Originally Posted by
4V14T0R
No a major is actually defined by revenue. It has been redefined in some respect as a 121 jet carrier where the paint matched the name on the paycheck. All those LCCs are majors, just not the same tier as one another.
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The federal government definition of a major is by revenue, X billion $.
The industry itself considers majors to operate at least some NB aircraft, sell tickets, and operate under their own brand.
Legacies did interstate air service prior to deregulation. They use a hub and spoke model, to one degree or another.
Most regionals are actually FFD, flying in some legacies paint. There are few small branded commuters left.
The APC airline profiles reflect the "industry standard" definitions. We don't try to distinguish between national, LCC, ULCC as that is somewhat in the eye of the beholder.