The Absence of a National Airline in the U.S. Explained (Video)

And what it means for the countries that still have them.

For some travelers, an airline is irrelevant; flight prices and schedules carry more weight than reputation or branding. However, for others, an airline serves as an introduction to the destination, representing a crucial part of the entire journey.

Flag carriers, in particular, are known for showcasing a nation’s cuisine, flaunting their national colors, and offering a unique approach to hospitality.

However, the United States—despite its patriotic-sounding (United) and red, white, and blue (American) airlines—does not have a defined national airline.

What Is a National Flag-carrying Airline?

Singapore Airlines serves as an exemplary flag carrier for Singapore, both financially and symbolically.

To begin with, the Singaporean government owns a majority stake in the airline, qualifying it as a true national airline.

According to Tracy Stewart, editor of the airfare deal site Airfarewatchdog.com, flag carriers are “international [airlines] that are subsidized or owned by the country in which they are registered.”

Government-owned airlines were, particularly in the mid-20th century, believed to be “necessary for maintaining a strong position in international trade and national defense,” Ed Perkins, editor of travel site SmarterTravel.com, explained.

Stewart also noted that, economically, national flag carriers can significantly contribute to job creation.

Moreover, the Singapore-based carrier is also characterized as a national airline because it transports travelers to the Lion City even before takeoff. Travelers look forward to the meal service featuring traditional cuisine like pak choy and the accommodating flight attendants known as the iconic Singapore Girls, who don customary sarong kebayas.

Likewise, the new South African Airways interiors reflect colors drawn from the surrounding landscapes, with designs inspired by traditional African crafts and textiles.

As a flag-carrying airline, the marketing head of South African Airways, Kim Thipe, stated, “we understand that we represent people’s first and lasting impressions of South Africa.”

However, in many cases, Stewart pointed out that “flag carriers seem to exist purely for optics, as a means of demonstrating a country’s presence at significant global hubs, with their flag displayed prominently.” Countries such as Greece and Belgium have managed adequately since discontinuing their flag carriers, and it is plausible that more countries will follow suit in coming years.

Much like those previously mentioned European nations, the United States has also moved away from having a single flag-carrying airline. Despite having names like American and United, no domestic U.S. carriers can be classified as true flag carriers, although this was not always the case.

What Happened to the U.S. Flag Carrier

“Before World War II, the U.S. had a de facto international flag carrier in Pan American, which sought to maintain that status postwar,” Perkins noted. “Instead, [the] U.S. government opted for competitive airlines.”

Following the deregulation of airlines in 1978, which eliminated government control over fare prices and routes, competition among airlines surged. Consequently, while fares decreased and the number of airlines increased along with expanded routes, the United States transitioned from having a solitary national carrier to favoring an array of domestic and regional airlines.