These 10 Routes Are Worth Serious Cash To Airlines
Millions of passengers take to the skies every single day around the globe. If you have ever wondered which of those routes are making the most cash for the airlines you're in luck.
OAG has released its newest numbers for the top 10 revenue routes for airlines for 2019. Topping the list once again this year is British Airways' route between London Heathrow and New York JFK, which OAG estimates produces more than $1 billion in revenue. The route is the only one on the list to surpass the $1 billion mark, according to OAG's analysis.
One interesting note in the numbers is while Oneworld and The Star Alliance have and equal number of spots on the overall top 10 list, not a single SkyTeam airline is in the mix.
As you might imagine the US transcontinental flights between the New York and the west coast feature in the top 10 as well with both American and United featured on overall the list. When you look at North America specifically flights from the New York City area seven of the top ten spots are city pairs that include that region.
Overall the top 10 routes are the same as they were last year, with the only differences being actual revenue. With numbers like this, it's easy to see why airlines protect certain routes. It also underscores why slots at London's Heathrow airport are some of the most expensive on earth and are exceedingly difficult to come by for airlines.
For the latest travel news, deals, and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app