domestic · 3h 30m · 2,330 km

Phoenix to Chicago

3 airlines · 3 aircraft ranked

How we score →

Quick pick

Best economy: close call

Fly Southwest. It has 2 more inches of legroom.

If prices are similar, go with this one.

Best first class: close call

Fly United. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

Data verified April 2026
1
UA
United FirstUnited · Boeing 737-900ER · 2012 cabinBest on route
recliner · 2-2 · 37" pitchReliable
Better IFE
2.8
Seat 1.2·Amenity 5.1
2
AA
First ClassAmerican · Airbus A321neo · 2023 cabin
recliner · 2-2 · 37" pitchAvg. reliability
2.5
Seat 1.3·Amenity 4.4

Select two airlines to compare head-to-head

Flying with family

  • Seatback screens on United. American, Southwest — bring your own device.
  • Most legroom: Southwest (32"). Least: United (30"). That 2" difference matters with kids.

Route insights

  • In economy, Southwest's Economy (open seating) (737-800) edges out the field with a 3.9/10.
  • In first class, United's United First (737-900ER) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.