When it comes to air travel in the United States, many of us immediately think of the big players in the market – American Airlines, Delta, United, or Southwest. But beyond the noisy transportation hubs and crowded terminals lies a realm of smaller airlines diligently weaving the foundation for regional travel across America. One such carrier is Contour Airlines, a regional airline that has carved out its niche by connecting cities with limited air service. And it does so with comfort, convenience, and a touch of charm.
From Charter Flights to Regional Routes
Contour Airlines didn’t spring up out of thin air. Its story begins with its parent company, Contour Aviation, founded in 1982 under the name Corporate Flight Management Inc. Based in Smyrna, just outside Nashville – the capital of Tennessee – Contour Aviation started as a charter company, serving passengers and cargo with a focus on flexibility and a personalized approach to air travel. Over more than three decades, it earned a reputation as a reliable operator in the Southeast, offering charter flights on small aircraft, aircraft maintenance, and even government contract services.
In 2016, Contour Aviation took a bold step into the world of scheduled passenger services by launching Contour Airlines. The airline’s inaugural flight took off on March 22, 2016, connecting Nashville, Tennessee, with Tupelo, Mississippi. This route symbolized its mission to link mid-sized and small aviation markets often overlooked by larger carriers. Since then, Contour Airlines has steadily grown, expanding its route network and refining its image as a premium regional airline focused on convenience and customer service quality.
What Sets It Apart
Flying with Contour Airlines is a far cry from boarding a packed Boeing 737 with a major airline. Contour operates charter flights under FAA Part 135 regulations (which govern most commercial airlines), allowing it to offer a broader range of services. The onboard experience is simple yet thoughtful. Friendly flight attendants offer passengers complimentary snacks and a selection of cold non-alcoholic beverages, water, and juices. While there’s no Wi-Fi, power outlets, or in-flight entertainment (after all, these are short flights), the large windows and comfortable leather seats make the journey enjoyable.
One standout feature is the airline’s baggage policy: every passenger can check one bag for free, along with a carry-on and personal items. For a regional carrier, this is a generous perk that spares travelers the extra fees typical of budget airlines.
Where Does Contour Fly?
Contour Airlines isn’t trying to compete with the giants. Instead, it focuses on connecting smaller cities to each other or to major hubs, often filling gaps left by larger carriers.
As of early 2025, Contour serves over 20 destinations across the United States, with bases in Charlotte, Chicago, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Phoenix. Popular routes include Charlotte, North Carolina, to Beckley, West Virginia; Phoenix, Arizona, to Page (the closest airport to the luxurious Amangiri Resort); and Chicago to Marion, Illinois.
The airline has also joined the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a federal initiative that subsidizes flights to rural communities. In 2022, when regional giant SkyWest cut 30 EAS routes, Contour seized the opportunity, expanding into six new destinations. Today, 17 of its 26 markets are EAS-subsidized, making it a lifeline for cities like Tupelo, Mississippi, or Ogdensburg, New York.
Contour’s route map underscores its mission: linking places that would otherwise require a long drive or multiple flight segments through connecting hubs. Flights are typically scheduled once or twice daily, ideal for weekend getaways or business trips, though the limited frequency means travelers need to plan ahead.
Partnerships That Expand Opportunities
One of Contour’s smartest moves has been forming interline agreements with major airlines. Since October 2019, it has partnered with American Airlines, allowing passengers to book a single itinerary combining Contour and American flights. This means seamless check-in and baggage transfer at hubs like Charlotte or Philadelphia. In April 2024, Contour added Alaska Airlines to its interline roster, enabling passengers to earn mileage plan miles on Contour flights booked through Alaska. A third partnership with United Airlines began in October 2024, further broadening its connectivity. These alliances make Contour a practical choice for travelers starting in small towns and heading to distant destinations – all on a single ticket.
From Charter Flights to Regional Routes
Contour Airlines didn’t spring up out of thin air. Its story begins with its parent company, Contour Aviation, founded in 1982 under the name Corporate Flight Management Inc. Based in Smyrna, just outside Nashville – the capital of Tennessee – Contour Aviation started as a charter company, serving passengers and cargo with a focus on flexibility and a personalized approach to air travel. Over more than three decades, it earned a reputation as a reliable operator in the Southeast, offering charter flights on small aircraft, aircraft maintenance, and even government contract services.
In 2016, Contour Aviation took a bold step into the world of scheduled passenger services by launching Contour Airlines. The airline’s inaugural flight took off on March 22, 2016, connecting Nashville, Tennessee, with Tupelo, Mississippi. This route symbolized its mission to link mid-sized and small aviation markets often overlooked by larger carriers. Since then, Contour Airlines has steadily grown, expanding its route network and refining its image as a premium regional airline focused on convenience and customer service quality.
