to other countries.
4. Southwest Airlines
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas |
| Latest Revenue | $28.06 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | $441 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Passenger flights, freight and loyalty services |
Southwest Airlines is one of the airlines that offers low-cost flights in the United States. The airline has made $28.06 billion in operating revenue in 2025 and it also had $441 million in income for the year.
Southwest Airlines started in Texas in 1967. It started flights for passengers in 1971. Over time the airline became famous for its network inside the United States. Southwest also has a way of doing things when it comes to flying.
In 2025 money from passengers revenue reached about $25.5 billion. Other revenue also increased, part of this was because of money from the loyalty programme and changes to the company’s credit card deals.
Southwest is still a choice for people who fly between cities, in the United States.
5. Alaska Air Group
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington |
| Latest Revenue | $14.2 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | $100 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
Alaska Air Group reported revenue of fourteen point two billion dollars in 2025 and a GAAP net income of one hundred million dollars. The group contains Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines so the revenue figure belongs to the Alaska Air Group, not just Alaska Airlines.
The airline has a presence in the U.S. West Coast and runs domestic and international services. Its network also extends to Hawaii and other destinations through its airlines.
A key event in 2025 was the creation of an operating certificate for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. This combination has increased the group’s size and broadened its reach across the Pacific.
Alaska Air Group’s headquarters in Seattle stays closely tied to the Alaska Airlines brand and to its history in the Pacific Northwest.
6. JetBlue Airways
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Long Island City, New York |
| Latest Revenue | $9.06 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | -$602 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Passenger flights, loyalty services and ancillary travel services |
JetBlue Airways produced operating revenue of nine point zero six two billion dollars in 2025. The Airways, however, recorded a net loss of $602 million. Passenger revenue was $8.336 billion and other revenue was $726 million.
The airline has a presence in markets like New York and Boston and serves destinations across the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe.
Its TrueBlue loyalty program is another part of this Airways business. JetBlue also earns money from services beyond passenger travel.
In 2025 the airline kept the JetForward program running, which seeks to improve JetBlue Airways’ performance and customer experience. its revenue size keeps it among the U.S. Airlines even though profitability remains a challenge.
7. SkyWest
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Headquarters | St. George, Utah |
| Latest Revenue | $4.1 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | $428.3 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Regional passenger flights, charter services and aircraft leasing |
SkyWest operates differently from the large network airlines above. Rather than competing mainly for passengers under its own brand it operates regional flights for larger carriers through agreements with airlines such as United, Delta, American and Alaska.
SkyWest reported operating revenue of four point one billion dollars in 2025, a fifteen percent increase from the previous year. The airline’s net income reached four hundred twenty eight point three million dollars.
SkyWest’s regional flights help connect cities with the hub airports of larger airlines. This makes the company an important part of the U.S. Aviation network.
It also runs charter flying and aircraft leasing. The company’s headquarters is in St. George, Utah.
8. Frontier Airlines
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Denver, Colorado |
| Latest Revenue | $3.72 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | -$137 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Low-fare passenger flights, loyalty services and travel options |
Frontier Airlines is a US carrier that operates out of Denver. It flies to cities across the United States and also serves destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and other nearby international locations.
For 2025 Frontier reported operating revenue of $3.724 billion. This includes $3.598 billion from passenger revenue. The airline ended the year with a loss of $137 million.
Frontier’s business model is built on keeping base fares low. Passengers then pay extra for services like seat selection, baggage and other travel options. This approach helps keep ticket prices affordable.
The airline began operations in Denver in 1994. Since then it has stayed focused on leisure travelers and price-conscious customers. This continues to make Frontier a strong player in the US low-cost airline segment.
9. Allegiant Air
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Latest Revenue | $2.61 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | -$44.7 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Low-cost passenger flights, ancillary services and travel-related products |
Allegiant Air is part of the Allegiant Travel Company. Its main focus is on leisure travel. Of serving large business hubs the airline connects smaller and mid-sized cities to popular vacation spots.
In 2025 Allegiant Travel Company reported $2.6066 billion in operating revenue. The company recorded a loss of $44.7 million for the year.
Passenger revenue remains the core of its business.. Additional income comes from charges related to seating, baggage and other optional services.
By concentrating on leisure routes Allegiant sets itself apart from the network airlines at the top of this list.
10. Sun Country Airlines
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Latest Revenue | $1.13 billion (2025) |
| Latest Net Income | $52.8 million (2025) |
| Main Products/Services | Scheduled passenger flights, charter services and cargo |
Sun Country Airlines is smaller than Delta, United and American.. Its business model is more diversified. In addition to scheduled passenger flights it runs charter services. Has been growing its cargo business.
For 2025 Sun Country reported operating revenue of $1.1268 billion. It also posted income of $52.8 million. This marks the straight year of profitability.
During 2025 Sun Country expanded its cargo fleet while adjusting some of its scheduled passenger capacity. This helped the airline balance areas of its business.
Based in Minneapolis Sun Country is known for its leisure-focused services. At the time its cargo and charter operations added important sources of revenue.
