Why have U.S. airlines surrendered their leadership?

Once upon a time, U.S. airlines were the envy of the industry. American carriers served more passengers than any international airline. They flew the latest planes with the finest amenities. What happened?

Just like the American automobile industry that slowly but surely lost its luster, the domestic airline industry no longer leads the world. Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Swiss and Emirates are setting the trends.

I can’t think of one good reason to fly transatlantic on a U.S. carrier other than for frequent flier miles or company regulations. It’s sad when an industry can only compete with kickbacks, rebates and competition-limiting rules.

It is telling that not one domestic airline has ordered the current leading-edge aircraft, the Airbus 380. Singapore, Qantas and Emirates have. Not only are these international airlines taking the swagger factor from U.S. carriers, but they can take advantage of economic benefits that the newer planes and engines afford. According to Singapore, the A380 is burning 20 percent less fuel per passenger than the airline’s existing 747-400 fleet.

The A380s flying today produce 50 percent less cabin noise than a 747 and have higher cabin air pressure (equivalent to an altitude of 1,500 m (4,900 ft) versus 2,500 m (8,200 ft). Both features are designed to reduce the effects of travel fatigue. U.S. airlines are a decade away from flying this aircraft.

First class, once abandoned by almost every airline, was never discontinued by Lufthansa. Today, Lufthansa is leading the way in service innovations for their first class passengers. A new separate first class terminal was opened in Frankfurt where passengers can clear customs and are driven but automobile out to their aircraft.

SWISS, a subsidiary of Lufthansa — always known for excellent upscale service — has relaunched their first class cabin and totally redesigned their business class service to compete with its owner.

Emirates Airlines has become the leader of inflight luxury with their showers in the sky amenities on their A380s. Singapore Airlines wins awards year after year for excellent inflight dining and service. Virgin Atlantic has long been an innovator when it comes to its business class product, called Upper Class.

If anyone wonders why U.S. airlines still offer free luggage, free meals and some free beverages on international routes, the answer is simply competition. All of the non-U.S. international carriers provide those amenities for free. U.S. carriers need to do the same to compete.

I’m sure that airline experts can make plenty of arguments about why the domestic airline industry has slipped so far. They can lament about unfair subsidies and the economic worldwide woes. But, the simple fact of the matter is that our airline industry is no longer a leader. It is run of the mill.

We can crisscross the country in our Honda, Kia, Nissan, VW or Toyota but we are not allowed to fly cross-country with Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines. The lack of competition is un-American. Plus, it’s driving our U.S. airline service downhill.

Perhaps rather than allowing the U.S. airline industry to wallow in its own domestic misery and compete only with itself here at home because of protectionist ownership policies, the country should allow international ownership and competition within our borders.

At least the free peanuts and pretzels might make a comeback.