About SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines is the largest regional airline in the United States, operating under the IATA code OO and ICAO code SKW. Founded on 26 April 1972 by Ralph Atkin in St. George, Utah, SkyWest began as a small commuter service connecting rural Utah communities to Salt Lake City. Today, the airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) and serves as a critical feeder carrier for four major United States airlines: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
SkyWest does not sell tickets under its own brand for most flights. Instead, it operates as United Express, Delta Connection, American Eagle, and Alaska Airlines regional services. This means that when you book a regional flight on any of these four carriers, there is a strong chance your aircraft is operated by SkyWest Airlines. The airline is headquartered in St. George, Utah, with operational hubs at major airports across the United States, including Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Detroit, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
For travellers in Malaysia looking to explore domestic destinations within the United States, SkyWest Airlines flights are an essential connection point. You can search for connecting itineraries through Traveloka and enjoy seamless booking from Kuala Lumpur to hundreds of cities across North America.
Airline Overview and History
SkyWest Airlines has a rich history spanning over five decades, evolving from a small charter operation in southern Utah into the largest regional airline in the world by fleet size. Here are the key milestones in the airline's journey:
- 1972: Ralph Atkin purchased Dixie Airlines and rebranded it as SkyWest Airlines, launching scheduled service between St. George and Salt Lake City with a small fleet of Piper aircraft.
- 1977: SkyWest carried 11,887 passengers, representing a 650 per cent increase from its early years, and added Las Vegas to its route network.
- 1984: The airline acquired Sun Aire Lines of Palm Springs, California, becoming the eleventh largest regional carrier in the United States.
- 1986: SkyWest, Inc. completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
- 1987: SkyWest entered into a marketing agreement with Delta Air Lines, becoming a Delta Connection partner and significantly expanding its reach.
- 1997: SkyWest partnered with United Airlines to operate United Express flights, doubling its network coverage across the western United States.
- 2005: SkyWest, Inc. acquired Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), creating the largest regional airline group in the world at the time.
- 2014: SkyWest received its first Embraer E175 jets for United Express operations, marking a shift towards larger and more modern regional aircraft.
- 2012: SkyWest entered into a partnership with American Airlines to operate American Eagle branded flights.
- 2015: SkyWest retired its last turboprop aircraft and became an all-jet fleet operator.
- 2025: SkyWest carried over 46 million passengers across more than 250 destinations in North America, operating a fleet of over 500 aircraft.
The airline's headquarters remains in St. George, Utah, where it employs over 10,000 professionals across pilots, cabin crew, ground staff, and corporate functions. SkyWest operates approximately 2,190 flights daily across all four partner airlines.
Fleet and Aircraft
SkyWest Airlines operates one of the largest regional aircraft fleets in the world, comprising over 500 aircraft. The fleet is made up entirely of jet aircraft, as SkyWest retired its last turboprops in 2015. The current fleet composition includes:
- Embraer E175: Approximately 270 aircraft. This is the backbone of the fleet and is used primarily on higher-demand regional routes. The E175 features a two-class cabin layout with first class and economy seating for 70 to 76 passengers.
- Bombardier CRJ-200: Approximately 130 aircraft. A 50-seat regional jet used on shorter and lower-demand routes. The CRJ-200 features a single-class economy cabin.
- Bombardier CRJ-550: Approximately 26 aircraft. A reconfigured version of the CRJ-700 with a premium cabin layout, offering 50 seats with more legroom and storage space.
- Bombardier CRJ-700: Approximately 105 aircraft. A 70-seat regional jet with economy and first-class configurations, depending on the partner airline.
- Bombardier CRJ-900: Approximately 48 aircraft. The largest CRJ variant in the fleet, seating up to 76 passengers in a two-class layout.
SkyWest has placed orders for additional Embraer E175 aircraft, with 60 firm orders and 50 purchase rights announced for delivery starting in 2027. These new aircraft will gradually replace older CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 jets. SkyWest maintains rigorous safety and maintenance standards, with aircraft serviced at multiple maintenance facilities across the United States.
Top Flight Routes
As a regional airline, SkyWest Airlines connects smaller cities and towns to major airline hubs across North America. The airline serves over 250 destinations across 45 United States states, seven Canadian provinces, and multiple cities in Mexico. Some of the most popular routes operated by SkyWest include:
- Denver to Salt Lake City: A high-frequency route connecting two major western hubs, operated as United Express.
- Chicago O'Hare to regional Midwest cities: SkyWest provides essential United Express connectivity from Chicago to dozens of smaller cities across the Midwest and Great Plains.
- Minneapolis to regional Upper Midwest destinations: Operated as Delta Connection, connecting Minneapolis-St. Paul to cities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas.
- San Francisco to West Coast cities: SkyWest operates United Express and Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco to cities across California, Oregon, and Washington.
