United vs American vs Alaska: Who Leads with the Boeing 737 MAX?

Key Takeaways

• United Airlines operates the largest Boeing 737 MAX fleet with over 210 MAX 8 and 9 planes.
• Alaska Airlines offers the best domestic first-class comfort with 41-inch seat pitch on MAX 9.
• American Airlines focuses on MAX 8s with stable operations and no recent MAX 9/10 delays.

When choosing an airline for domestic or short international travel in the United States 🇺🇸, especially on routes operated by The Boeing 737 MAX, travelers often compare United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines. each airline has developed its own approach to using the Boeing 737 MAX, shaped by recent events, fleet strategies, and passenger expectations. This comparison will help you understand the differences between these airlines, focusing on their use of the Boeing 737 MAX, and guide you in making the best choice for your travel needs.

Let’s look at each airline’s approach, compare their requirements, timelines, and costs, and weigh the pros and cons for different types of travelers. We’ll also provide recommendations for specific situations and a simple framework to help you decide which airline might be best for your next trip.

Introduction to the Boeing 737 MAX and Its Importance

The Boeing 737 MAX is a modern, fuel-efficient airplane used by many airlines in the United States 🇺🇸. It comes in several versions, including the MAX 8, MAX 9, and the yet-to-be-certified MAX 10. Airlines choose different versions based on their route needs, passenger numbers, and business strategies. The 737 MAX is important because it helps airlines save on fuel, reduce pollution, and offer a quieter, more comfortable ride for passengers.

However, the 737 MAX has also faced safety concerns, most notably the January 2024 door plug incident involving Alaska Airlines, which led to a temporary grounding of all MAX 9 planes in the United States 🇺🇸. This event affected airlines differently, depending on how much they relied on the MAX 9.

United Airlines: The Largest MAX Operator with a Focus on Scale

Fleet and Orders

United Airlines stands out as the largest operator of the Boeing 737 MAX in the United States 🇺🇸. As of July 2025, United’s fleet includes:

• 116 MAX 8s (with 7 more on order)
• 94 MAX 9s (with 129 more on order)
• 167 MAX 10s on order (awaiting certification)

This gives United a total mainline fleet of 1,018 aircraft, making it the world’s largest airline by fleet size. The airline took delivery of its 1,000th aircraft—a new 737 MAX 9—in January 2025.

Operational Strategy

United Airlines uses the MAX 9 as the backbone of its domestic and short international routes. The airline has shifted its network planning to rely heavily on the MAX 9, especially since the MAX 10 is still waiting for certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). United’s Alaska network is a good example: all flights to Alaska use the 737 MAX, with the MAX 9 providing more seats and better efficiency than the MAX 8. For example, on the Houston-Anchorage route, United operates 18 MAX 9 flights compared to 13 MAX 8 flights, offering 49% more seats.

United’s Chief Financial Officer recently said that MAX deliveries are now “slightly ahead of schedule,” which is a big improvement after years of delays from Boeing.

Safety and Reliability

United was directly affected by the January 2024 Alaska Airlines MAX 9 door plug blowout. This incident led to a 20-day grounding of all MAX 9 planes in the United States 🇺🇸, costing United $200 million and resulting in a confidential settlement with Boeing. Despite these challenges, United remains committed to the MAX program and is prepared to keep expanding with the MAX 9 if MAX 10 certification is delayed further.

Passenger Experience

United’s MAX 9s are used mainly for medium-haul domestic and short international routes. The cabins are modern, but the first-class seats are not as spacious or comfortable as those offered by Alaska Airlines. United focuses more on efficiency and network reach than on luxury.

Alaska Airlines: Leader in Passenger Comfort, Smaller in Scale

Fleet and Orders

Alaska Airlines operates a smaller but growing fleet of 737 MAX 9s. The airline is not as large a MAX customer as United but is a major MAX 9 operator on the West Coast and for transcontinental routes. Alaska continues to receive new MAX 9s as Boeing resumes production.