What Sets It Apart
Flying with Contour Airlines is a far cry from boarding a packed Boeing 737 with a major airline. Contour operates charter flights under FAA Part 135 regulations (which govern most commercial airlines), allowing it to offer a broader range of services. The onboard experience is simple yet thoughtful. Friendly flight attendants offer passengers complimentary snacks and a selection of cold non-alcoholic beverages, water, and juices. While there’s no Wi-Fi, power outlets, or in-flight entertainment (after all, these are short flights), the large windows and comfortable leather seats make the journey enjoyable.
One standout feature is the airline’s baggage policy: every passenger can check one bag for free, along with a carry-on and personal items. For a regional carrier, this is a generous perk that spares travelers the extra fees typical of budget airlines.
Where Does Contour Fly?
Contour Airlines isn’t trying to compete with the giants. Instead, it focuses on connecting smaller cities to each other or to major hubs, often filling gaps left by larger carriers.
As of early 2025, Contour serves over 20 destinations across the United States, with bases in Charlotte, Chicago, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Phoenix. Popular routes include Charlotte, North Carolina, to Beckley, West Virginia; Phoenix, Arizona, to Page (the closest airport to the luxurious Amangiri Resort); and Chicago to Marion, Illinois.
The airline has also joined the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a federal initiative that subsidizes flights to rural communities. In 2022, when regional giant SkyWest cut 30 EAS routes, Contour seized the opportunity, expanding into six new destinations. Today, 17 of its 26 markets are EAS-subsidized, making it a lifeline for cities like Tupelo, Mississippi, or Ogdensburg, New York.
Contour’s route map underscores its mission: linking places that would otherwise require a long drive or multiple flight segments through connecting hubs. Flights are typically scheduled once or twice daily, ideal for weekend getaways or business trips, though the limited frequency means travelers need to plan ahead.
Partnerships That Expand Opportunities
One of Contour’s smartest moves has been forming interline agreements with major airlines. Since October 2019, it has partnered with American Airlines, allowing passengers to book a single itinerary combining Contour and American flights. This means seamless check-in and baggage transfer at hubs like Charlotte or Philadelphia. In April 2024, Contour added Alaska Airlines to its interline roster, enabling passengers to earn mileage plan miles on Contour flights booked through Alaska. A third partnership with United Airlines began in October 2024, further broadening its connectivity. These alliances make Contour a practical choice for travelers starting in small towns and heading to distant destinations – all on a single ticket.
A Small Fleet
Contour’s fleet is built around Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 regional jets. More recently, Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft have joined the lineup. These models are time-tested, known for their reliability and efficiency. With around 40 aircraft in operation – some used for charters under Contour Aviation – the airline performs about 20,000 flights annually.
The 30-seat cabin configuration is a deliberate choice, creating a spacious interior with no middle seats, ample legroom, and a 2:1 seating arrangement. Fewer passengers mean a quieter, more comfortable ride, though it does challenge profitability compared to larger regional jets with 75+ seats.
The aircraft are maintained at Contour’s own FAA-certified repair station, ensuring safety and reliability. While not the newest planes in the sky, they’re well-suited for the short hops Contour specializes in, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
Leadership and Growth
Contour Airlines is led by CEO Matt Chaifetz, who has been with the company since its inception in 2016. Under his leadership, the airline has grown from a single route to a network spanning dozens of cities, employing around 800 people, including nearly 200 pilots.
In early 2024, regional carrier SkyWest Airlines acquired a 25% stake in Contour, signaling confidence in its business model and a strategic move to leverage Contour’s infrastructure for SkyWest’s own charter ambitions.
The airline’s headquarters at Smyrna Airport (MQY), just steps from vibrant Nashville, serves as its operational hub. This location reflects Contour’s roots and its focus on connecting the Southeast with other regions of the U.S.
Contour’s fleet is built around Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 regional jets. More recently, Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft have joined the lineup. These models are time-tested, known for their reliability and efficiency. With around 40 aircraft in operation – some used for charters under Contour Aviation – the airline performs about 20,000 flights annually.
The 30-seat cabin configuration is a deliberate choice, creating a spacious interior with no middle seats, ample legroom, and a 2:1 seating arrangement. Fewer passengers mean a quieter, more comfortable ride, though it does challenge profitability compared to larger regional jets with 75+ seats.
The aircraft are maintained at Contour’s own FAA-certified repair station, ensuring safety and reliability. While not the newest planes in the sky, they’re well-suited for the short hops Contour specializes in, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
Leadership and Growth
Contour Airlines is led by CEO Matt Chaifetz, who has been with the company since its inception in 2016. Under his leadership, the airline has grown from a single route to a network spanning dozens of cities, employing around 800 people, including nearly 200 pilots.
In early 2024, regional carrier SkyWest Airlines acquired a 25% stake in Contour, signaling confidence in its business model and a strategic move to leverage Contour’s infrastructure for SkyWest’s own charter ambitions.
The airline’s headquarters at Smyrna Airport (MQY), just steps from vibrant Nashville, serves as its operational hub. This location reflects Contour’s roots and its focus on connecting the Southeast with other regions of the U.S.