United Airlines is expanding to serve more global destinations in 2026, while Delta is modernizing its long-haul fleet with new aircraft like the Airbus A350-1000. Both carriers offer premium cabin upgrades, but United's Polaris business class redesign and A321XLR introduction represent more aggressive near-term improvements.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium-positioned carrier known for operational excellence and reliability
Second-largest US carrier with strong international presence, hub-and-spoke operations across multiple US cities.
Global Route Expansion 2026. New Long-Haul Aircraft. Business Class Seat Screen Size. Polaris Business Class. Stock Performance 2026. Aircraft Modernization Focus. Premium Cabin Innovation
Choose Delta if you prioritize modern long-haul aircraft with advanced engines and transcontinental comfort on premium routes. Choose United if you value expanding global destination access, innovative business class technology with wireless charging, and increased frequency on new routes in 2026.
Delta Air Lines: 924 | United Airlines: 982
Delta Air Lines: Primary narrowbody focus | United Airlines: Recently started deliveries
Delta Air Lines: Declining operations | United Airlines: 254 (127 each variant)
Delta Air Lines: New A350 orders | United Airlines: Aggressive widebody expansion
Delta Air Lines: Aggressive 2026-2030 | United Airlines: Moderate 2026-2032
Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty programs | United Airlines: Capacity-driven revenue focus
Delta Air Lines: A350 and A321neo orders | United Airlines: A321XLR and A321neo orders
Delta Air Lines: Second most operated | United Airlines: Recent deliveries begun
Delta Air Lines: Legacy 737s present | United Airlines: 254 (737-800/900ER combined)
Delta Air Lines: SkyMiles with multiple card options | United Airlines: MileagePlus with Chase partnership
Delta Air Lines: Widebody capacity growth priority | United Airlines: Domestic high-frequency emphasis
Delta Air Lines: Status unknown | United Airlines: On order for ultra-long-haul
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/900ER (127 each)
Delta Air Lines: A321neo (newest addition) | United Airlines: A321neo (delivering), A321XLR (on order)
Delta Air Lines: Excellent across all routes | United Airlines: Excellent on international routes
Delta Air Lines: High - polished across all routes | United Airlines: Moderate - varies by route and aircraft
Delta Air Lines: Network optimization & quality focus | United Airlines: Aggressive expansion & frequency growth
Delta Air Lines: Sky Clubs (comparable features) | United Airlines: United Clubs (comparable features)
Delta Air Lines: 56 clubs | United Airlines: Expanding network
Delta Air Lines: A350-1000 with advanced engines | United Airlines: Multiple new widebody types
Delta Air Lines: 16-inch 4K OLED | United Airlines: 16-inch screens (type pending)
Delta Air Lines: Not available | United Airlines: New cabin class launching 2026
Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty program expansion | United Airlines: Core airline operations
Delta Air Lines: Outstanding YTD performance | United Airlines: Outstanding YTD performance
Delta Air Lines: Yes, available | United Airlines: Yes, available
Delta Air Lines: Updated privacy improvements | United Airlines: New privacy wings in Premium Plus
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo and older narrowbodies | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/737-900ER (127 each)
Delta Air Lines: A321neo fleet expanding | United Airlines: 254 (737-800: 127 + 737-900ER: 127)
Delta Air Lines: A350-1000 expansion underway | United Airlines: A321XLR on order
Delta Air Lines: Widebody long-haul premium | United Airlines: Narrowbody high-frequency domestic
Delta Air Lines: A350-1000s (active) | United Airlines: A321neo and A321XLR
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800 & 900ER (127 each)
Delta Air Lines: Delta One (Lie-flat) | United Airlines: Polaris (Lie-flat)
Delta Air Lines: A321neo adoption underway | United Airlines: A321neo & A321XLR on order (first new Airbus in 20+ years)
Delta Air Lines: Sky Club (WiFi, snacks, drinks, seating) | United Airlines: United Club (WiFi, snacks, drinks, seating)
Delta Air Lines: -58 aircraft disadvantage | United Airlines: +58 aircraft advantage
Delta Air Lines: 924 aircraft | United Airlines: 982 aircraft
Delta Air Lines: Standard ground-based WiFi | United Airlines: Starlink satellite WiFi (2026)
Delta Air Lines: 44% | United Airlines: 28%
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Airbus A321neo & A321XLR on order
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A350-1000 (launching 2026) | United Airlines: Boeing 787 Dreamliner & 777
Delta Air Lines: Standard beverage/snack service | United Airlines: Self-serve snack bar in economy (2026)
Delta Air Lines: Enhanced European network | United Airlines: Fifth Freedom routes (NY-Milan, etc.)
