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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Southwest Airlines vs United Airlines

Southwest Airlines 4.8★ · Free to download 65
Winner United Airlines
United Airlines 4.8★ · Free to download 70

While both apps have recent issues, United Airlines' app generally offers more advanced features and reliability for managing travel, despite some user frustration with its complexity and occasional bugs.

Full reviews: Southwest Airlines · United Airlines

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines both offer free apps for managing flights, but recent changes to Southwest's boarding and seating policies have led to significant user dissatisfaction, overshadowing its app's functionality. United's app, while not without its own bugs and complexity, is generally perceived as more feature-rich and reliable for critical travel tasks.

Head to head

App Functionality & Ease of Use edge: United AirlinesR4R5R7R8
Southwest Airlines Southwest's app receives mixed reviews, with some users finding it easy and user-friendly R8, especially for managing travel alerts and changes R5. However, a significant number of users report issues with basic functions like scanning passports R7, saving confirmation numbers , adding boarding passes to Apple Wallet R15R21, and general slowness R40. Some compare it unfavorably to United's app, calling it 'trash' and 'a nightmare' R4.
United Airlines United's app is praised for being easy to use and navigate R77, with features like gate-to-gate mapping and flight entertainment . However, it also faces criticism for being slow and buffering , having issues with account setup and login R87, and being buggy, especially with recent updates . Users also find it complicated and not intuitive for certain tasks like bag tracking or managing boarding passes for multiple passengers .
Boarding & Seating Experience tieR1R3R6R13
Southwest Airlines Southwest's recent changes to boarding and seating are a major point of contention. Many long-time customers express strong dislike for the new process, which involves assigned seats or paying to avoid assignment R1R6R16. Users report getting bad seats even after checking in early R13R22 and issues with upgrading seats or selecting them R3. Some miss the old open seating policy .
United Airlines United's boarding process receives mixed feedback. Some users appreciate the ability to change seats up to the main door closing and find the self-check-in easy R77. However, others dislike having to pay for aisle seats or carry-on bags . There are also general complaints about the boarding process and confusion during check-in regarding seat selection and sales pitches .
Customer Service & Reliability edge: United AirlinesR8R11R12R14
Southwest Airlines Southwest is praised for its staff being great, helpful, and friendly R8R11R14. The app is noted for keeping users informed about flight changes and cancellations . However, some users report a lack of customer service and difficulty getting help with app issues like adding bags or selecting seats R12. Recent changes have also led to a perception of declining loyalty and increased stress for travelers .
United Airlines United receives high praise for its friendly, professional customer service and flight attendants . Users appreciate consistent updates on flight info and the airline's handling of cancellations . However, there are significant complaints about delays and rerouting , with some users unable to get assistance from airport agents or through the app for flight changes or vouchers . The app's unreliability for critical tasks like check-in is also a concern .
Pricing & Value tieR1R12R16R19
Southwest Airlines Southwest was once seen as a lower-fare option with perks like free checked bags R12R19. However, recent changes have introduced fees for seats and baggage, leading many users to feel it's no longer a reasonable way to travel R1R16R19. Some long-time customers feel Southwest has become greedy and is sacrificing loyalty for profit .
United Airlines United is criticized for high prices and numerous fees. Users complain about having to pay extra for seats , carry-on bags , and checked bags . Some feel tickets are overpriced, especially after the demise of other airlines . Despite these costs, some users still find value in the service and experience .
Pick Southwest Airlines if

You are an A-list preferred customer with Southwest, as the perks significantly enhance the travel experience and app utility R5. You prioritize friendly staff and uncomplicated procedures for domestic travel R8R14.

Pick United Airlines if

You value an app with more advanced features like gate-to-gate mapping, flight entertainment, and consistent flight updates . You prioritize strong customer service and a generally smooth flight experience, even if the app has occasional bugs .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews regarding recent functionality issues and changes in airline policies. The high lifetime ratings for both apps may not fully reflect current user sentiment, as many recent reviews are critical. The free-to-download nature means many users are likely experiencing friction with paid features or basic economy limitations.

