SkyWestOO

SkyWest Airlines is the largest regional airline in the United States, headquartered in St. George, Utah. Founded in 1972, SkyWest has grown to operate a fleet of over 500 aircraft, making it one of the world's largest regional airline operators.

Important: SkyWest does not sell tickets directly to passengers. The airline operates flights exclusively under contract for major US carriers:

• United Express (for United Airlines)
• Delta Connection (for Delta Air Lines)
• American Eagle (for American Airlines)
• Alaska Airlines (branded flights)

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

SkyWest operates over 2,000 daily departures to more than 240 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The airline is particularly strong on regional routes connecting smaller cities to major hub airports.

SkyWest 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. Even if your bag meets carry-on size limits, you may be asked to gate-check it at no charge if bins are full.

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 on regional flights. 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
United Airlines	united.com/baggage
Delta Air Lines	delta.com/baggage
American Airlines	aa.com/baggage
Alaska Airlines	alaskaair.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
• Dedicated overhead bin space
• Complimentary drinks and snacks
• Power outlets on most aircraft

First Class (CRJ-700/900):

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

Economy:

• 2-2 seating on all aircraft types
• 31-32 inch seat pitch
• 17-18 inch seat width
• Limited recline

Entertainment

• No seat-back screens on any SkyWest aircraft
• WiFi: Available on select aircraft depending on partner airline
• Power outlets: USB ports on E175 aircraft; limited on CRJ series
• Streaming: Use the major airline's app (United, Delta, American, Alaska) 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 united.com, delta.com, aa.com, or alaskaair.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
• Window seats on CRJ aircraft: windows don't always align with rows

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

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
• SkyWest has an excellent safety record
• Turbulence feels more pronounced on smaller aircraft but is equally safe
• Crew members are fully trained by SkyWest and certified by the FAA

Understanding Flight Numbers

Regional flight indicators by airline:

• United Express: Flight numbers 3000-6999
• Delta Connection: Flight numbers 3000-5999 and some 6000+
• American Eagle: Flight numbers 3000-5999
• Alaska: Various regional flight numbers

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 more cabin room than CRJ-700/200
• Avoid last rows near lavatories on all aircraft types

Connecting Through Weather

Regional aircraft are more susceptible to weather delays than larger jets 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.