I’ve flown to Columbus, Ohio, more times than I can count—whether for weekend getaways, family visits, or work-related trips. On each of these journeys, my prime concerns were comfort, affordability, and a seamless booking process. Over time, I discovered which airlines offer the best balance of value and comfort for flights to Columbus, especially when departing from my hometown airport in Pittsburgh.
I’ll take you through one particularly memorable flight I took recently, detailing every aspect—from booking the ticket and the cabin experience to pricing, booking platforms, and personal reflections. I’ll also recommend four other airlines I’ve flown or researched that offer excellent value to Columbus, and provide practical tips and advice for booking and flying. Plus, I’ll even touch upon nearby airport options for regional travelers.
My Personal Flight Experience: Pittsburgh to Columbus on American Airlines (Economy)
The Flight:
- Route: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) → John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Airline & Flight Number: American Airlines Flight AA1234 (this is a hypothetical number based on typical AA numbering; for privacy and realism, you’ll often see flights like AA305 or AA3544 on this route)
- Cabin Class: Economy (sometimes referred to as Main Cabin on AA)
- Aircraft Type: Embraer E175 regional jet (common on short Pittsburgh–Columbus hops)
Booking Platform & Pricing:
I booked this flight via Expedia, though I often compare with the American Airlines website and Google Flights. The flight was a one-way fare of $128. A return ticket around the same time, booked as a round-trip, cost $240 total if purchased together, saving about $16 versus two separate one-way fares. Expedia occasionally offers bundle discounts or coupon codes, and at the time, I used one that gave me a 5% reduction—saving about $12 on the total. Payment was through my credit card, which also earns travel rewards—always a nice sweetener.
Pre-Flight and Check-In:
Arriving at Pittsburgh Airport (PIT), I headed straight to the American Airlines kiosk to print my boarding pass. There was no need to check bags—this was a short 30-minute regional flight, and I traveled light with only a carry-on backpack. Security at PIT was smooth in the early afternoon, and I found a quiet seat in the concourse area.
Cabin Experience in Economy:
Stepping on board the E175, I was greeted by the flight attendant with a warm “hello.” The single-aisle aircraft offers seating in a 2–2 configuration—two seats on either side of the aisle—unlike larger aircraft where you might be stuck in the middle. I sat in Seat 5A, a window seat with a little extra legroom compared to the middle of the cabin.
Comfort: Even in Economy, the seat felt comfortable enough for a short hop. Legroom was decent—not the most generous I’ve experienced, but sufficient. Seat pitch was likely around 29 inches, standard for regional jets, and the cushioning was firm but not uncomfortable. The headrest was adjustable—which is a small but appreciated detail on regional cramped seats.
In-Flight Service: Since it was such a short flight—barely 40 minutes scheduled—there was no in-flight beverage service, and no snack handed out. The seatback pockets contained just the safety card and a small in-flight magazine. The captain made pre-flight announcements that were clear and friendly, offering an estimate of arrival and a calming safety briefing.
Flight Feel: We took off promptly, and I enjoyed the smooth climb and the view of rolling farmland as we crossed into Ohio. The descent into Columbus was gentle. Before I knew it, the seatbelt sign dinged off, and we were taxiing to the gate.
Arrival:
At Columbus, disembarking was quick. Passenger traffic was light in the afternoon. It took me under five minutes to retrieve my belongings from the overhead bin and walk off the jet — regional flying at its most efficient. The entire journey from gate-to-gate took under an hour, and I was impressed by the ease of the experience despite being seated in Economy.
Summary of Personal Impressions:
- Efficiency: Quick turnaround, short boarding, and minimal fuss.
- Comfort: Modest but acceptable for a short flight. The window seat gave me small but welcome extra space.
- Value: At ~$120 one-way from Pittsburgh to Columbus, it was a fair deal, especially considering the time savings compared to driving.
Four Other Recommended Airline Options: Comfort, Price & Value to Columbus
While American Airlines (often with regional affiliates like PSA or Envoy) is a solid default choice, I’ve found—depending on timing and availability—that a few other airlines offer competitive fares, comfort, and service to Columbus.
1. Delta Air Lines (via Detroit or Minneapolis – Economy & Main Cabin)
- Typical Route: PIT–DTW (Detroit)–CMH, or PIT–MSP (Minneapolis)–CMH—sometimes direct codeshare if offered.
- Comfort: Delta’s main cabin seats often come with a few more inches of pitch (~31″) and generally slightly better seat cushions on flights involving mainline aircraft like the Airbus A220 or narrow-body jets.
- Price: Fares usually range from $140–$180 one-way, depending on connections.
- Value: Good frequent flier program, slightly more comfortable Economy, and reliable performance.
- Booking platform: Delta.com or workflow on travel agencies. Often, combining with SkyMiles can net some upgrades or priority boarding benefits.
2. United Airlines (via Chicago O’Hare) – Economy
- Route: PIT–ORD (O’Hare)–CMH.
- Comfort: United uses regional Embraer or CRJ aircraft similar to American. Basic Economy fares can be as low as $110 one-way if booked ahead.
- Pros: Budget-oriented, often the lowest fare, easy access for United frequent flyers.
- Cons: ORD can be a stress point for long layovers; basic economy fares limit seat selection and boarding.
- Tip: Upgrading to Economy Plus for even a modest fee (around $30–$40) can significantly improve comfort.
3. Southwest Airlines (via Baltimore or Cincinnati) – Wanna Get Away fares
- Route: PIT–BWI (Baltimore)–CMH or PIT–CVG (Cincinnati)–CMH.
- Comfort: Southwest’s aircraft (Boeing 737s) feel roomier; seat pitch is about 31″, and there’s no middle seat (2–3 layout).
