Southwest Airlines vs American Airlines: A Texas Showdown of Two Dallas-Based Airlines

When it comes to flying in and out of Texas, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines are two of the biggest names in the game. Both airlines are headquartered in Dallas — Southwest based at Dallas Love Field (DAL) and American Airlines at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). These two airlines serve millions of passengers annually, and each has its own unique approach to customer experience, pricing, and loyalty programs.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both Southwest and American Airlines, compare key differences in a side-by-side chart, and help you figure out how to find the best deals using Skyscanner. Plus, we’ll cover how to maximize your loyalty points, and whether you should choose one airline over the other for your frequent travels.

Pros and Cons: Southwest Airlines

Pros:

1. No Change or Cancellation Fees: One of the biggest selling points of Southwest is its flexibility. You can change or cancel your flight without hefty fees, which is a rare perk in the airline industry.
2. Two Free Checked Bags: Southwest remains one of the few airlines that offer two free checked bags per passenger — huge savings for families or travelers with lots of luggage.
3. Open Seating: Instead of assigned seating, Southwest offers an open-seating model, allowing passengers to pick their seat based on their boarding group.
4. Rapid Rewards Points Don’t Expire: Points earned through the Rapid Rewards program don’t expire as long as your account is active, which makes it easy to accumulate over time.
5. Customer Service: Southwest has a long-standing reputation for friendly and helpful customer service.

Cons:

1. No Assigned Seating: The open-seating model can be stressful for travelers who prefer to know exactly where they’ll sit, especially if you’re not in an early boarding group. For more on changes here, check out my post here >>
2. No First Class: Southwest doesn’t offer a premium class experience, so if you’re seeking luxury in the skies, this isn’t the airline for you.
3. Limited International Routes: Southwest primarily serves domestic destinations with a few international routes to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Pros and Cons: American Airlines

Pros:

1. More International Routes: As a legacy carrier, American Airlines flies to many international destinations, making it a better option for long-haul flights.
2. First and Business Class Options: American offers a variety of premium cabins, including First Class and Flagship Business, which come with extra perks like lounge access and fully lie-flat seats on some routes.
3. Onboard Entertainment and Wi-Fi: American provides in-seat screens and onboard Wi-Fi on most planes, offering a wider range of in-flight entertainment options.
4. AAdvantage Loyalty Program: American’s AAdvantage program is one of the oldest and most established frequent flyer programs, allowing you to earn miles with both flights and partner offers.
5. Admirals Club Lounges: American Airlines passengers have access to Admirals Club Lounges, offering a comfortable pre-flight experience with complimentary snacks and drinks.

Cons:

1. Fees for Changes and Cancellations: Unlike Southwest, American Airlines typically charges fees for flight changes or cancellations, unless you book a more expensive flexible fare.
2. Baggage Fees: Unless you have elite status or a co-branded American Airlines credit card, you’ll have to pay for checked bags on most flights.
3. Inconsistent Service: While American Airlines offers a more premium experience, their customer service can be inconsistent, depending on the flight or crew.

Finding the Best Deals on Skyscanner

For both Southwest and American Airlines, Skyscanner is your go-to tool for finding the best flight deals. You can compare prices across airlines, see the cheapest dates to fly, and even filter by direct flights or airlines of your choice. Here’s how to make sure you get the best deal:

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Use Skyscanner’s “whole month” search feature to find the cheapest days to fly.
2. Set Price Alerts: You can set up price alerts on Skyscanner, which will notify you when flight prices drop.
3. Book Early: Flights tend to get more expensive as your departure date approaches, so booking early often saves you money, especially for international routes on American Airlines.
4. Use Skyscanner for Hotel Deals: Don’t just stop at flights — Skyscanner also helps you compare prices on hotels, so you can bundle your trip and save more.

Should You Earn Points on Southwest or American Airlines?

Both Southwest’s Rapid Rewards and American Airlines’ AAdvantage are valuable programs, but the right one for you depends on your travel habits.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards: If you fly domestically more often, Southwest’s points system is incredibly user-friendly. Points are earned based on ticket price rather than distance, and there are no blackout dates for redeeming points. The Companion Pass is one of the best perks in the industry, allowing you to bring a companion for free (excluding taxes/fees) on any flight.
• American AAdvantage: If you prefer international travel or enjoy premium cabin experiences, AAdvantage is the better program. You can earn miles not only on American Airlines flights but also through oneworld partners, giving you more flexibility for earning and redeeming miles. Elite status with American also provides more valuable perks, like free upgrades and bonus miles.

