About Republic Airways
Republic Airways (IATA: YX, ICAO: RPA) is one of the United States' largest regional carriers, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Operating exclusively as a contract carrier, Republic Airways does not market flights under its own brand name to the travelling public. Instead, its flights are sold and operated under the liveries of major US network airlines — American Eagle (for American Airlines), United Express (for United Airlines), and Delta Connection (for Delta Air Lines).
The airline traces its origins to Chautauqua Airlines, which began operations on 1 August 1974 in Jamestown, New York, using two 15-passenger Beechcraft 99 turboprop aircraft. Over the following decades, the company grew through a series of strategic acquisitions and partnerships to become the regional powerhouse it is today. Its ICAO callsign is Brickyard, and it holds an Air Operator Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States.
Following the completion of its merger with Mesa Air Group on 25 November 2025, Republic Airways Holdings now operates the world's largest Embraer E-Jet fleet, with more than 310 Embraer 170 and 175 aircraft supporting over 1,300 daily departures across the continental United States. The combined company trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol RJET.
Airline Overview and History
Republic Airways has a rich history spanning more than five decades. Key milestones in the airline's development include:
- 1 August 1974: Chautauqua Airlines commences operations from Jamestown, New York, with two Beechcraft 99 turboprop aircraft.
- 1998: The holding company is reorganised as Republic Airways Holdings Inc., taking the better-recognised Republic name while retaining Chautauqua as a subsidiary.
- 26 May 2004: Republic Airways Holdings launches its IPO on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol RJET.
- 2009–2010: Republic acquires Midwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines (later divested), expanding its operational footprint significantly.
- 2013: Republic begins operating Embraer E175 jets under American Eagle branding, with the first E175 service departing Chicago on 1 August 2013.
- 25 February 2016: Republic Airways Holdings files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid a severe regional pilot shortage.
- 30 April 2017: Republic Airways emerges from bankruptcy protection as a leaner, restructured carrier operating exclusively as a contract regional airline.
- May 2018: Republic opens the LIFT Academy in Indianapolis — a commercial pilot training school aimed at addressing the US aviation industry's pilot pipeline challenges.
- 7 April 2025: Republic Airways Holdings announces a definitive agreement to acquire Mesa Air Group in an all-stock merger.
- 25 November 2025: The Republic–Mesa merger closes, creating the world's largest Embraer E-Jet operator with over 310 aircraft.
Republic Airways operates from numerous hub cities across the eastern United States, including Boston Logan (BOS), Charlotte Douglas (CLT), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Newark Liberty (EWR), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia International (PHL), and Washington Reagan National (DCA).
Fleet and Aircraft
Republic Airways operates an all-Embraer regional jet fleet, making it one of the most specialised fleets in global commercial aviation. Following the merger with Mesa Air Group, the combined fleet comprises over 310 aircraft from the Embraer E-Jet family:
- Embraer E170: A smaller regional jet seating approximately 70 passengers in a 2-2 seat configuration, commonly used on thinner regional routes.
- Embraer E175: The backbone of Republic's fleet, seating approximately 76 passengers in a 2-2 configuration. Republic operates more Embraer E175 aircraft than any other airline in the world.
The Embraer E175's 2-2 seating configuration means every passenger has either a window or aisle seat — there are no dreaded middle seats. This makes Republic's flights, marketed as American Eagle, United Express, or Delta Connection, particularly comfortable for business travellers on short regional hops.
Republic maintains its aircraft under rigorous FAA-mandated maintenance programmes. All aircraft undergo scheduled heavy maintenance checks (A-checks through D-checks) at FAA-certified repair stations. The airline's fleet management and maintenance standards meet the requirements of its major airline partners — American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines — each of which conducts periodic audits of Republic's operations.
Top Flight Routes
Republic Airways operates an extensive network of regional routes across the continental United States, primarily connecting smaller cities to major hub airports. Because Republic operates under the brands of its major airline partners, travellers booking American Eagle, United Express, or Delta Connection tickets may find themselves flying on a Republic Airways aircraft.
Key hubs and route clusters operated by Republic Airways include:
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD): Numerous routes connecting Chicago to cities across the Midwest and East Coast under United Express and American Eagle branding.