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800 (127 units)
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Airbus A321neo (first in 20+ years)
Delta Air Lines: Delta One (all-route) | United Airlines: Polaris (long-haul focused)
Delta Air Lines: Moderate | United Airlines: High (A321XLR on order)
Delta Air Lines: Balanced operational growth | United Airlines: High-frequency domestic + widebody expansion
Delta Air Lines: A321neo integrated into fleet | United Airlines: A321neo deliveries underway; A321XLRs on order
Delta Air Lines: Delta One: Consistently excellent across routes | United Airlines: Polaris: Excellent internationally; variable domestically
Delta Air Lines: Delta Sky Clubs in major hubs | United Airlines: United Club lounges globally
Delta Air Lines: A321neo already integrated | United Airlines: First new Airbus in 20+ years (A321neo)
Delta Air Lines: $16.0 billion | United Airlines: $15.4 billion
Delta Air Lines: 9.5% | United Airlines: 8.5%
Delta Air Lines: Not disclosed | United Airlines: 11%
Delta Air Lines: $200 million | United Airlines: $250 million
Delta Air Lines: 3.0% | United Airlines: 4.8%
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/900ER (254 total)
Delta Air Lines: Airbus A350 active deployment & expansion | United Airlines: A321XLR orders (limited widebody focus)
Delta Air Lines: A350 in active service, A321neo fleet established | United Airlines: A321neo first new Airbus in 20+ years (recent)
Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty, premium widebody revenue | United Airlines: Primarily ticket-driven with long-haul expansion
Delta Air Lines: Boeing/Airbus optimized (A350 + A321neo focus) | United Airlines: Boeing/Airbus mixed (limited A321neo uptake)
Delta Air Lines: Faster (A350 + A321neo established) | United Airlines: Slower (just beginning A321neo transition)
Delta Air Lines: Baseline | United Airlines: +58
Delta Air Lines: Not specified | United Airlines: 16-inch 4K OLED (2026)
Delta Air Lines: None announced | United Airlines: Airbus A321XLR on order
Delta Air Lines: A321neo already operational in fleet | United Airlines: Recently began A321neo deliveries (first in 20+ years)
Delta Air Lines: Not specified | United Airlines: 2026 (Polaris redesign launching)
Delta Air Lines: Larger wing design on A350-1000 | United Airlines: Extended-range capability on A321XLR
Delta Air Lines: Standard display (size not specified) | United Airlines: 16-inch 4K OLED
Delta Air Lines: Strong long-haul focus | United Airlines: Most destinations of any U.S. carrier
Delta Air Lines: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 (more powerful) | United Airlines: Standard A321XLR engines
Delta Air Lines: Not mentioned | United Airlines: Available on Polaris redesign
Delta Air Lines: Long-haul primary focus (A350-1000) | United Airlines: Long-haul and mid-range (A321XLR)
Delta Air Lines: Strong performance noted | United Airlines: Strong performance noted
Delta Air Lines: 83% | United Airlines: 79%
Delta Air Lines: $312 | United Airlines: $287
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Delta Air Lines: 783 | United Airlines: 776
Delta Air Lines: 25,000 | United Airlines: 30,000
Delta Air Lines: 1.8 | United Airlines: 2.1
Delta Air Lines: 325+ | United Airlines: 350+
Delta Air Lines: 17.2 | United Airlines: 18.1
Delta Air Lines: 82.5% | United Airlines: 79.8%
Delta Air Lines: 175 million | United Airlines: 180 million
Delta Air Lines: 76 | United Airlines: 73
Delta Air Lines: 118 million | United Airlines: 210M (MileagePlus)
Delta Air Lines: 2.1 | United Airlines: 2.8
Delta Air Lines: 355 | United Airlines: 72
Delta Air Lines: 900+ | United Airlines: 868 aircraft
Delta Air Lines: 78 | United Airlines: 75
Delta Air Lines: 31 | United Airlines: 31
Delta Air Lines: 35 inches (Comfort+) | United Airlines: 34 inches (Plus)
Delta Air Lines: 5,104 | United Airlines: 4,823
Delta Air Lines: 1.0 | United Airlines: 1.0
Delta Air Lines: 76 | United Airlines: 721
Delta Air Lines: $63.4B | United Airlines: $58.2B
Delta Air Lines: $324 | United Airlines: $318
Premium Cabin Seat Pitch (Business/Polaris)
Delta Air Lines: 6 feet (direct-aisle on select aircraft) | United Airlines: 6.5 feet (direct-aisle on 787)
Delta Air Lines: 3.8/5 | United Airlines: 3.4/5
Delta Air Lines: 325 destinations | United Airlines: 340+
Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket Price
Delta Air Lines: $312 | United Airlines: $289
Delta Air Lines: 3 primary hubs (Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit) | United Airlines: 3 primary hubs (Chicago, Houston, Newark)
Delta Air Lines: Delta Comfort+ (2-3 inches extra) | United Airlines: United Extra (3 inches extra)
Delta Air Lines: 902 | United Airlines: 843
Delta Air Lines: 83.5% | United Airlines: 81.2%
Delta Air Lines: 5,400+ | United Airlines: 4,800+
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
Delta Air Lines: 76/100 | United Airlines: 73/100
Delta Air Lines: 5% | United Airlines: 8%
Delta Air Lines: 312 | United Airlines: 358
DOT Complaints Per 100,000 Passengers (2024)
Delta Air Lines: 2.18 | United Airlines: 2.84