How to Be Loyal: Earning Elite Status

Both airlines offer elite status tiers, but the qualifications and benefits differ.

• Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred: You’ll need to fly 25 one-way flights or earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) annually for A-List. For A-List Preferred, it’s 50 one-way flights or 70,000 TQPs. Benefits include priority boarding, free same-day standby, and bonus Rapid Rewards points.
• American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Status: The base level, Gold, requires 30,000 Loyalty Points (equivalent to frequent flyer miles) or 25 flight segments. Higher tiers include Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum, each with escalating benefits like complimentary upgrades, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowances.

Lounges: Admirals Club vs Southwest

• Southwest: Unfortunately, Southwest does not offer lounge access or operate any lounges.
• American Airlines Admirals Club: If you’re flying American Airlines, you can access the Admirals Club by either purchasing a membership, holding certain premium credit cards, or flying in First or Business Class on select routes. The Admirals Club offers complimentary snacks, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating to relax before your flight.

Final Verdict: Southwest vs American Airlines

Choosing between Southwest Airlines and American Airlines comes down to your personal travel needs.

• If you value lower prices, free baggage, and flexibility with changing flights, Southwest is your best bet — especially for frequent domestic flyers.
• However, if you prefer luxury, international routes, and premium services like lounges and First Class cabins, American Airlines offers a more upscale experience.

Regardless of which airline you choose, use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals, and remember to rack up those points using your American Express Gold Card for maximum travel rewards.

Bonus: DFW vs. Love Field — Which Dallas Airport Should You Choose?

When flying out of Dallas, you’ve got two main airport options: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). Both have their own pros and cons, depending on which airline you’re flying and where you’re headed. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide which is better for your next trip

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

DFW is a massive, world-class airport that’s a major hub for American Airlines, offering hundreds of domestic and international flights every day. Here’s why DFW might be the better option for your travels:

• Extensive Route Network: If you’re flying American Airlines or one of their partners, DFW gives you access to both domestic and international destinations, making it the better choice for long-haul or international flights.
• Airport Amenities: DFW is loaded with dining, shopping, and lounge options (like the Admirals Club and American Express Centurion Lounge). It’s like a mini-city, with tons of amenities to enjoy while you wait for your flight.
• Multiple Terminals: DFW is spread across five terminals, which means there’s a lot of ground to cover. Fortunately, the Skylink train connects terminals quickly.
• Flight Options: With American Airlines dominating DFW, you’ll find more options for premium services like First Class and Business Class, plus access to one of the largest international route networks.

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Love Field is Southwest Airlines’ home base, offering a more streamlined experience. Here’s why you might choose Love Field:

• Convenient Location: Located closer to downtown Dallas, Love Field is much more accessible if you’re staying in or around central Dallas.
• Less Crowded: While DFW is a behemoth, Love Field is smaller, making it easier and quicker to navigate. Fewer terminals mean shorter distances to walk, fewer lines, and less congestion overall.
• Southwest Airlines Hub: If you’re flying Southwest, Love Field is your only option. You’ll enjoy free checked bags and no change fees, making it great for domestic and regional flights.

When is Southwest Coming to DFW?

As of now, Southwest Airlines is not planning to operate out of DFW. Due to an agreement tied to the Wright Amendment, which was repealed in 2014, Southwest is primarily focused on Dallas Love Field. The repeal allowed Southwest to expand its long-haul flights out of Love Field, reducing the need to compete at DFW.

With Southwest’s dominance and success at Love Field, it’s unlikely we’ll see them shift operations to DFW in the near future. Love Field remains their headquarters and primary base for domestic flights, offering a more straightforward and budget-friendly alternative to DFW.

Which Airport Should You Choose?

• Choose DFW if you’re flying American Airlines, heading on an international flight, or want more premium lounge options.
• Choose Love Field if you’re flying Southwest, want to avoid large crowds, and prefer a quicker, more efficient airport experience.

Both airports are fantastic in their own way, but your airline and travel preferences will guide your decision.

For more insider tips and travel hacks, check out my Ultimate Travel Guides on ZachusTravel.com! Until next time, here’s to smooth skies, good company, and a journey full of happy memories.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel

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