When booking a flight, seniors often wonder: Which is better—United or Southwest Airlines? Both serve millions of passengers each year but offer very different experiences. United is a global, full-service carrier with international reach, while Southwest is known for low-cost fares and free checked bags.
If you’re leaning toward United but want help booking or understanding benefits, call 877-297-0699 for personalized support.
United Airlines: Based in Chicago, part of the global Star Alliance with over 1,000 destinations worldwide.
Southwest Airlines: Based in Dallas, a low-cost airline focused mainly on U.S. domestic routes with about 120 destinations.
💡 Quick visual idea: A side-by-side table showing “United = global reach, premium options” vs “Southwest = budget-friendly, domestic focus.”
Assigned seating with options to upgrade.
Economy Plus: Extra legroom, great for seniors with mobility concerns.
Polaris Business Class: Lie-flat seats for international comfort.
Open seating—no assigned seats. Seniors may find this stressful unless they purchase EarlyBird check-in for priority boarding.
Standard legroom (around 32” seat pitch).
No premium cabins for long-haul flights.
👵 Example: A retiree felt more at ease on United because she could pick her seat in advance, avoiding the rush of open boarding.
Charges for checked bags (waived for MileagePlus Premier members or co-branded cardholders).
Carry-on bag included in most fares, except Basic Economy.
Two checked bags free for all passengers.
No change fees—helpful for seniors who may need flexibility.
For domestic trips, Southwest’s baggage policy can save significant money.
Complimentary snacks and drinks on all flights.
Hot meals offered on long-haul and select premium routes.
Special meal requests available (vegetarian, diabetic-friendly, low-sodium).
Complimentary snacks and drinks only.
No meal service, even on cross-country flights.
Tip: Seniors planning longer journeys may prefer United for its meal service.
Earn and redeem miles with United and Star Alliance partners.
Miles never expire, even if you fly infrequently.
Miles can be used for family members’ tickets.
Earn points based on ticket price.
Points never expire while the account is open.
Limited redemption options due to Southwest’s domestic focus.
👴 Example: A grandfather used his MileagePlus miles to book tickets for his grandchildren’s overseas trip—something Southwest can’t provide.
United Airlines: Over 1,000 global destinations across 190+ countries through Star Alliance.
Southwest Airlines: About 120 destinations, primarily within the U.S., plus a few in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Seniors planning international visits—such as seeing family abroad—may find United far more practical.
United: Premier Access for faster airport check-ins, senior-friendly seating upgrades, strong international customer support.
Southwest: Free bags and no change fees simplify domestic travel.
Both: Pre-boarding, wheelchair assistance, and customer service available by phone.
📞 Senior tip: If you prefer step-by-step support when booking, call 877-297-0699 to have a United agent assist you.
Both airlines have clear advantages, but the choice depends on your travel needs:
Choose United if: You value assigned seating, international travel options, and loyalty miles you can use worldwide.
Choose Southwest if: You want free checked bags, flexible bookings, and mainly travel within the U.S.
For seniors seeking comfort, international flexibility, and peace of mind, United often comes out ahead. To book your next United flight or check MileagePlus rewards, call 877-297-0699 today.