Not everyone lives near a major airport. Regional airlines make air travel possible for smaller towns and mid-sized cities across the US, linking them to the country’s largest hubs.
These short-haul flights keep people connected to family, work, and travel plans that would otherwise mean long drives or no options at all.
At Alternative Airlines, we make it easy to find and book regional flights. You can:
From quick business trips to cross-country connections or hidden destination getaways, regional airlines help make travel possible. We’re here to help you book it, your way.
Regional airlines in the US operate short flights that connect smaller cities and towns to major airports. These flights are usually under 500 miles and use smaller aircraft with around 50 to 76 seats.
They’re a vital part of the travel network. Around two-thirds of US airports are only served by regional airlines, helping people avoid long drives just to catch a flight.
You might book with Delta, United or American, but your flight could be operated by a partner like SkyWest, Republic Airways or Envoy Air. It’s the same booking, same check-in, and your bags go through as normal, but with a different name on the plane.
The flights are safe, efficient and held to the same FAA standards as any major airline. You’ll notice smaller cabins and fewer frills, but they’re often the easiest way to start or finish your trip.
Flying from a smaller town can be expensive, especially when there are fewer flights or limited competition. That’s why Alternative Airlines gives you the option to spread the cost of your regional flight over time.
At checkout, you can choose from flexible Buy Now Pay Later options like Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, Sezzle, Zip and 40+ other payment methods, including Apple Pay and even crypto.
This means you can book the flight you need now and split the cost into weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payments, often with no interest at all!
It’s ideal for:
Even if you're just booking a short flight from Boise to Salt Lake City, you can still choose a pay-later plan that works for you.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
If you’ve never flown with a regional airline before, there are a few things to know:
Many regional flights are run on behalf of major airlines, so you still earn miles, check your bags through, and connect effortlessly to longer flights, only with a smaller aircraft handling the first or last leg.
Many regional flights are designed to connect with longer journeys. They’re the first (or last) step in getting you where you need to go. If you’re flying from a smaller airport, your trip might start with a regional leg before joining a mainline flight to your final destination.
Here’s how to keep things smooth:
Connecting through a hub can feel hectic, but with the right planning (and a smart booking setup), you’ll breeze through to your final stop!
Find the fastest way out of town or the easiest way home.
With Alternative Airlines, you can search and book regional flights across the US in just a few clicks. Compare routes, choose the airline that works for you, and spread the cost with flexible pay-later options like Afterpay or Klarna.
Yes, almost all regional jets with 30 seats or more have at least one onboard toilet. It might be smaller than what you’re used to on larger planes, but it’s there when you need it.
On very short flights or tiny aircraft (like some 9-seat commuter planes), facilities may be limited, but we’ll always show you what to expect before you book.
You can, but on smaller planes, overhead bin space is tight. Many carry-on suitcases are gate-checked free of charge, meaning you’ll hand them over at boarding and pick them up planeside after landing. It’s quick and easy, but we recommend keeping a compact personal item with essentials under your seat.
Absolutely! Regional airlines in the US follow the same strict FAA safety regulations as the major carriers. The pilots, aircraft and maintenance teams meet the same standards. The main difference is size and route length, not safety or professionalism.
Yes - if your flight is part of a booking with a major airline like Delta, United or American, you’ll still earn points through their frequent flyer program. The flight might be operated by a partner airline like SkyWest or Republic Airways, but it counts the same way.
Definitely! With Alternative Airlines, you don’t need to book a full round-trip or long-haul journey to find regional options. You can search for short flights on their own, like Missoula to Seattle or Laredo to Dallas, and even choose to pay in instalments at checkout.
