Major airlines of the United States

The "Big 4" U.S. airlines. Clockwise from top left: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines[1]

The United States Department of Transportation defines a major carrier or major airline carrier as a U.S.-based airline that posts more than $1 billion in operating revenue during a fiscal year, grouped accordingly as "Group III".[2]

Airlines

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics updates the listing of major airlines once per year.[2] According to FY2025 operating revenues, 19 carriers meet the requirement for Group III status:[3][a]

Mainline passenger

Regional passenger

Cargo

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Only 18 carriers are listed. The 19th designated Group III carrier, Spirit Airlines, ceased operations in May 2026.[4]
  2. ^ a b c d Considered one of the "Big 4" U.S. airlines.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Ember, Sydney (September 5, 2024). "4 Big Airlines Face U.S. Inquiry Over Frequent Flier Programs". The New York Times.
  2. ^ a b "14 CFR 241.04 - Air Carrier Groupings". Code of Federal Regulations (PDF). US Government Publishing Office. p. 113.
  3. ^ Schmitt, Rolf R.; Tang, Lei (October 7, 2025) [effective January 1, 2026]. Air Carrier Groupings 2026 (PDF). Accounting and Reporting Directive of the Office of Airline Information (Report). Vol. 345. Washington, D.C.: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, United States Department of Transportation. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  4. ^ Chokshi, Niraj (May 2, 2026). "Spirit Airlines, a Pioneer of Low-Fare Flights, Shuts Down". The New York Times.
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