As major airlines assess the future of short-haul domestic routes, the question arises: Which US "Big Three" airline— American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or United Airlines—plans to operate the most sub-100-mile flights in November 2024?
Based on available data for November 2024 from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, American Airlines is projected to lead in the number of sub-100-mile flights, planning 2,683 flights with 177,738 seats and 14,984,834 available seat miles (ASMs). United Airlines, a close competitor, plans a comparable number of flights (2,696) but with fewer seats (167,610) and 13,137,116 ASMs. Delta Air Lines, in contrast, is taking a much more conservative approach, planning only 968 flights with 70,476 seats and a total ASM count of 6,101,846.
American Airlines: A dominant player in short-haul flights
As the largest US airline by fleet size and destinations served, American Airlines leads the “Big Three” in sub-100-mile domestic flights. American's extensive network allows it to connect smaller regional airports to its primary hubs, enhancing its reach and connecting passengers to a broad range of destinations. A major contributor to American's dominance on short-haul routes is its hub in Charlotte Douglas International Airport, as the airline announced 133 new jobs in the city.
Charlotte (CLT) - Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP)
- Distance: 76 miles
- Operator: PSA Airlines (OH), operating as American Eagle
- Capacity: 76 passengers per aircraft
- Operations: 237 flights scheduled one way
This high frequency highlights the importance of seamless connectivity for business and leisure travelers between these nearby hubs, allowing quick access to Charlotte's expansive flight network.
Charlotte (CLT) - Greensboro (GSO)
- Distance: 82 miles
- Operators: PSA Airlines
- Capacity: 72.9 passengers per aircraft
- Operations: 197 flights scheduled
- Distance: 82 miles
- Operators: Piedmont Airlines (PT)
- Capacity: 50 passengers per aircraft
- Operations: 36 flights scheduled
This route again underscores Charlotte's role as a pivotal hub for regional travel in the Southeast. Two American regional airlines operate the flights. Frequent service between these cities ensures convenient connections for passengers heading to various domestic and international destinations.
Charlotte (CLT) - Columbia (CAE)
- Distance: 89 miles
- Operator: PSA Airlines
- Capacity: 70.8 passengers per aircraft
- Operations: 103 flights scheduled
- Distance: 89 miles
- Operator: Piedmont Airlines
- Capacity: 50 passengers per aircraft
- Operations: 136 flights scheduled
This route is operated by two American regional airlines. PSA Airlines provides this high-frequency service to connect Charlotte with South Carolina’s capital, offering convenient access to American's larger network. Piedmont Airlines operates this route with smaller aircraft, allowing for additional flexibility and frequent departure options between Columbia and Charlotte.
United Airlines: Close behind
United Airlines closely follows American, with 2,696 sub-100-mile flights planned for November 2024 and a similar seat count. Its Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Denver International Airport hubs cater to several short-haul connections in and around densely populated or remote areas, supporting United's goal of efficient passenger movement across the US and internationally.
Denver (DEN)- Colorado Springs (COS)
- Distance: 72 miles
- Operator: SkyWest Airlines
- Capacity: 58.4 passengers per flight
- Operations: 234 flights scheduled
- Distance: 72 miles
- Operator: United Airlines
- Capacity: 156.9 passengers per flight
- Operations: 87 flights scheduled
This route from Denver to Colorado is operated by two airlines under United. SkyWest Airlines has frequent flights on this short route, allowing for extensive connectivity. While operating less frequently, United Airlines offers larger aircraft capacity on this leg.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) - Milwaukee (MKE)
- Distance: 67 miles
- Operator: SkyWest Airlines
- Capacity: 50 passengers per flight
- Operations: 203 flights scheduled
- Distance: 67 miles
- Operator: United Airlines
- Capacity: 72.8 passengers
- Operations: 57 flights
Like the route above, this route offers many departures, allowing for convenient travel between United's hub and Milwaukee.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) - South Bend (SBN)
- Distance: 84 miles
- Operator: SkyWest Airlines
- Capacity: 50.7 passengers per flight
- Operations: 175 flights scheduled
- Distance: 84 miles
- Operator: United Airlines
- Capacity: 166 passengers per flight
- Operations: 2 flights scheduled
The 84-mile route between Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and South Bend (SBN) offers frequent service primarily operated by SkyWest Airlines on behalf of United. United Airlines also operates this route directly, but with a much larger aircraft capacity of 166 passengers, though only two flights are scheduled for the month.
Delta's selective short-haul strategy
Delta Air Lines has taken a more conservative approach, with only 968 planned sub-100-mile flights in November 2024. Through its Delta Connection regional partners, such as endeavor air, SkyWest Airlines, and republic airways, the airline continues to operate 22 sub-100-mile routes in November.
Detroit (DTW) - Saginaw (MBS)
- Distance: 98 miles
- Operator: Endeavor Air
- Capacity: 76 passengers
- Operations: 103 flights one-way.
This route links Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport with Saginaw, Michigan, catering to both leisure and business travelers within the state. With the highest frequency among Delta's short-haul flights, the Saginaw-Detroit route underscores Delta's commitment to maintaining robust regional connectivity.
Detroit (DTW) - Cleveland (CLE)
- Distance: 95 miles
- Operators: SkyWest Airlines
- Capacity: 71 passengers
- Operations: 84 flights one-way
The 95-mile route connecting Detroit to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is a key link in Delta’s Midwest network.
Detroit (DTW) - Lansing (LAN)
- Distance: 74 miles
- Operator: Endeavor Air
- Capacity: 76 passengers
- Operations: 84 flights one-way.
The 74-mile route between Detroit (DTW) and Lansing Capital Region International Airport (LAN) links Michigan's primary airport with the state's capital city, a crucial connection for travelers.
Atlanta (ATL) - Columbus (CSG)
- Distance: 83 miles
- Operator: Endeavor Air
- Capacity: 76 passengers
- Operations: 82 operations, one way.
This route connects Atlanta, one of Delta's largest hubs, with Columbus, Georgia. This short hop allows travelers from smaller cities like Columbus to access Delta's vast domestic and international network through Atlanta.
