Mesa AirlinesYV

Mesa Airlines is a regional airline based in Phoenix, Arizona, operating flights exclusively for major US carriers under capacity purchase agreements. Founded in 1982 in Farmington, New Mexico, Mesa Airlines has grown to become one of the largest regional airlines in the United States.

Important: Mesa Airlines does not sell tickets directly to passengers. The airline operates flights under contract for major carriers:

• American Eagle (for American Airlines)
• United Express (for United Airlines)

When you book a flight operated by Mesa Airlines, you purchase your ticket through American Airlines or United Airlines. The flight will be marketed with an American or United flight number, even though the aircraft and crew belong to Mesa Airlines. This "capacity purchase agreement" model means Mesa provides the aircraft and crew, while the major airline handles ticketing, marketing, and customer service.

Mesa Airlines operates over 400 daily departures to approximately 100 destinations across the United States, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Cuba. The airline relocated its headquarters from Farmington, New Mexico, to Phoenix, Arizona, in 2003 to align with its American Eagle operations based at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Mesa Airlines does not set baggage policies. All baggage rules, fees, and allowances are determined by the major airline whose ticket you purchased.

Carry-On Considerations

Regional aircraft have smaller overhead bins than mainline jets, especially on CRJ-900 aircraft. Even if your bag meets carry-on size limits, you may be asked to gate-check it at no charge.

Gate-check process:

1. Bring your carry-on to the gate as normal
2. If gate-checking is required, staff will tag your bag
3. Retrieve the bag at your destination at the jet bridge door (not baggage claim)
4. Fragile items and valuables should be removed before gate-checking

Tip: A personal item that fits under the seat is guaranteed cabin space. Consider packing essentials in your personal item in case your carry-on is gate-checked.

Checked Baggage

Contact the operating major airline for baggage fees and policies:

Partner	Baggage Policy Link
American Airlines	aa.com/baggage
United Airlines	united.com/baggage

Special Items on Regional Aircraft

Regional jets have limited cargo hold space. Oversized items (golf clubs, skis, musical instruments) may not fit and could be sent on a later flight. When checking sports equipment:

• Notify the gate agent at boarding
• Arrive early to ensure space is available
• Consider shipping ahead for essential items

Cabin Class Configurations

First Class (E175 aircraft):

• 2-1 seating configuration (window-aisle on one side, single seat on other)
• 37-38 inch seat pitch
• 12 First Class seats
• Complimentary drinks and snacks
• Power outlets on most aircraft

First Class (CRJ-900):

• 2-2 seating configuration
• 36-38 inch seat pitch
• 12 First Class seats
• Leather seats
• Complimentary beverages

Economy:

• 2-2 seating on all aircraft types (no middle seats)
• 31-32 inch seat pitch
• 17-18 inch seat width
• Limited recline

Entertainment

• No seat-back screens on any Mesa aircraft
• WiFi: Available on select aircraft depending on partner airline
• Power outlets: USB ports available on E175 aircraft; limited on CRJ-900
• Streaming: Use the major airline's app (American or United) where WiFi is available

Recommendation: Download movies, shows, and music before your flight. Ensure your device is fully charged.

Food & Beverage

Service depends on the operating partner and flight length:

• Short flights (under 90 min): Beverages only
• Longer flights: Beverages and snacks
• First Class: Complimentary expanded snacks and beverages
• Buy-on-board: Generally not available; meals are not sold

Seat Selection

Seat selection is handled through the major airline:

• Book and select seats on aa.com or united.com
• Elite status seat benefits apply
• Preferred/extra legroom seats available for purchase (varies by partner)

Regional aircraft seating tips:

• Row 1 has the most legroom but no under-seat storage
• Emergency exit rows (where available) offer slightly more legroom
• E175 offers the best First Class experience with 2-1 seating

Booking

• Can't find availability? Regional routes often have limited frequency—check alternate dates
• Connecting flights: Allow extra time (60-90 min minimum) when connecting to/from regional flights
• Same ticket: Always book regional connections on the same ticket as your mainline flight for protection during delays
• PHX connections: Mesa's American Eagle hub at Phoenix offers extensive connectivity throughout the Southwest

At the Airport

• Arrive early: Regional check-in lines can be longer at hub airports
• Gate location: Regional gates are sometimes farther from the main terminal—check walking time
• Board early: Overhead bin space fills quickly; board in your assigned group
• Gate-check valuables: Remove electronics, medications, and essential items before gate-checking bags

During the Flight

• Bring entertainment: Download content before your trip; WiFi may be unavailable or slow
• Charge devices: Power availability varies; arrive with a full battery
• Dress for temperature: Regional aircraft cabins can be warmer or cooler than mainline jets
• Hydrate: Beverage service may be brief on short flights

For Nervous Flyers

• Regional jets are certified to the same safety standards as larger aircraft
• Mesa Airlines maintains a strong safety record
• Turbulence feels more pronounced on smaller aircraft but is equally safe
• Crew members are fully trained by Mesa and certified by the FAA

Understanding Flight Numbers

Regional flight indicators by airline:

• American Eagle: Flight numbers 3000-5999
• United Express: Flight numbers 3000-6999

Check "Operated by" in flight details to confirm the operating carrier.

Best Seat Choices on Regional Jets

For legroom:

• Row 1 (no under-seat storage)
• Exit rows (where available)
• First Class (E175 has best regional product)

For comfort:

• E175 aircraft have the widest seats and most modern cabins
• CRJ-900 offers a functional but less spacious experience
• Avoid last rows near lavatories on all aircraft types

Connecting Through Weather

Regional aircraft can be affected by weather delays due to:

• Lower crosswind limits
• Reduced visibility minimums
• De-icing priority during winter operations

During severe weather, have backup plans and allow generous connection times.