United Airlines vs Alaska Airlines
A detailed head-to-head comparison of United Airlines and Alaska Airlines based on our 100-point scoring system.
United Airlines
United Airlines Domestic & International Flights
83/100
Very Good3.8
142,600 reviews
Winner
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines — Domestic & International Flights
87/100
Very Good4.2
11,380 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
United Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Overall Score
83/100
87/100
Price
$170.00
$155.00
Customer Rating
3.8/5
4.2/5
Review Count
142,600
11,380
Best For
Best for Global Routes
Best West Coast Carrier
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
United Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort0/20
Price & Value0/15
Route Network24/15
Loyalty Program7/10
Customer Service4/15
Punctuality & Reliability0/15
Baggage Policy0/10
Alaska Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort16/20
Price & Value13/15
Route Network12/15
Loyalty Program10/10
Customer Service13/15
Punctuality & Reliability13/15
Baggage Policy10/10
Pros & Cons
United Airlines
340-destination network and Star Alliance membership deliver the most extensive effective route coverage of any single US carrier choice, critical for complex international itineraries.
MileagePlus miles never expire — a genuine program benefit that allows casual travelers to accumulate value without the pressure of expiration deadlines common in competing programs.
United Polaris business class is one of the strongest premium cabin products on a US legacy carrier, with lie-flat seats and direct-aisle access on most widebody international routes.
3.8/5 customer rating reflects real and persistent service quality issues, particularly on domestic routes where United's ground experience and customer service lag Delta's benchmarks.
$35 first checked bag fee applies in most economy fare classes, adding meaningful cost for travelers who check bags on every trip compared to Southwest's two free bags.
77% on-time rate, while industry-average, means roughly 1 in 4 flights arrives late — a statistic that compounds on connecting international itineraries.
Alaska Airlines
Mileage Plan is widely considered the best-value US airline loyalty program for partner award redemptions, particularly for international business and first class.
Strongest route network and schedule frequency on West Coast domestic routes, with broad Hawaii coverage.
Oneworld alliance membership provides global partner earning and redemption access that independent carriers cannot match.
Fleet consolidation transition from Airbus to Boeing-only is still in progress, creating some inconsistency in onboard product across the network.
No seatback screens on most aircraft — entertainment requires a personal device and the Alaska app, which can be inconvenient for less tech-savvy travelers.
Smaller global network than Delta or United means Alaska is less useful for travelers with heavy international itinerary needs outside the Oneworld alliance.
Our Verdict
Alaska Airlines comes out ahead with a score of 87/100 compared to 83/100. Alaska Airlines is best for best west coast carrier. However, United Airlines may be a better fit if you prioritize best for global routes.
Airline pricing, routes, and policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify details directly with the airline before booking.