- Los Angeles to southwestern destinations: American Eagle flights from Los Angeles to cities across Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.
- Salt Lake City hub connections: As one of SkyWest's busiest hubs, Salt Lake City connects to dozens of destinations across the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest.
For Malaysian travellers planning trips to the United States, SkyWest flights often form the connecting leg of longer itineraries. For example, you might fly from Kuala Lumpur to Los Angeles or Kuala Lumpur to San Francisco on a major carrier, then connect to a SkyWest-operated regional flight to reach your final destination. You can also search for flights from Kuala Lumpur to New York and connect onward via SkyWest to cities across the northeastern United States.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Baggage policies on SkyWest Airlines flights are determined by the partner airline under which you booked your ticket. However, the following general guidelines apply to most SkyWest-operated flights:
Carry-On Baggage
- Standard carry-on: One carry-on bag is permitted per passenger, with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). The bag must fit in the overhead bin.
- Personal item: One personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack is allowed and must fit under the seat in front of you.
- 50-seat aircraft restriction: On CRJ-200 flights with 50 seats or fewer, only a personal item may be brought on board. Full-size carry-on bags must be gate-checked at no additional charge.
Checked Baggage
- First checked bag: Starting from USD 30 (approximately RM 130), depending on the partner airline's fare class. Some fare types include a free first checked bag.
- Second checked bag: Starting from USD 40 (approximately RM 175).
- Third checked bag: Starting from USD 50 or more, subject to availability.
- Maximum weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) and must be within 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
Prohibited Items
SkyWest Airlines follows the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for prohibited items. The following are not accepted: pressurised gases and liquids, oil-based paints, explosives, poisons, magnetic materials, flammable substances, and corrosive materials. Oversized items such as kayaks, windsurf equipment, hang gliders, and extra-large pet kennels are also not accepted.
Check-in Guide
Since SkyWest Airlines operates flights on behalf of partner airlines, the check-in process follows the procedures of the airline under which your ticket was booked:
Online Check-in
- United Express flights: Check in online at united.com or the United app, starting 24 hours before departure.
- Delta Connection flights: Check in online at delta.com or the Fly Delta app, starting 24 hours before departure.
- American Eagle flights: Check in online at aa.com or the American Airlines app, starting 24 hours before departure.
- Alaska Airlines flights: Check in online at alaskaair.com or the Alaska Airlines app, starting 24 hours before departure.
Airport Check-in
- Domestic flights: Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for check-in at the partner airline's counter.
- International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
- Boarding gate closure: Boarding gates typically close 15 minutes before scheduled departure time.
Passengers are advised to have their booking confirmation, valid photo identification, and any required travel documents ready at check-in.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
The cabin class experience on SkyWest Airlines flights varies depending on the aircraft type and partner airline configuration:
First Class
Available on Embraer E175, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, and CRJ-550 aircraft. First class typically features:
- Seating: 1-2 configuration with a seat pitch of approximately 37 inches and a seat width of 20 inches on the E175.
- Complimentary beverages: Including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
- Snacks or meals: Depending on flight duration and partner airline service standards.
- Priority boarding: First class passengers board before economy class.
Economy Class
Available on all SkyWest aircraft. Economy class features:
- Seating: 2-2 configuration on most aircraft, with a seat pitch of approximately 31 inches.
- Complimentary beverages: Non-alcoholic beverages are typically available at no charge.
- Snacks: Complimentary snacks on select flights, with additional items available for purchase.
In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi availability varies by aircraft and partner airline. Many SkyWest-operated flights, particularly those for United Express and Delta Connection, offer in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity through the partner airline's entertainment portal. Passengers can stream content on their personal devices when Wi-Fi is available.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
SkyWest Airlines follows the passenger policies of its partner airlines. Below are the general guidelines:
Children and Infants
- Infants under 2 years: May travel free of charge on a parent or guardian's lap. An FAA-approved child restraint system may be used if a separate seat is purchased.
- Children aged 2 and above: Require their own seat and a full-fare ticket.
- Required documents: Birth certificate or passport for age verification may be requested.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Eligible ages: Children aged 5 to 14 may travel alone using the unaccompanied minor service. The service is mandatory for this age group.
- Service fee: An additional fee applies, varying by partner airline (typically USD 100 to USD 150 each way).
- Requirements: A completed unaccompanied minor form, photo identification for the drop-off and pick-up adults, and any necessary travel documents.
- Children under 5: Cannot travel alone on SkyWest Airlines.
Pregnant Passengers
- General guideline: Pregnant passengers may travel on most SkyWest-operated flights without restrictions up to 36 weeks of pregnancy for uncomplicated single pregnancies.