Operational Strategy

Alaska Airlines uses the MAX 9 for both long cross-country and West Coast routes. The MAX 9’s range and efficiency make it a good fit for Alaska’s network. Alaska was at the center of the January 2024 MAX 9 door plug incident, which led to a temporary grounding of its MAX 9 fleet and disrupted schedules. Since then, Alaska has worked hard to restore passenger confidence and keep its operations running smoothly.

Passenger Experience

Alaska Airlines is known for offering the best domestic first-class experience on the MAX 9. The first-class seats have a 41-inch pitch, which means more legroom than any other non-lie-flat domestic seat in the United States 🇺🇸. Passengers also enjoy modern amenities, free messaging, and affordable Wi-Fi. The MAX 9 cabins are newer and more comfortable than Alaska’s older 737-900ERs, though some travelers say the older seats are better padded.

Expert and Passenger Perspectives

Alaska Airlines receives high marks for friendly staff, thoughtful cabin design, and above-average service. Frequent travelers who value comfort often prefer Alaska, especially on routes where it competes directly with United Airlines.

American Airlines: The Quiet, Conservative Competitor

Fleet and Orders

American Airlines operates a large fleet of 737 MAX 8s but is not a major customer for the MAX 9 or MAX 10. As of July 2025, American’s mainline fleet includes 978 aircraft, slightly behind United and Delta.

Operational Strategy

American Airlines uses its 737 MAX 8s mainly for domestic and short-haul international routes. The airline has not been as affected by the MAX 9 and MAX 10 certification delays because it focuses on the MAX 8.

Passenger Experience

American’s MAX 8 first-class seats offer a 37-inch pitch, which is standard for the U.S. market but less than what Alaska offers on the MAX 9. The overall passenger experience is considered average, with no standout features.

Recent Developments

American Airlines has not faced any major incidents or made significant policy changes regarding its MAX fleet in 2025. The airline has taken a steady, conservative approach to the MAX program.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Requirements, Timelines, and Costs

To help you compare these airlines, here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Fleet and Network Reach

• United Airlines: Largest MAX fleet, most extensive network, especially strong on Alaska routes and medium-haul flights.
• Alaska Airlines: Moderate MAX fleet, focused on West Coast and transcontinental routes.
• American Airlines: Large MAX 8 fleet, focused on domestic and short international routes.

Delivery and Certification Timelines

• United Airlines: Deliveries are ahead of schedule, but MAX 10 certification is delayed until at least 2027.
• Alaska Airlines: Ongoing MAX 9 deliveries, steady growth as Boeing production recovers.
• American Airlines: Stable MAX 8 deliveries, not affected by MAX 9/10 delays.

Passenger Experience and Comfort

• United Airlines: Modern cabins, but first-class comfort is not industry-leading.
• Alaska Airlines: Best domestic first-class seat pitch (41”), modern amenities, praised for service.
• American Airlines: Standard first-class comfort (37” pitch), average amenities.

Costs and Value

• United Airlines: Offers more seats and flights, which can mean more choices and sometimes better prices, but not always the best for comfort.
• Alaska Airlines: Focuses on passenger comfort, which may come at a slightly higher price, especially in first class.
• American Airlines: Standard pricing, with fewer premium features.

Safety and Reliability

• United Airlines: Faced a $200 million loss from the MAX 9 grounding but has a strong contingency plan.
• Alaska Airlines: Center of the MAX 9 door plug incident but has worked to rebuild trust.
• American Airlines: No major incidents, steady operations.

Pros and Cons for Different Situations

United Airlines

Pros:
– Largest network and most flight options, especially to Alaska.
– Modern, efficient fleet with many new planes.
– Deliveries are ahead of schedule, meaning more new planes soon.

Cons:
– First-class comfort is not as good as Alaska’s.
– Has faced operational headaches from Boeing’s delays and safety incidents.
– Relies heavily on Boeing’s ability to deliver new planes and get the MAX 10 certified.

Alaska Airlines

Pros:
– Best domestic first-class comfort and amenities.
– Friendly staff and high service ratings.
– Modern cabins on the MAX 9.

Cons:
– Smaller network and fewer flights than United.
– Was at the center of the MAX 9 safety incident, which may concern some travelers.
– Some older planes still in the fleet.

