Air travel plays a pivotal role in connecting Arizona with the world. Centered around the bustling Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona’s air travel scene is marked by a distinct preference for certain airlines.
According to BetArizona.com, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines lead the charge. Sky Harbor, thanks to its scale of hosting over 21.9 million passengers annually and 23 airlines, is a battleground for passenger preference.
The data analyzed by BetArizona.com showcases Arizona’s top airline preferences based on Google Trends over the last 90 days, spanning December 2023 to March 2024. American Airlines leads the pack with a significant search interest score of 92, dwarfing Delta Air Lines in second place with a score of 49 and Southwest Airlines in third place, with a score of 36. Spirit Airlines scored 20 and United Airlines scored 18, earning fourth and fifth places in popularity, respectively. Dallas-based American Airlines slightly outperformed its fellow Dallas carrier Southwest Airlines in popularity, both at Sky Harbor and at Tucson International, Arizona’s second-largest airport.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport stands out as a top international hub with flights to over 120 domestic and 26 international destinations. As the sole airline hub at Sky Harbor, American Airlines plays a crucial role in linking Arizona to the world. Both Phoenix and Tucson airports have seen consistent increases in passenger numbers over the past three years, signaling a booming demand for air services. The broader Arizona aviation landscape features 83 airports, with only nine offering commercial flights, showcasing the central role of Phoenix and Tucson in the state’s air travel network.
Arizona’s airline preferences are a mix of service quality, network breadth and brand loyalty. Whether you’re loyal to American for its extensive network and presence at Sky Harbor or you prefer the friendly fares and flexibility of Southwest, Arizona’s skies are bustling with options. Read the full report here.
