Getting to Know the Perks of Each Airline's Mobile App
Airline schedules and travel plans aren’t set in stone, and any tool that gives you flexibility on the go can be a huge help. And one of the most convenient tools available is a user-friendly, comprehensive airline app. I’ve often found myself in situations that require me to look quickly for revenue or award flights, find rerouting possibilities due to bad weather or mechanical delays, or complete a simple task like reassign myself to a better seat — situations where a user-friendly app can be your best friend.
The good news is airline apps have come a long way. The few airlines that haven't had one in the past — mostly budget airlines — took the plunge and now have apps that are serviceable. And the big airlines — Delta, United, American — have made their apps even better.
We’ve gone from apps being a helpful tool to becoming must-haves. Almost universally, they will make your life easier. Today, the best ones let you watch entertainment in-flight, alert you when you gate has been changed, show your boarding pass on your phone, let you easily see your points balance, guide you to the closest airline lounge, and allow you to view those critical standby and upgrade lists.
Some apps are better than others, of course. Assume that all can do the basics, like allow you to book revenue or award flights, check your flight status, and check in. The best, though, go far beyond that. Today, we will run through major airline apps and their capabilities, followed by some specific nuances worth noting.
Here's a list of the airline apps making it to easier to update your itinerary, access flight information, and more when you’re away from home.
Air Canada
Air Canada’s app combines its airline, vacations, and cargo functions into one mobile computing platform, and you’ll want it to watch movies and TV shows on Air Canada Rouge flights. Unfortunately, Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, Aeroplan, has a separate app. You can link them, but you’ll need separate logins, which makes maneuvering less seamless than it could be.
Download the Air Canada app for iOS devices here.
Download the Air Canada app for Android devices here.
Alaska Airlines
When looking for award flights, the Alaska Airlines app shows you any available flights and the number of miles required, and it’s pretty easy to toggle between revenue and award fares. The ability to look at revenue fares based on upgrade options is a nice touch. Other thoughtful options include the ability to select meals ahead of time, keep an eye on first-class and standby wait lists, and switch flights upon check-in.
Download the Alaska Airlines app for iOS devices here.
Download the Alaska Airlines app for Android devices here.
American Airlines
Once a laggard among airline apps, American has upped its game in recent years. Its app now has push notifications for flight changes, a convenient bag-tracking feature that gives peace-of-mind, and the ability to watch entertainment in the air for free. It even has terminal maps and gives directions to Admirals Clubs. It also integrates with Siri Shortcuts to give you flight information, and there are additional advantages to using the app to book flights compared with AA.com such as alternative sorting options and listing taxes and fees in original search results.
Download the American app for iOS devices here.
Download the American app for Android devices here.
British Airways
This is a very slickly designed app that encourages swiping and scrolling instead of extra clicks. The award search function gives you a lot of options on how to burn Avios, including a flexible search if you have no particular dates or destinations in mind — a convenient feature that might be superior than what you can do on a computer. A new “timeline” feature gives you a scrollable stream of info about your trip. It also integrates with Apple Watch and Siri Shortcuts.
Download the British Airways app for iOS devices here.
Download the British Airways app for Android devices here.
Delta Air Lines
Perhaps the most comprehensive of all the airline apps, you can pretty much do it all and then some on the Delta app. From taking a picture of your parking spot and storing it, to selecting which Sky Club you have access to based on the credentials you input, the Delta app is useful and desirable. You can track bags and download airport maps. Watching entertainment on the plane requires the separate Gogo Entertainment app.
Download the Delta app for iOS devices here.
Download the Delta app for Android devices here.
Frontier Airlines
Like the airline itself, nobody would accuse Frontier’s app of being elegant, but it gets the job done. It has the basics, like booking flights, checking flight status and retrieving mobile boarding passes. This app is essentially what most major airlines had a few years ago.
Download the Frontier app for iOS devices here.
Download the Frontier app for Android devices here.
JetBlue
This app isn’t shy about promoting partners, like showing you an offer for the Barclaycard JetBlue card, linking you to Avis and Budget, or hooking you up with Lyft. It also has lots of helpful features you’ll want in the air, such as current movies showing, the DirecTV and SiriusXM channel lineups, and the onboard snack and drink menus. The flight booking tool is straightforward and easy to use. It also has city guides under “My trips.”
Download the JetBlue app for iOS devices here.
Download the JetBlue app for Android devices here.
KLM
While KLM’s app has the basics — flight info, trip listings, booking capability — it’s nothing to text home about. You can make Flying Blue award bookings, as Air France-KLM are useful for showing SkyTeam availability. KLM’s app pioneered a new feature in 2018 that allows you to scan your carry-on bag on your phone to see if it will fit in the cabin, but the feature is a little clunky to use. The airline has a separate app called Aviation Empire, which by all accounts is a fun strategy game that lets you manage your own airline.
Download the KLM app for iOS devices here.
Download the KLM app for Android devices here.
Southwest Airlines
I enjoy surfing around on the Southwest app. You can book rental cars as well as flights, save common route searches, save promotions to your account, add Early bird check-in to your booking, and enjoy some functionality of your Rapid Rewards account. Just like on a computer, you can easily toggle between paid and award ticket when booking. The app can also take you to the in-flight entertainment portal to watch TV, movies and listen to music on certain flights.
Download the Southwest app for iOS devices here.
Download the Southwest app for Android devices here.
Spirit Airlines
Say this about Spirit: It has an app, and it doesn’t cost extra. Using it is a bare-bones experience. Set expectations accordingly.
Download the Spirit app for iOS devices here.
Download the Spirit app for Android devices here.
United Airlines
Like Delta, United’s app is all-encompassing. It is easy to use and comes loaded with rare features like Sudoku and a currency converter. It gives you real-time updates on your flights, lets you view standby/upgrade lists, and allows you to stream free in-flight entertainment. United also offers the MileagePlus X app, which you can use to earn bonus miles for shopping. The airline has continued making thoughtful improvements, like enabling expert mode to view fare classes and grouping notifications in one place.
Download the United app for iOS devices here.
Download the United app for Android devices here.
Bottom Line
We’ll continue to see airlines improve mobile capabilities as the demand for greater convenience and quicker solutions continues to grow.
Additional reporting from Richard Kerr.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.