Frequently asked

Which app is better for managing boarding passes?
United's app generally offers a more reliable experience for managing boarding passes, with users praising its ease of use for self-check-in and flight changes R77. Southwest's app, however, has frequent complaints about slow loading of boarding passes R40 and issues adding them to Apple Wallet R15R21.
Do either of these apps allow free seat selection?
Neither app consistently allows free seat selection without additional fees or specific loyalty status. Southwest users frequently complain about being forced to purchase seats or getting bad assignments even with early check-in R6R13R16R22, while United users also report having to pay for aisle seats and other seat requests .
Are there issues with international credit cards or non-US users for either app?
Southwest's app has specific complaints from non-US users about difficulty logging in, fitting the app to iPhone screens, and inability to enter non-US credit card details R54. United's app also has issues with non-US credit card acceptance R102 and is described as 'almost useless' for users who don't live in the USA or lack a frequent flyer number R87R99.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R4] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Trash: App is trash like Frontier
  2. [R5] Southwest Airlines 5/5 · US Love SW!!: My hubby and I fly SW all the time! To be fair, we’re A-list preferred so our perks are fantastic!! The app makes it super easy to manage and keep track of all our travel, alerts, and any changes
  3. [R7] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Worst App: It has taken forever just to scan passports I’ve had to restart each time I finish one because it can’t refresh…uuugggh!
  4. [R8] Southwest Airlines 5/5 · US LOVE SWA: The app is easy and user friendly. Staff are always great, helpful and friendly!
  5. [R1] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Suckie seats on Southwest!!!: I used to love this airline. Now they have the worst seating just like every other nickel and dime airline. Hello late stage capitalism!
  6. [R3] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Upgrades: If I upgrade my seat then my boarding priority should upgrade with it. It’s almost not worth upgrading.
  7. [R6] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Changes: I heard when southwest decided to make these current changes that you “listened” to what us customers wanted and gave it to us. Well, I personally and know many more that feel the same, do NOT like the new process. I do not like being assigned a seat or being forced to purchase one to avoid that assignment. Simply put, you could have continued to fill your planes the old way, but the
  8. [R13] Southwest Airlines 2/5 · US Bad seat: Even though I checked in literally the second that seating arrangements opened up. I still got a terrible seat. I'm not sure like this.
  9. [R11] Southwest Airlines 5/5 · US Not A Flyer: I traveled back to the OC after moving home to Louiville for the first time in 4 years and as I am such a nervous passenger the staff from KY to ARZ was great very patient and accommodating, however the shorter flight from ARZ to CA the OC the staff had more of a Cali vibe and was not so friendly with the passengers as I was observing. I would like to give an extra thank you to the re
  10. [R12] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Free First Checked bag?: App would not allow me to add my first free checked bag. I booked with the SWA visa, looks like I am going to have to call to add it for free.
  11. [R14] Southwest Airlines 5/5 · US SW: Great service
  12. [R16] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Seat selection: I shouldn't have to pay to get an aisle seat. I should be able to select it without an additional fee
  13. [R19] Southwest Airlines 2/5 · US SW HAS REALLY CHANGED FOR THE WORST!: We have been longtime SW flyers, enjoyed the perks of being credit card holders and using our points for free flights. All that changed in January! Now only my husband can get the free bag because he is the primary name on the account even though we have joint everything and o have a card with my name on it for the same account! They now have so many levels fo
  14. [R15] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Apple wallet: Not loading, even though the boarding pass offers it on the screen.
  15. [R21] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US App is Faulty: Can’t add boarding pass to Apple wallet.
  16. [R40] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Slow loading boarding pass: This app is ver slow when trying to view the boarding passes. This is quite inconvenient when trying to show the boarding pass when boarding. My mobile phone connection shows full bars. Southwest - please fix this!!!
  17. [R77] United Airlines 5/5 · US The best self check in: United provides a super easy self check in, flight change or cancellation and any other service you may need. Love this Airline and their App!
  18. [R22] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US check in: I check in early and get the last chair
  19. [R54] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · GB Can’t log in easily or enter non-US credit card: As the title says. Its hard to use, doesn’t fit neatly onto Iphone 13 screen; web app always hard to log into. Need to practice from a non-US phone.
  20. [R87] United Airlines 3/5 · GB Almost useless: It starts by asking you to log in with either an email address or phone number, but rejects both and insists on your logging with a frequent flyer number - which I don’t have. Once you’ve got through these ridiculous barriers and continued as a guest it is then almost impossible to find ones boarding passes when required - I think this requires about six or seven steps - none of
  21. [R99] United Airlines 3/5 · GB US only: Totally useless if u don’t live in USA, other than that I am sure it would work fine.
  22. [R102] United Airlines 3/5 · GB Credit card: Why wouldn’t accept my credit details with a uk address?

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store