Delta Air Lines: 82.1% | United Airlines: 80.2%
Delta Air Lines: 912 aircraft | United Airlines: 886
Delta Air Lines: $35 | United Airlines: $35
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score (2024)
Delta Air Lines: 758 | United Airlines: 740
Delta Air Lines: 32 inches | United Airlines: 31 inches
Delta Air Lines: 81.5% | United Airlines: 79.1%
Delta Air Lines: 12.8 years | United Airlines: 14.1 years
Delta Air Lines: 2.8 | United Airlines: 3.6
Delta Air Lines: 198 billion RPM | United Airlines: 182 billion RPM
Delta Air Lines: 0.45 | United Airlines: 0.58
Delta Air Lines: 18% | United Airlines: 25%
Delta Air Lines: 1.89 | United Airlines: 2.41
Delta Air Lines: 900+ | United Airlines: 850+
Delta Air Lines: 82.5% | United Airlines: 81.2%
Delta Air Lines: 360+ | United Airlines: 340+
Delta Air Lines: $385 | United Airlines: $378
Delta Air Lines: 25,000 miles | United Airlines: 25,000 miles
Delta Air Lines: $61.2B | United Airlines: $59.6 billion
Delta Air Lines: 74 | United Airlines: 738
Delta Air Lines: 0.98 | United Airlines: 0.94
Delta Air Lines: $7 | United Airlines: Free
Delta Air Lines: 2.1 | United Airlines: 3.8
Delta Air Lines: 5-12x | United Airlines: 3-12x
Delta Air Lines: 285+ | United Airlines: 330+
Delta Air Lines: 82.5% | United Airlines: 83.1%
Delta Air Lines: $38 | United Airlines: $38
Delta Air Lines: 65% | United Airlines: 48%
Delta Air Lines: 2.3 | United Airlines: 2.8
Delta Air Lines: 7 hubs | United Airlines: 8 hubs
Delta Air Lines: 325 destinations | United Airlines: 342 destinations
Delta Air Lines: 45 | United Airlines: 38
Delta Air Lines: 6,531 | United Airlines: 8,247
Delta Air Lines: 4 free upgrades | United Airlines: 2 free upgrades
Delta Air Lines: +4.2% | United Airlines: baseline
Delta Air Lines: Included | United Airlines: Not included
Delta Air Lines: Free | United Airlines: $100 average
Delta Air Lines: $298 | United Airlines: $285
Delta Air Lines: 10 (Diamond) | United Airlines: 50 (1K)
Delta Air Lines: 82.4% | United Airlines: 79.8%
Delta Air Lines: 325 destinations (6 continents) | United Airlines: 352 destinations (6 continents)
Delta Air Lines: 10.8 years | United Airlines: 11.2 years
Delta Air Lines: 78/100 | United Airlines: 74/100
Delta Air Lines: 1.0x | United Airlines: 1.5x
Delta Air Lines: 1.8 | United Airlines: 2.4
Delta Air Lines: $38 | United Airlines: $40
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $54 Billion
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 340+
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Star Alliance
Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Up to 28 seats (new aircraft)
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Enhanced Polaris pods with varied privacy
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: A321neo and A321XLR on order
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Varies by aircraft type
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: United Club with WiFi and refreshments
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Growing through hub expansion
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Established premium offerings
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Standard program maintenance
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Standard service levels
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 5+ new regional destinations
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 22-hour one-stop flights
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Rising complaints in 2026
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Crisis situation in 2026
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Extensive global network
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Hub-and-spoke international
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Aggressive widebody deployment
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Standard industry programs
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: ~900
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 250+
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 60+
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: First bag $35 (Basic Economy)
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $230
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 79.1%
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 7.2
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 1 base
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 200%
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 1 (most fares)
Baggage Delay Complaints (per 100,000 passengers)
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 2.8
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 1 bag
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $318
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 356 destinations
Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $63.6B
How to choose between Delta Air Lines and United Airlines
Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines. Contains 198 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines.