- Price: Fares from about $130–$170 one-way.
- Value: Free carry-on & two checked bags, rapid Rewards program, flexible change/cancellation policies.
- Note: No assigned seats with basic fares—boarding order matters.
4. Allegiant Air (if available occasionally direct) – Economy
- Route: PIT–CMH (sometimes seasonal or limited service)
- Comfort: Basic regional jets, tight seats, minimal amenities.
- Price: Sometimes very low—$80–$100 one-way.
- Pros: Ultra-budget if it’s running.
- Cons: High baggage fees, less frequent schedule, and basic experience.
- Booking tip: Combine with Allegiant hotels or car rentals for bundled savings.
Comparing the Airlines: My Observations on Comfort, Price, and Overall Value
From my experience and research, each airline serving Pittsburgh–Columbus (or with reasonable connections) has its own personality and set of trade-offs.
American Airlines is probably the most efficient choice for this route. The fares I’ve paid typically land in the $120–$130 one-way range, which is reasonable for a regional hop. You’ll most often find yourself on an Embraer E175 or a similar regional jet. The seat pitch is about 29 inches, which isn’t the most generous, but on such a short flight it’s perfectly tolerable. The biggest advantage is frequency—American seems to run these flights often, making it easier to find a time that works for you without paying a huge premium.
Delta Air Lines offers a slightly more comfortable Economy experience if you don’t mind the possibility of connecting through Detroit or Minneapolis. When you’re on one of their newer Airbus A220s or mainline narrow-body jets, the seat pitch can stretch to 31 inches, which your knees will definitely notice. Prices tend to be a bit higher—often between $140 and $180 one-way—but for travelers who value that extra bit of comfort and Delta’s strong on-time performance, it’s worth it.
United Airlines can sometimes win the budget battle, especially if you catch a sale fare. I’ve seen one-way tickets in the $110–$150 range. The typical route involves a quick hop to Chicago O’Hare before heading to Columbus. That means you’re likely to fly on a CRJ or another Embraer regional jet with a 30-inch pitch, which is serviceable but nothing to write home about. The trade-off: O’Hare is a large, busy airport where layovers can be stressful, but if you’re a MileagePlus member, the points and occasional upgrades might sway you.
Southwest Airlines is a different animal altogether. They don’t fly direct PIT–CMH, but they’ll route you through Baltimore or Cincinnati. The big draw is the 31-inch pitch and the fact that you get two checked bags free, plus a carry-on, which is a rarity these days. Their “Wanna Get Away” fares usually sit around $130–$170 one-way. The absence of assigned seating means boarding position matters, but the flexibility in changing flights without heavy fees is a major plus if your schedule might shift.
Finally, Allegiant Air, when it appears on the schedule, is all about ultra-low cost. I’ve spotted one-way fares for as little as $80–$100. Comfort is the tightest of the bunch—about 29 inches of pitch—and flights are less frequent, often seasonal. Allegiant’s low base fare can be appealing, but remember that almost everything else—checked bags, carry-ons, even seat selection—comes with an extra fee. For very light packers or ultra-budget travelers, it can still be a steal.
When you look at them side by side in your head, American wins on schedule convenience, Delta wins on comfort, United wins on price (with caveats), Southwest wins on baggage policy and flexibility, and Allegiant wins on absolute lowest fare—though with the most compromises.
Nearby Airport Information & Alternatives for Flying to Columbus
If you’re flexible with departure points, exploring nearby airports can sometimes yield better fares or schedules.
1. Akron–Canton Airport (CAK)
- Located about 90 miles east of Columbus.
- Airlines: Allegiant, occasionally others.
- Good for travelers from eastern Ohio or those combining visits to Akron/Canton area.
2. Dayton International Airport (DAY)
- About 70 miles southwest of Columbus.
- Served by Delta, American, Allegiant—sometimes a bit more expensive but good route flexibility.
- Driving from DAY to Columbus is around 1–1.5 hours via I-75/N-70.
3. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Roughly 110 miles southwest.
- Served by Southwest, Delta, American, United.
- A viable alternative with more flight options and frequent deals, though longer drive or a regional flight from CVG to CMH.
4. Pittsburgh (PIT)
- My home airport—well served and efficient for short regional hops.
- Ample amenities, comfortable concourses, excellent ground transportation.
Recommendations and Travel Tips
Booking Tips:
- Book early: Especially for Economy fares to Columbus. Prices climb noticeably in the last 2–3 weeks before departure.
- Use fare aggregator tools: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Expedia help you compare across airlines quickly.
- Consider total cost of trip: Always factor ancillary fees (baggage, seat selection) and perks like free carry-on bags (Southwest) or seat pitch comfort (Delta).
- Frequent flier loyalty: If you’re a member, a slightly higher fare can be worth it for miles and perks.
Airport & Route Advice:
- Direct flights are a luxury: The PIT–CMH route is relatively short—so direct regional jets offer the quickest, most efficient option with minimal premium.
- Southwest’s flexibility is valuable: Even if slightly higher, the ability to change flights with no or minimal fees can save stress and money.
- Degrees of comfort matter: On short flights like PIT–CMH, legroom and seat quality can make a noticeable difference—even over 40 minutes.
From my experience, the American Airlines economy flight on the E175 was an excellent balance of comfort, efficiency, and cost. It felt like a short shuttle more than a full flight—no fuss, no frills, and simply effective. The window seat with a little extra space turned an ordinary hop into something pleasantly calm and scenic. But depending on your preferences—whether you prize legroom (Delta), flexibility (Southwest), or rock-bottom prices (Allegiant/United basic)—there’s an airline to suit your needs.