Main Comparison Table
| Company | Latest Revenue | Main Products/Services |
| Delta Air Lines | $63.4 billion (2025) | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
| United Airlines | $59.07 billion (2025) | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
| American Airlines | $54.63 billion (2025) | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
| Southwest Airlines | $28.06 billion (2025) | Passenger flights, freight and loyalty services |
| Alaska Air Group | $14.2 billion (2025) | Passenger flights, cargo, loyalty programmes and air transportation |
| JetBlue Airways | $9.06 billion (2025) | Passenger flights, loyalty services and ancillary travel services |
| SkyWest | $4.1 billion (2025) | Regional passenger flights, charter services and aircraft leasing |
| Frontier Airlines | $3.72 billion (2025) | Low-fare passenger flights, loyalty services and travel options |
| Allegiant Air | $2.61 billion (2025) | Low-cost passenger flights, ancillary services and travel-related products |
| Sun Country Airlines | $1.13 billion (2025) | Scheduled passenger flights, charter services and cargo |
How Should You Choose an Airline in the USA?
Choosing the airline in the USA is not just about picking the biggest name. Revenue size does not always mean the airline for every traveller. The right airline depends on the route, ticket price, baggage rules, flight timings and what services are included in the fare. It’s important to look beyond the headline price and consider the cost of the trip.
For travel it helps to compare how many flights are available between your departure airport and your destination. More flights often mean flexibility in timing and better chances of getting a good rate. For travel look at the airline’s network and the main connecting hubs they use. If you fly often look into the loyalty programmes and credit-card benefits each airline offers. These can add up over time. Save you money.
Low-cost airlines often have base fares. But be careful. Extra charges for baggage, seat selection and even snacks can make the total cost much higher. So checking the travel cost before booking is more useful than just comparing the advertised ticket price.
Conclusion
The US airline market includes a range of carriers. There are network carriers like Delta, United and American. There are also low-cost airlines such as Southwest, Frontier and Allegiant. Regional operators like SkyWest play a role in connecting smaller cities to bigger hubs.
Delta, United and American had the highest 2025 revenues among the airlines covered here. Southwest remains one of the domestic airlines. The list shows how different airline models can succeed in different ways. Some focus on travel. Others aim for fares. Some rely on routes. Others build loyalty and service.
FAQs
1. Which is the airline in the USA by revenue?
Delta Air Lines is the airline by 2025 operating revenue. It made about $63.4 billion in operating revenue during 2025. United Airlines came next with $59.07 billion. American Airlines reported $54.63 billion.
2. What are the top airlines in the USA?
The top airlines in this list are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Air Group, JetBlue Airways, SkyWest, Frontier Airlines Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. They are ranked mainly by their reported 2025 revenue. This list does not focus on passenger satisfaction or fleet size.
3. Which US airline has the highest revenue?
Delta Air Lines had the 2025 operating revenue among the airlines listed here. It earned $63.4 billion. United Airlines was second with $59.07 billion. American Airlines came in third with $54.63 billion. Revenue shows business size. Does not always mean profitability.
4. Which are the low-cost airlines in the USA?
Southwest is one of the low-cost airlines in the USA by revenue. Frontier and Allegiant are also low-fare airlines. JetBlue has a low-cost model. It offers more services than typical budget airlines. The final price can vary because each airline has policies on baggage, seats and other fees.
5. Which US airlines offer international flights?
Several airlines on this list offer international flights. Delta, United and American have international networks. Alaska Air Group, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier and Allegiant also fly to destinations.. Each airline’s network size and geographic reach vary. Always check the schedule before booking.
6. Why is SkyWest included in the list?
SkyWest is included because it is a regional airline with over $4 billion in 2025 revenue. It operates flights for airlines under capacity purchase agreements. Its regional flights connect communities to major airline hubs. This makes SkyWest an important part of the US aviation system.
7. Why is Spirit Airlines not included?
Spirit Airlines is not included because it has no operating flights. On May 2 2026 Spirit Aviation Holdings announced a wind-down of its operations. All flights were cancelled. So including it in a list of US airlines would be misleading. Even though it had revenue in the past it is no longer active.
8. Which airline reported the highest net income in this list?
Delta Air Lines reported the highest net income among the airlines listed. It earned about $5 billion for 2025. United Airlines came next with $3.353 billion. American Airlines had lower GAAP net income of $111 million even though its revenue was $54.6 billion.
9. What is the biggest airline by US domestic market share?
The latest Bureau of Transportation Statistics data shows Delta with a 17.9% domestic market share for the 12 months ending May 2026. American Airlines was second at 17.6%. Southwest and United each had 17.0%. Market share can change depending on the time period. How it is measured.
10. How do airlines make money?
Airlines mainly make money from passenger fares.. Tickets are not the only source. Cargo, baggage fees, loyalty programmes, seat selection, upgrades and other optional services also bring in money. The mix varies by airline. For example United reported passenger, cargo and other operating revenue separately, in its 2025 statements.
Note: We at scoopearth take our ethics very seriously. More information about it can be found here.
