re: Differences Between Major Airlines

Out of all the airlines you mentioned, I would book the cheapest one first. If they were all the same price - SW easily because of their friendly policies. I book and cancel flights on SW all the time. If I think I have a slight possibility of being able to fly somewhere - i make the booking. If I can't take the flight, I cancel it. In fact, I don't take 80% of the flights I book. I fly SW about 5-8 times a year.

In terms of service among the legacy carriers, it is Delta>AA>United. In terms of FF program it is AA>United>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Delta