Yeah, there are a lot better options than United or American.
However, if you try some of the other European and Asian airlines, such as RyanAir, SleazyJet (I mean easyJet), Aeroflot, or any of the domestic Chinese airlines, you'll feel a lot better about our US airlines.
This is true. I heard a Chinese Air blow up after take off not too long ago. It just went POOF mid air. Nice