I'm a loyal Southwest flier but decided to try American to see if I'd like it better. I didn't for 6 big reasons.

Libby TorresApr 8, 2023, 16:59 IST

I'm a loyal Southwest Airlines customer, and after trying American Airlines, I don't see that changing any time soon.Libby Torres/Insider

For most of my adult life, I've flown Southwest Airlines when I travel domestically.
But on a recent work trip, I decided to try American Airlines. My experience didn't blow me away.

I've flown Southwest Airlines for most of my adult life. But for a recent work trip to Austin, Texas, I decided to try out American Airlines.

The author, masked up and ready to go onboard American.Libby Torres/Insider

Check-in for my American flight was simple, and I didn't check any bags. But from the moment I arrived at my gate in LaGuardia, I realized I preferred Southwest's boarding group process.

The boarding process for the author's American Airlines flight.Libby Torres/Insider

Check-in for my American flight was simple, and I didn't check any bags. But from the moment I arrived at my gate in LaGuardia, I realized I preferred Southwest's boarding group process.

I also thought the boarding process for my American flight was so much more chaotic than on Southwest.

The jetway to the American flight.Libby Torres/Insider

I also prefer Southwest's bag policy, which lets every passenger check two pieces of luggage for free.

The author worried more about overhead bin space on the American flight.Libby Torres/Insider

Despite its higher price point, I thought the amenities on my American flight were basically the same as a Southwest flight.

A full can of Diet Coke and package of Biscoff cookies provided by American.Libby Torres/Insider

The seats in coach on both airlines felt remarkably similar to me.

Seats onboard the author's American flight.Libby Torres/Insider

I also felt like American Airlines was trying to sell me something at all times.

The author onboard American Airlines.Libby Torres/Insider

Overall, I'd choose Southwest over American any day.

Flying somewhere over Texas.Libby Torres/Insider

I'm a makeup artist who spent $250 on skin-care products this month — here's what was and wasn't worth it for me

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I'm a loyal Southwest flier but decided to try American to see if I'd like it better. I didn't for 6 big reasons.

I've flown Southwest Airlines for most of my adult life. But for a recent work trip to Austin, Texas, I decided to try out American Airlines.

Check-in for my American flight was simple, and I didn't check any bags. But from the moment I arrived at my gate in LaGuardia, I realized I preferred Southwest's boarding group process.

I also thought the boarding process for my American flight was so much more chaotic than on Southwest.

I also prefer Southwest's bag policy, which lets every passenger check two pieces of luggage for free.

Despite its higher price point, I thought the amenities on my American flight were basically the same as a Southwest flight.

The seats in coach on both airlines felt remarkably similar to me.

I also felt like American Airlines was trying to sell me something at all times.

Overall, I'd choose Southwest over American any day.