US Airlines: Expanding Horizons

Transportation is an essential aspect of modern day living. It is essential for the efficiency and convenience of most of the things we do. Even traveling by air is an important dealing, especially for busy entrepreneurs, correspondence and cargo matters, and even families enjoying a nice vacation.

At present, the airline industry accounts for at least 20% of passenger traffic in the United States. Definitely this puts a challenge in the airline industry to offer and provide only the best services to the passengers.

The US Airline Industry

The US airline industry is composed of many large carriers. These major airlines cover almost the entire America including international destinations like Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Asian region. They have a large fleet of aircrafts, around 300 to 500 on the average. The fleet would usually be composed of Boeing’s or Airbuses.

These major airlines are tested for their competency and good services. They make use of the latest in aircraft technology. There are thousands of employees to serve the needs of the passengers. Most, if not all, of these airlines will land in key airports near your area of destination.

The following are major airlines in the United States, listed in no particular order:

1. Delta
2. United Airlines
3. Continental
4. Air Tran
5. American
6. ATA
7. America West,
8. Frontier
9. Northwest
10. Southwest
11. US Airways

There are more air carriers that compose the US Airline industry. Most of them cover only destinations within the United States and certain key cities outside. They usually have particular airline routes. There are more than 20 of them. Some of the airlines are:

1. Alaska Airlines
2. Aloha Airlines
3. Champion Airlines
4. Colgan Airlines
5. Corporate Airlines
6. Hawaiian Airlines
7. Miami Air
8. SkyWest Airlines
9. Spirit Airlines
10. West Jet Airlines

Features to Expect and Look For in the US Airlines

Frequent Flyer Program

The frequent flyer program is self-explanatory. It is a program offered by most airlines to people who frequently fly. This is a good option to use to get a good seat in the airline of your choice, especially if you are loyal to one.

Reservations

Major airlines can be directly booked for reservations. They have usually have their contact numbers and hotlines posted in their official web site, even in your local directory. Travel agents can also book you ahead of time. There are also online booking engines that collaborate with your favorite airline. With these, you can even choose your seat from an interactive map.

Round the World Travels

When your itinerary will involve several destinations, it is best to get a round-the-world ticket from your airline. This will save you more money rather than get one ticket to go to your destination and another one on your way back.

Airlines usually collaborate with others, some sort of alliance, like having a major airlines partner with a discount carrier. This will help you link several routes to reach all the destinations you have to go to, at a cheaper price.

For example, the Star Alliance covers at least 755 destinations all over the world. This alliance includes United Airlines, Air Canada and Lufthansa among others. With this alliance, you are most likely to reach any point in the globe in a major airline.

Meals Served

Of course, food cannot be ignored. This is an important feature to consider, especially if your journey would cover a far destination. Meals are not ordinarily provided in very short destinations although they snacks and drinks are passed around. Some would only make a counter available where passengers can buy their food.

AirTran, Frontier and Delta offer complimentary drinks and snacks in their flights. In American Airlines, America west, passengers can buy snacks or wraps and drinks. Continental provides meals or snacks even in their domestic flights, depending on the time.

In-flight Entertainment

Entertainment features vary. Some would simply provide earphones to listen to the radio and watch a movie in a common television. Some provide television for each passenger to watch a movie of their own choice from the selection. Kids can even enjoy playing games while busy professionals can get their laptops powered up without leaving their seats. There are online sites that showcase the different entertainment features of some of the major US airlines.

The next time you travel, seek out the best among the best in the US airline industry. There are many choices. Simply pick one that suits your needs because traveling should be a wonderful experience. It is one of the means for a person to expand his or her horizon, literally and figuratively.

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