- Philadelphia (PHL): Regional connections throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic under American Eagle.
- Newark (EWR): United Express regional services linking Newark to cities across New England and the Mid-Atlantic.
- Washington Reagan National (DCA): Regional connections to Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic destinations.
- Charlotte (CLT): American Eagle regional services fanning out across the Southeast.
- Boston (BOS): Regional connections throughout New England and the Northeast under United Express and American Eagle.
For Malaysian travellers planning a trip to the United States, Republic Airways flights connect seamlessly from major gateway airports. You can search for connecting flights via New York or other US hubs on Traveloka. Explore available routes such as Kuala Lumpur to New York (KUL–JFK) and onward connections operated by Republic Airways under its partner brands. You can also check the Traveloka Flight Status page for real-time updates on your connecting Republic Airways flight.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Because Republic Airways operates under capacity purchase agreements with American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, the applicable baggage policy is that of the marketing carrier (American, United, or Delta), not Republic Airways directly. Always confirm the baggage rules displayed on your Traveloka booking confirmation.
General guidelines applicable to Republic-operated regional flights include:
- Carry-on bag: One carry-on bag per passenger. Maximum dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Maximum weight: approximately 10 kg.
- Personal item: One personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front of you.
- Checked baggage: Allowances depend on the marketing carrier's fare class and loyalty status. A standard checked bag must not exceed 23 kg (51 lbs) and dimensions should remain within 157 cm total linear (length + width + height).
- Overhead bin space: Embraer E175 aircraft have smaller overhead bins compared to larger narrowbody jets. Passengers are strongly advised to adhere to carry-on size limits to avoid gate-checking.
Prohibited items include all items banned under US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibited items list, such as explosive devices, flammable liquids exceeding permitted quantities, and lithium batteries beyond allowed watt-hour ratings.
Check-in Guide
Passengers travelling on Republic Airways-operated flights check in through the systems of the marketing carrier — American Airlines, United Airlines, or Delta Air Lines — rather than through Republic Airways directly. The following general guidelines apply:
- Online check-in: Opens 24 hours before departure and closes approximately 2 hours before departure. Check in via the website or mobile app of the marketing carrier (aa.com, united.com, or delta.com).
- Airport counter check-in: Airport counters typically open 3 hours before departure and close 60 minutes before departure. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic departures.
- Boarding pass: Digital boarding passes are accepted. Ensure your boarding pass shows the operating carrier (Republic Airways / RPA) and the marketing carrier flight number.
- Seat selection: Available through the marketing carrier's website or app at the time of booking or check-in, subject to fare class restrictions.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Republic Airways-operated flights offer a straightforward regional travel experience. Cabin configurations vary slightly between E170 and E175 aircraft:
- First Class / Business Class: On certain American Eagle and United Express routes, the Embraer E175 is configured with a small premium cabin (typically 12 seats in a 1-2 layout) offering wider seats, enhanced meal or snack service, and priority boarding.
- Economy / Main Cabin: The majority of seats are in the economy cabin in a 2-2 configuration with no middle seats. Standard seat pitch ranges from approximately 30–31 inches.
In-flight amenities on regional jets are minimal by design:
- Meals and snacks: Light snacks and beverages are typically provided, varying by route length and marketing carrier standards. Full meal service is generally not offered on short regional hops.
- Entertainment: No seatback in-flight entertainment screens. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own devices. Some routes may offer complimentary Wi-Fi access through the marketing carrier's connectivity programme.
- Legroom: Standard economy pitch of approximately 30–31 inches. Premium seats offer additional legroom.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
As a contract carrier, Republic Airways applies the passenger policies of its marketing airline partners. The following general guidelines are in place:
- Infants (under 2 years): Infants may travel on a parent's lap at no charge on domestic US flights. A separate seat may be purchased for infants using an approved child safety seat.
- Children (ages 2–17): Must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older) on Republic-operated regional flights. Age documentation may be required.
- Unaccompanied minors: Unaccompanied minor services are subject to the marketing carrier's policies. American Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors aged 5 and above; United Airlines accepts children aged 5 and above. Fees apply. Unaccompanied minors are not accepted on the last flight of the day on certain routes.
