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Alaska Airlines consistently outperforms American Airlines on customer satisfaction and is the stronger choice for domestic US travel. American has a far larger international network and is the clear choice when your destination is outside North America. Both carriers are now members of the Oneworld alliance, which changed their relationship from competitors to partners. You can earn and redeem miles on both with either loyalty program.
Route Networks
Alaska Airlines focuses on North America, primarily domestic US routes with service to Mexico, Canada, and a handful of Central American destinations. Its west coast presence is particularly strong, with more routes out of Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and Los Angeles than most other carriers.
American Airlines flies to over 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. It’s one of the few US carriers with meaningful transatlantic and transpacific coverage. If you’re flying to Europe, Asia, South America, or Africa, American is almost always available where Alaska isn’t.
Winner for international: American by default. Winner for domestic west coast: Alaska on most metrics.
Baggage Fees
- Alaska: First checked bag $35, second $45 on most domestic routes. Alaska credit card holders and MVP elite members get free checked bags. One carry-on and personal item included on most fares.
- American: First checked bag $35, second $45 on most domestic routes. AAdvantage credit card and elite status provide free checked bags. Basic economy on some routes restricts carry-on to personal item only.
Baggage fees are roughly equivalent between the two carriers at the base level. The key differentiator here is their credit cards: both Alaska and American offer co-branded credit cards that include one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 companions on the same reservation, which is a real benefit for families.
Customer Satisfaction
Alaska Airlines has consistently ranked among the top traditional carriers in J.D. Power’s North America Airline Satisfaction Study, regularly outperforming American. Travelers cite on-time performance on key routes, staff service quality, and the boarding process as standouts. American has a larger operation to manage across more routes and international markets, which makes consistent performance harder to maintain.
Loyalty Programs
- Alaska Mileage Plan: Earns miles based on distance flown and fare class (not just ticket price). Known for exceptional partner airline redemption options. Alaska’s Mileage Plan has historically had some of the best international first and business class redemption rates through partner carriers. Alaska joined Oneworld in 2021, making its miles even more internationally usable.
- American AAdvantage: Earns miles based on ticket price on American flights. Part of the Oneworld alliance (same as Alaska). Useful for international redemptions through Oneworld partners like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and others. AAdvantage elite status earns upgrades on American’s own metal.
Since both airlines are now in Oneworld, you can earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles on American flights and vice versa. Alaska Mileage Plan is generally considered more valuable for international business and first class redemptions through partner carriers. AAdvantage is better if you primarily fly American’s own routes and want upgrades on American metal.
In-Flight Experience
Both carriers offer similar domestic economy experiences. Alaska’s cabin staff consistently receive higher satisfaction scores. American has a more varied fleet with better premium cabin products on long-haul international routes, including fully flat business class beds (Flagship Business) on widebody aircraft, which Alaska doesn’t offer since it doesn’t fly the same routes.
Verdict
Choose Alaska if: You’re flying domestic US (especially west coast routes), customer service track record matters to you, or you want to earn Mileage Plan miles for international partner redemptions.
Choose American if: Your route isn’t served by Alaska, you’re flying internationally, or you have AAdvantage elite status and prefer earning upgrades on American’s own planes.
Alaska vs American Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaska Airlines better than American Airlines?
Alaska ranks higher in customer satisfaction consistently. American has a larger international network. For domestic US travel, Alaska is often the better experience. For international travel, American covers far more destinations.
Are Alaska and American Airlines in the same alliance?
Yes. Alaska Airlines joined the Oneworld alliance in March 2021, the same alliance American belongs to. Both carriers codeshare and have an interline relationship, meaning you can earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles on American flights and AAdvantage miles on Alaska flights.
Which airline has better frequent flyer miles: Alaska or American?
Alaska Mileage Plan is generally considered more valuable for international partner redemptions, particularly for premium cabin seats on partner airlines. AAdvantage is better for earning upgrades on American’s own metal and for those who primarily fly American internationally.
Does Alaska Airlines fly internationally?
Limited. Alaska flies to Mexico, Canada, and some Central American destinations including Costa Rica. It does not fly to Europe, Asia, South America, or Africa. For most international travel, you’ll need American or a different carrier.
Does Alaska Airlines have business class?
Alaska has first class on domestic routes (wider seats, meals, priority boarding) but not international flat-bed business class because they don’t fly transatlantic or transpacific routes. American has Flagship Business with lie-flat seats on international widebody aircraft.
Which airline is better for the west coast?
Alaska. It has the largest route network out of Seattle, Portland, and strong presence in San Francisco and Los Angeles. For Pacific Northwest departures especially, Alaska typically has more frequencies and better schedule options than American.