American Airlines

Pros:
– Stable, reliable operations with no major recent incidents.
– Standard pricing and comfort.
– Not affected by MAX 9/10 certification delays.

Cons:
– No standout features in passenger comfort or service.
– Smaller network than United, especially for Alaska routes.
– Less focus on premium experience.

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

• If you need the most flight options and network reach: Choose United Airlines. This is especially true for trips to Alaska or medium-haul routes where United’s MAX 9s dominate.
• If you value comfort and service, especially in first class: Alaska Airlines is the best choice. Their MAX 9 first class is the most spacious and comfortable in the country.
• If you want a steady, no-surprises experience: American Airlines offers reliable service with standard comfort, making it a safe pick for travelers who don’t need extra features.

Decision-Making Framework

To decide which airline is best for you, consider these questions:

1. Where are you flying?
   • For Alaska or medium-haul routes, United offers the most options.
   • For West Coast or cross-country routes, Alaska provides comfort and service.
   • For general domestic travel, American is a steady choice.
2. What matters most: comfort or convenience?
   • If you want the most comfortable first-class seat, pick Alaska.
   • If you want the most flights and flexibility, pick United.
   • If you want a standard, reliable experience, pick American.
3. Are you concerned about recent safety incidents?
   • Alaska has worked hard to address the MAX 9 incident and improve safety.
   • United has strong contingency plans and is committed to the MAX program.
   • American has not faced major incidents with the MAX.

1. Do you care about new planes and modern cabins?
   • United and Alaska both have modern MAX fleets, but Alaska’s first class stands out.
   • American’s MAX 8s are newer but offer standard comfort.

Industry-Wide Context and Future Outlook

The Boeing 737 MAX program is still recovering from past safety issues and production delays. Boeing resumed MAX production after a 12-week strike in late 2024, but U.S. regulators have limited production to 38 jets per month. Analysts expect about 29 deliveries per month in 2025, which is still below Boeing’s target.

The MAX 7 and MAX 10 are still waiting for certification, affecting airlines like United and Southwest. The average age of commercial planes is now 14.8 years, so airlines are eager to get new planes like the 737 MAX to modernize their fleets.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the future of the MAX program—and each airline’s strategy—will depend on Boeing’s ability to solve certification and production problems. United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, has been openly critical of Boeing’s issues but remains committed to the MAX. Alaska’s CEO, Ben Minicucci, sees improvements in Boeing’s quality and production under new leadership.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

• Check the aircraft type when booking your flight. If you want the best first-class seat, look for Alaska’s MAX 9.
• Compare prices and schedules across all three airlines, as United may offer more options but Alaska may offer better comfort.
• Stay updated on safety news by visiting the FAA’s official website for the latest information on aircraft safety and certification.
• Contact airlines directly for questions about their Boeing 737 MAX operations or to request specific seat types.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Choosing between United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines for a Boeing 737 MAX flight depends on your priorities. United wins on network size and operational commitment, Alaska wins on passenger comfort and service, and American offers a steady, standard experience. As the MAX program continues to evolve, keep an eye on airline announcements and official safety updates to make the best choice for your travel needs.

For more detailed airline comparisons and updates on the Boeing 737 MAX, you can visit the airlines’ official websites or check trusted sources like VisaVerge.com. Always review the latest travel and safety information before booking your next flight.

Learn Today

Boeing 737 MAX → A modern, fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft series used widely in US domestic and short international flights.
MAX 8 → A Boeing 737 MAX variant focused on short to medium-haul routes with balanced seating and efficiency.
MAX 9 → An extended-range 737 MAX variant offering more seats and longer range, used heavily in US domestic networks.
Certification → Official approval by aviation authorities that an aircraft model meets safety and operational standards.
Door Plug Incident → January 2024 safety event involving Alaska Airlines’ MAX 9 door, causing temporary grounding of planes.

This Article in a Nutshell

United, Alaska, and American Airlines use the Boeing 737 MAX differently, balancing fleet size, comfort, and safety. United leads in size, Alaska excels in comfort, and American maintains steady operations. Each airline suits different traveler priorities on domestic and short international US routes.
— By VisaVerge.com