- Medical certificate: A medical certificate from a licensed physician may be required for travel after 28 weeks, depending on the partner airline's specific policy.
- Consultation recommended: Passengers are advised to consult their healthcare provider and check the specific partner airline's pregnancy policy before travelling.
Special Assistance
- Wheelchair assistance: Available at all airports served by SkyWest. Request at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
- Medical equipment: Portable oxygen concentrators and other approved medical devices may be brought on board with advance notice.
- Service animals: Trained service animals are permitted in the cabin at no additional charge, subject to partner airline policies.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling, cancellation, and refund policies for SkyWest Airlines flights are governed by the partner airline under which your ticket was booked. General guidelines include:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy
In accordance with United States Department of Transportation regulations, tickets booked at least seven days before departure may be cancelled within 24 hours of booking for a full refund. The refund is typically processed within seven business days.
Rescheduling
- Via Traveloka: Log in to your Traveloka account, navigate to My Bookings, select the flight, and choose the reschedule option. Fare differences and change fees may apply depending on the fare type.
- Via partner airline: Contact the partner airline directly through their website or customer service line.
- Change fees: Many major United States carriers have eliminated change fees for main cabin and above fare classes. Basic economy tickets may still incur fees ranging from USD 100 to USD 200.
Refunds
- Refundable tickets: Eligible for a full refund upon cancellation.
- Standard tickets: May be eligible for a travel credit valid for 90 days to one year, depending on the partner airline.
- Basic economy or promotional tickets: Generally non-refundable, though a travel credit may be offered.
- Airline-initiated cancellations: If SkyWest or the partner airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight.
Refunds are typically processed within 15 to 20 business days for credit card payments. For bookings made through Traveloka, you can manage refund requests directly through the Traveloka app or website.
Why Book SkyWest Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka offers Malaysian travellers a convenient and secure way to book SkyWest Airlines flights as part of their United States travel itinerary. Here are the key benefits:
- Competitive pricing: Compare fares across multiple airlines and find the best deals on flights that include SkyWest-operated connections.
- Flexible payment options: Pay in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) using your preferred method, including credit and debit cards, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-tickets: Receive your electronic ticket immediately after booking, with all flight details accessible through the Traveloka app.
- Bundled savings: Book flights together with hotels and activities for additional discounts on your United States trip.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's customer support team is available around the clock to assist with booking changes, cancellations, and any travel queries.
- Price alerts: Set up price alerts for your preferred routes and get notified when fares drop.
- Traveloka Points: Earn reward points on every booking that can be redeemed for future travel discounts.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Getting the best fares on SkyWest Airlines and connecting flights to the United States requires some planning. Here are practical tips to help you save:
- Book early: For flights to the United States, booking at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance typically yields the best fares, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to be cheaper than weekend flights for both international and domestic United States segments.
- Use Traveloka Price Alert: Set up alerts for your preferred routes such as Kuala Lumpur to Los Angeles or Kuala Lumpur to San Francisco, and Traveloka will notify you when prices drop.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid booking during United States holidays such as Thanksgiving (November), Christmas (December), and spring break (March to April) when airfares spike.
- Check Traveloka Promos: Regularly visit the Traveloka promotions page for exclusive deals on international flights, flash sales, and coupon codes.
- Consider flexible dates: Use Traveloka's flexible date search to compare fares across a range of dates and find the cheapest options.
- Bundle your booking: Combine flights, hotels, and airport transfers on Traveloka to unlock bundle discounts that can save you hundreds of Ringgit.
- Choose connecting flights strategically: Sometimes routing through a different hub such as Denver or San Francisco instead of a direct Los Angeles connection can save significantly on the total fare.
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking SkyWest Airlines flights on Traveloka is straightforward. Follow these steps to complete your reservation:
- Visit Traveloka: Open the Traveloka app or go to traveloka.com/en-my/flight on your browser.
- Enter your trip details: Select your departure city (such as Kuala Lumpur), destination (such as Los Angeles, Denver, or Salt Lake City), travel dates, number of passengers, and preferred cabin class.
- Search and compare: Traveloka will display available flights, including itineraries with SkyWest-operated connecting segments. Compare fares, flight times, and layover durations.
- Select your flights: Choose your preferred outbound and return flights. Review the full itinerary, including all connecting flights and partner airline details.
- Enter passenger details: Fill in passenger names (as they appear on your passport), contact information, and any special requests such as meal preferences or wheelchair assistance.
- Choose add-ons: Select optional add-ons such as travel insurance, extra baggage, or seat selection where available.
- Make payment: Complete your booking using your preferred payment method. Traveloka accepts credit and debit cards, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and online banking.
- Receive your e-ticket: Once payment is confirmed, your e-ticket will be sent to your email and saved in your Traveloka account under My Bookings. You can access it anytime through the Traveloka app.