United Airlines operates the highest share of aircraft 25 years or older among major U.S. carriers, according to a new analysis of fleet data and traveler surveys. The study, conducted by Upgraded Points, examined the fleets of the nine largest U.S. airlines and found that 30.7% of United’s planes fall into that age category—more than any other airline.
The report compared average fleet ages, oldest aircraft, and the proportion of planes 25 or older. While Delta and American also have significant shares of older aircraft, only United and Delta operate planes 30 years or older, accounting for 4.9% and 3.6% of their fleets, respectively. Southwest has no planes aged 25 or older, and Frontier stands out with nearly a quarter of its fleet less than two years old.
To build the analysis, Upgraded Points pulled active fleet information from Planespotters.net in September 2026, capturing each airline’s total aircraft count, average age, the age of its oldest plane and the number of jets less than two years old. Southwest’s roster comprises 798 aircraft, none of which reach the 25-year threshold.
Travelers often misjudge fleet ages. When asked which airline had the youngest fleet, most respondents named Delta, though its average fleet age is 15.0 years, tied with United and Hawaiian for the oldest average in the study. Delta also operates the oldest individual aircraft at 37.4 years. Meanwhile, Frontier, frequently perceived as having an older fleet, actually has the youngest average at 4.8 years, with its oldest plane just 11 years old.
The overall average age of planes across the nine airlines is 12.4 years, though travelers estimate it to be around 20 years. This gap highlights how little transparency exists about aircraft age during booking. The study’s methodology involved calculating each carrier’s share of aircraft that are at least 25 years old by dividing the count of qualifying planes by the total fleet size, a process that ensures consistent comparison across airlines.
A survey of 1,010 U.S. travelers revealed that aircraft age influences booking decisions more than airlines disclose. 57% of respondents said they care about plane age, and 63% would consider it when choosing between similar flights. 71% want airlines to disclose this information upfront, and 64% would pay extra, typically between $26 and $50, to fly on a newer aircraft. “Travelers consider ticket prices, flight times, and seat comfort when booking, but aircraft age is rarely disclosed during the process,” explained Ryan Smith, Director of News at Upgraded Points.