Many countries have their own airlines, and it can be difficult when traveling internationally to choose a regional airline. The most popular airlines tend to carry the largest number of passengers daily over the largest number of miles.

When traveling with the regional airlines of North America, Europe and the Middle East, and Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania, there are many well-known and well-recognized options available.

As you make your travel arrangements, consider the following:

1. If interested in adding frequent flier miles, check to see what your region's airlines' partners have to offer in terms of cost and availability.

2. If speaking another language is an issue, check on whether the airline's staff speaks English.

3. Consider the total number of hours flown through the regional airlines carefully. International travel can be long, and your time may well be worth a more expensive flight.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the most popular commercial airlines by region in North, Central and South America

Major airlines of the world in North America, Central America and South America fly millions of passengers each day.

I recommend: Major airlines of the world in North America include American Airlines, United Airlines, Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. For North American, Central American and South American travel, see Grupo TACA. For international South American travel, try Brazil's TAM Linhas Aereas S.A. or Chile's LAN Airlines S.A.

Select from the most popular airlines by region for European and Middle Eastern travel

European and Middle Eastern airlines fly to many international locations each day. These airlines fly passengers to and from cities, major hubs and global destinations.

I recommend: Air France travels throughout Europe and to Canada and the USA. British Airways travels around the world, as does Emirates Airline. Lufthansa carries passengers from Germany and the USA to many European and Middle Eastern destinations.

When traveling to Africa, choose one of the popular airlines of the world

International airlines by region exist all over Africa. Several airlines link regional travel to international travel.

I recommend: Kenya Airways provides service to many African countries and cities with a few multi-regional destinations. Ethiopian Airlines travels throughout African countries as well as internationally. Egyptair travels to several African countries as well as serves as a hub from the Middle East to Europe, the United States, Japan and Australia.

For travel to Asia and Oceania, choose a popular international regional airline

Information about region airlines in Asia and Oceania abounds. Try a well-known airline for dependable travel.

I recommend: Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways Limited fly globally.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With an increasing number of regional airlines tightening luggage restrictions, if possible, pack light to save yourself time, money and if transferring international carriers, the headache of carrying heavy luggage through busy airport hubs.