- Pregnant passengers: Generally accepted for travel throughout pregnancy without a medical certificate on domestic US routes. Passengers in their final weeks of pregnancy are advised to consult their physician and confirm with the marketing carrier before flying.
- Passengers with disabilities: Republic Airways and its partners comply with the US Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Wheelchair assistance, mobility aid stowage, and in-cabin medical equipment accommodation are available. Notify the airline at least 48 hours in advance for special assistance requests.
- Special medical equipment: Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) approved by the FAA are permitted. Contact the marketing carrier in advance.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Because Republic Airways flights are sold under American Eagle, United Express, and Delta Connection brands, all reschedule, cancellation, and refund requests must be handled through the marketing carrier or the platform where the ticket was purchased.
If you booked through Traveloka, you can manage changes and refunds directly:
- To reschedule: Log in to your Traveloka account, navigate to "My Bookings", select your flight, and follow the reschedule options. Changes are subject to the fare rules of the original ticket and any applicable change fees or fare differences.
- To cancel: Access "My Bookings" on Traveloka and select the cancellation option. Refund eligibility depends on the fare class purchased. Non-refundable tickets may be converted to travel credits.
- Refund processing: Approved refunds are typically processed within 7–14 business days to the original payment method. Travel credits are issued to your Traveloka account and can be used on future bookings.
- Flight cancellations by the airline: If the operating airline cancels or significantly delays a flight, passengers are generally entitled to rebooking on the next available flight at no charge or a full refund.
Why Book Republic Airways Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka is the smart way for Malaysian travellers to search, compare, and book Republic Airways-operated flights as part of a broader US itinerary. Here is why thousands of travellers choose Traveloka:
- Wide fare comparison: Traveloka searches across American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines to surface Republic Airways-operated flights alongside competing options so you always get the best value.
- Flexible payment options: Pay with credit and debit cards, online banking, or popular Malaysian e-wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-ticket: Receive your confirmed e-ticket instantly by email. No printing required — your digital boarding pass is accepted at US airports.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's customer service team is available around the clock to assist with booking questions, changes, and travel emergencies.
- Travel bundle savings: Combine your US flight with hotel bookings on Traveloka to unlock exclusive bundle discounts.
- Traveloka Points: Earn loyalty points on every flight booking redeemable on future Traveloka transactions.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Getting the best fares on Republic Airways-operated flights requires a bit of planning. Here are proven strategies to save on your next booking:
- Book early: US regional airfares tend to be lowest 6–8 weeks before departure. Book as early as possible to lock in the best prices.
- Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly domestically in the United States. Avoid Friday and Sunday evenings when demand peaks.
- Use Traveloka Price Alert: Set up a Price Alert on Traveloka for your preferred route. You will receive a notification when fares drop to your target price.
- Be flexible with your destination airport: Republic's network covers many city pairs — consider flying into a nearby alternate airport (e.g., Newark instead of JFK, or Baltimore instead of Washington) for lower fares.
- Travel during off-peak periods: Avoid major US public holidays such as Thanksgiving (late November), Christmas, and Independence Day (4 July) when fares surge.
- Check for Traveloka promos: Visit the Traveloka Promos page regularly for flash sales and exclusive discount codes on US-bound flights.
- Bundle flights and hotels: Booking your US hotel together with your flight on Traveloka often unlocks additional savings through package deals.
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking a Republic Airways-operated flight through Traveloka takes just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:
- Go to traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and select the Flights tab.
- Enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates. For connecting flights into the US, enter your Malaysian departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and your US destination city.
- Browse available flights and filter by airline (look for American Airlines / American Eagle, United Airlines / United Express, or Delta Air Lines / Delta Connection operated by Republic Airways).
- Select your preferred flight and review the fare details, including baggage inclusions and fare flexibility.
- Enter passenger details accurately as they appear on your passport or travel document.
- Choose add-ons such as extra baggage, travel insurance, or seat selection where available.
- Select your payment method — credit card, debit card, online banking, or your preferred Malaysian e-wallet (Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay).
- Confirm your booking and receive your e-ticket by email instantly. Save or print your e-ticket for check-in.