One of the best and easiest ways to get across the United States is by plane. People like big airlines for long routes, but regional airlines are important for short trips. Many people find traveling easier when connecting small towns to big airports. In 2025, several regional companies stand out for their low prices, prompt service, and helpful staff. We will look at the best regional planes in the US for 2025 based on quality, customer reviews, safety, and ease of use. This will help you pick the best way to go on your next short trip.
What Do Regional Airlines Do?
Small planes that fly short routes
Smaller planes are used by regional airlines to fly short routes. Most of the time, they fly between smaller places or from small towns to big airport hubs. People can get to places that big planes can not go with this.
Working together with big airlines
Many small companies work with big ones like United, Delta, and American. They fly under the name of the bigger airline, but the smaller airline provides the service. For instance, SkyWest might run planes for United Express.
Cheap and easy to get to
The number of tickets on regional airlines is often less than on big airlines. They are also easier for people who live in places that are far away or don’t have many people.
SkyWest Airlines
Largest regional airline in the United States
One of the largest airlines in the United States is SkyWest. Every day, it runs thousands of flights to more than 250 places. Delta Connection, United Express, American Eagle, and Alaska Airlines are just a few big airlines it works with.
Strong History of Being Safe and On Time
SkyWest is known for running its business safely and on time. It still gets good marks for dependability in 2025. A lot of people like how fast the airline handles boarding and arrivals.
Excellent Service for Customers
Even though SkyWest is a regional airline, it is easy to fly with them. The friendly and helpful customer service and the staff are well trained. The planes are also in good shape.
Republic Airways
Known for Strong Partnerships
Another great small airline is Republic Airways. It mostly runs United Express, American Eagle, and Delta Connection routes. This lets people book flights with big airlines while still going with Republic.
Clean Cabins and Comfortable Seats
People who fly Republic say that the planes are clean and comfy. There are not many seats, but the area is well used. A calm and nice trip is something that many people look forward to.
Good performance on time
In 2025, the Republic still has a high rate of on time arrivals. It has modern planes and staff that work well together to minimize delays.
Horizon Air
Alaska Airlines’ Partner in the Area
Horizon Air mainly flies in the western US. It works under Alaska Horizon and is part of the Alaska Air Group. Horizon is a great choice if you’re going to states like California, Oregon, or Washington.
Friendly Cabin Crew
Many say Horizon has one of the nicest and most helpful cabin staff. From boarding to landing, passengers feel welcome and cared for.
Free drinks and snacks
Horizon, a small airline, still serves snacks and drinks on many of its trips. This small act makes the people feel better and more important.
Endeavor Air
Delta’s Trusted Regional Carrier
Delta Connection is the name of the company that runs Endeavor Air. Some of its main hubs are in New York City, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. It flies to more than 100 places.
Excellent service on board
People love how well Endeavor’s service is on board. The staff is well trained, and most trips are smooth and comfortable.
High standards for safety
The Endeavor has a great safety record and meets all FAA rules. Its pilots and crew members train daily to ensure safe operations run smoothly.
PSA Airlines
Subsidiary of American Airlines
American Airlines owns PSA Airlines, which operates as American Eagle. It links many towns in the Midwest and the East Coast of the United States.
Timely Departures and Arrivals
PSA has gotten better at what it does over time. It has one of the best on time rates among regional carriers in 2025.
Good Time on the Flight
People who have flown with PSA say that the experience is nice. The seats are comfy, and the flight attendants are friendly and helpful.
Mesa Airlines
Serving Both United and American
Mesa Airlines runs services for American Airlines (American Eagle) and United Express (United Express). It focuses on roads in the Southwest and the Mountain West.
Options for cheap flights
A lot of the time, Mesa is one of the more affordable small airlines. Mesa might be a good choice for saving money on a short trip.
Getting Better Customer Ratings
Mesa has taken moves to improve customer service in 2025. Reviews say that the staff talk to customers better and that flight times are more reliable.
Piedmont Airlines
Based on the East Coast
Another company owned by American Airlines that goes under the name American Eagle is Piedmont. It mostly goes to towns in the eastern part of the US.
Care for each customer individually
Piedmont oversees many smaller airports, so customers often get more personalized service. This includes gate workers who are nicer and faster at boarding.
Great for people traveling for work
People on work trips who need quick and reliable flights between smaller cities and big hubs like Philadelphia or Charlotte should choose Piedmont.
CommutAir
Regional Flights for United
It is a regional airline growing and flies under the United Express name. Its main goal is to serve smaller areas in the Northeast and Midwest.
Putting Safety and Dependability First
People trust CommutAir when it comes to safety. It has strict maintenance plans and pays for programs to train pilots and crew.
Fleet Growing Quickly
In 2025, the company is adding new planes to its fleet. This makes things more comfortable, reduces wait times, and helps meet rising demand.
Boutique Air
Small But Unique
Boutique Air is one of the smallest regional companies, but it offers something special. On certain lines, it connects very small towns to big cities.
Feel Like a Private Jet
Customers of Boutique Air feel like they are going on a private jet because the planes are so small. The seats are comfortable, and the aircraft are not usually crowded.
Customized customer service
Boutique Air gives you a very private flight experience. Everything about your trip is meant to make it special, from the free snacks to the friendly pilots.
Cape Air
Going to the Islands and the Coast
People know Cape Air for its flights along the coast and to islands like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. It’s great for both tourists and locals.
A Lot of Flights in New England
Cape Air has several daily trips to regional airports in the Northeast, especially in Massachusetts and Maine. This will save you hours of driving.
Eco Friendly Fleet
Cape Air was also one of the first companies in the US to start using electric planes. It is still the most environmentally friendly small carrier in 2025.
Conclusion
It is important to fly with regional carriers in the United States. Every year, they help many people get where they need to go quickly and cheaply. SkyWest, Horizon Air, and Republic Airways are still great companies in 2025 because they have good safety records, great customer service, and low prices. A regional airline may be the best and quickest way to get where you need to go, whether on vacation, for work, or to see family. Before you book a flight, you should always look at your choices and read reviews. The best regional airlines in the US offer friendly skies.