Major carrier or major airline carrier is a designation given by the United States Department of Transportation to U.S.-based airlines that post more than $1 billion in revenue during a fiscal year.[1]
As of 2010, there were 19 major carriers.
The term "major carrier" or "major airline" can also refer to traditional legacy carriers, distinguishing them from startup and low-cost carriers.
It may also be used to indicate mainline service, in contrast to an airline's regional affiliates:
| Mainline Carrier |
Regional Marketing Affiliate Brand |
|---|---|
| AirTran Airways | No regional affiliates |
| Alaska Airlines | Alaska Horizon Alaska SkyWest |
| American Airlines | American Eagle American Connection |
| Atlas Air | All cargo |
| Continental Airlines | Continental Express Continental Connection |
| Delta Air Lines | Delta Connection |
| FedEx Express | All cargo - FedEx Feeder |
| Frontier Airlines | Frontier Express d/b/a "Frontier" "Frontier" operated by |
| JetBlue Airways | No regional affiliates |
| Southwest Airlines | No regional affiliates |
| United Airlines | United Express |
| UPS Airlines | All cargo |
| US Airways | US Airways Express |