As international competition grows and more foreign airlines join the fray, long-haul carriers are locked in escalating battles that often turn on service.

Emirates, the largest of those buyers, is planning to triple its capacity over the next eight years to become the world's largest long-haul carrier, the report said.

Other industry specialists say Southwest faces some serious challenges if it tries to become a long-haul carrier.

For many other long-haul carriers, though, the pressure to pack in as many seats as possible will be compelling.

Roadway, a nationwide long-haul carrier, has been given an option to buy 800,000 new shares, or 20 percent, of Viking, for $35.50 a share.

Categories will include shuttle and long-haul carriers, and the best airline for traveling among the nation's 10 largest cities.

Most long-haul carriers experience 100% annual driver turnover.

The new government that took office in 1976 had a different vision, and was decided for Thailand to have just one long-haul carrier.

Not all the long-haul carriers allow you to reserve specific seats.

The national airline, Air New Zealand, was voted third-best long-haul carrier.