Delta consistently ranks above United in customer satisfaction (J.D. Power, DOT consumer metrics) and on-time performance. Delta's investment in operations post-COVID has made it particularly reliable. United has improved significantly and now matches Delta on many routes. Choose Delta for: domestic US (especially South/East), transatlantic via Paris/Amsterdam, reliable operations. Choose United for: transpacific flights (US-Japan, US-Asia), Star Alliance benefits, and if Chase/United MileagePlus is your loyalty program.
Which has better business class, Delta One or United Polaris?
Both Delta One and United Polaris are strong international business class products on new widebody aircraft, offering lie-flat seats with direct aisle access. Delta One Suite (on select 767/A350 routes) has full closing doors and is widely considered the best US airline business class available. United Polaris is excellent but on older aircraft (especially 777s), the product can vary. For the best cabin experience on specific routes: check which aircraft Delta vs United is operating — the plane matters more than the brand.
Is Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus better?
United MileagePlus is generally considered the better loyalty program. MileagePlus miles don't expire; redemption options include broad Star Alliance partner awards; Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer 1:1 to MileagePlus. Delta SkyMiles is criticized for dynamic award pricing (less predictable redemption values) and not being transferable from many non-Amex points. However, Delta Amex co-branded cards are more widely used, so if you're an Amex cardholder, SkyMiles earning can be strong. For pure award flexibility: MileagePlus.
Does Delta or United fly more international routes?
United has a broader international footprint — 340+ destinations in 60+ countries vs Delta's 325+ in 50+. United's Pacific network is particularly dominant (world's largest carrier between the US and Japan). Delta is stronger in transatlantic (via the Air France-KLM JV) and has more depth in domestic US (especially Southeast). For travel to Asia, Pacific Islands, or Latin America via Star Alliance: United. For transatlantic via France, Netherlands, or KLM connections: Delta.
Which airline has fewer cancellations, Delta or United?
Delta has historically outperformed United in on-time arrivals and cancellation rates. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data consistently shows Delta in the top tier of major US carriers for reliability (typically alongside Alaska Airlines). United improved significantly in 2022–2024 under operational investment but generally ranks slightly below Delta. For routes where weather is a factor (United's Chicago O'Hare hub is one of the most delay-prone airports in the US due to Midwest weather; Delta's Atlanta hub also sees thunderstorm delays), the on-time gap fluctuates by season.
How to Choose Between Delta Air Lines and United Airlines
Global Route Expansion 2026: Delta Air Lines has Focused modernization strategy, while United Airlines has Most destinations of any U.S. carrier.
New Long-Haul Aircraft: Delta Air Lines has Airbus A350-1000 with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, while United Airlines has Airbus A321XLR introduction.
Consider: Business Class Seat Screen Size
Business Class Seat Screen Size: Delta Air Lines has Standard premium displays, while United Airlines has 16-inch 4K OLED with Bluetooth.
Polaris Business Class: Delta Air Lines has Current configuration, while United Airlines has Redesigned for 2026.
Stock Performance 2026: Delta Air Lines has Strong performance noted, while United Airlines has Strong performance noted.
Aircraft Modernization Focus: Delta Air Lines has Long-haul fleet priority, while United Airlines has Mixed long-haul and mid-range fleet.
Premium Cabin Innovation: Delta Air Lines has A350-1000 features, while United Airlines has Wireless charging and 4K displays.
Delta Air Lines is better than United Airlines
United Airlines is expanding to serve more global destinations in 2026, while Delta is modernizing its long-haul fleet with new aircraft like the Airbus A350-1000. Both carriers offer premium cabin upgrades, but United's Polaris business class redesign and A321XLR introduction represent more aggress