major airlines

Delta, United, American

Major airlines are the largest commercial carriers in the aviation industry, distinguished from regional or budget airlines by their fleet size, route networks, and revenue.

In the U.S., the Department of Transportation formally designates carriers with annual revenues above a certain threshold as majors.

The term often appears in news about travel disruptions, labor negotiations, or industry consolidation: The major airlines reported record profits last quarter.

Related
  • DeltaAlluvial formation at mouth
  • UnitedPrefix for kingdoms, nations
  • AmericanFrom the U.S.
  • BoeingAmerican aircraft manufacturer
  • AirbusEuropean aircraft manufacturer

flights · red eye · passengers · boarding pass · seat assignment · terminals · runways · boarding · turbulence · layovers · first-class · economy · overhead · baggage · lost luggage · in-flight meal · hubs · tarmac

Categories
Opposites
carrier size and market scope

major airlinesregional airlines

Short-distance flight companies

commuter airlines · puddle jumpers · air taxis

pricing model and service tier

major airlinesbudget airlines

Cheap air travel companies

low-cost carriers · Spirit Airlines · Ryanair · EasyJet

operational scale

major airlinesair taxis

On-demand short-haul aircraft

private aviation · general aviation

Family

major, airline, line, lines, airlines, majors, majority, majorities, airway

Familiarity
Top 100,000
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Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G