Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
type: Article
description: Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft vs 850+) and maintains slightly higher on-time performance (83% vs 81%), while United offers more international routes (350+ destinations vs 325+) and competitive pricing on premium economy seats. Both are major US carriers with similar safety records and frequent flyer programs.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-19T07:26:35.517Z
date created: 2026-07-19T07:26:35.517Z
date modified: 2026-08-18T09:00:24.430Z
content reference time: 2026-08-18T09:00:24.430Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Delta Air Lines
about: United Airlines
abstract: Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft vs 850+) and maintains slightly higher on-time performance (83% vs 81%), while United offers more international routes (350+ destinations vs 325+) and competitive pricing on premium economy seats. Both are major US carriers with similar safety records and frequent flyer programs.
text: Fleet Size. On-Time Performance (2025). International Destinations. Annual Revenue (2024). Average Baggage Fee (First Checked Bag). SkyMiles/MileagePlus Elite Earning Rate. Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
conclusion text: Choose Delta if you prioritize reliability, on-time performance, and domestic connectivity with solid customer satisfaction scores. Choose United if you need extensive international coverage, more frequent flights to European and Asian hubs, and don't mind slightly lower punctuality ratings. Both offer comparable pricing and frequent flyer benefits, making the choice dependent on your route preferences and priority needs.
additional property: Mainline Fleet Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: 924 | United Airlines: 982
  value reference: United Airlines
additional property: A321neo Aircraft Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Primary narrowbody focus | United Airlines: Recently started deliveries
additional property: Boeing 737-800/900ER Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Declining operations | United Airlines: 254 (127 each variant)
additional property: Widebody Aircraft Strategy
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: New A350 orders | United Airlines: Aggressive widebody expansion
additional property: Fleet Modernization Timeline
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Aggressive 2026-2030 | United Airlines: Moderate 2026-2032
additional property: Revenue Stream Diversification
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty programs | United Airlines: Capacity-driven revenue focus
additional property: Aircraft on Order (Next-Gen)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: A350 and A321neo orders | United Airlines: A321XLR and A321neo orders
additional property: Total Mainline Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: 924 | United Airlines: 982
  value reference: United Airlines
additional property: A321neo Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Second most operated | United Airlines: Recent deliveries begun
additional property: Boeing 737 Fleet Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Legacy 737s present | United Airlines: 254 (737-800/900ER combined)
additional property: Credit Card Reward Programs
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: SkyMiles with multiple card options | United Airlines: MileagePlus with Chase partnership
additional property: International Fleet Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Widebody capacity growth priority | United Airlines: Domestic high-frequency emphasis
additional property: A321XLR Aircraft on Order
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Status unknown | United Airlines: On order for ultra-long-haul
additional property: Most Common Narrowbody Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/900ER (127 each)
additional property: New Aircraft on Order/Delivery
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: A321neo (newest addition) | United Airlines: A321neo (delivering), A321XLR (on order)
additional property: Premium Cabin Performance Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Excellent across all routes | United Airlines: Excellent on international routes
additional property: Service Consistency Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: High - polished across all routes | United Airlines: Moderate - varies by route and aircraft
additional property: Market Strategy Priority
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Network optimization & quality focus | United Airlines: Aggressive expansion & frequency growth
additional property: Lounge Amenities Parity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Sky Clubs (comparable features) | United Airlines: United Clubs (comparable features)
additional property: Delta Sky Club Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: 56 clubs | United Airlines: Expanding network
additional property: Widebody Aircraft Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: A350-1000 with advanced engines | United Airlines: Multiple new widebody types
additional property: In-Flight Seat Screens
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: 16-inch 4K OLED | United Airlines: 16-inch screens (type pending)
additional property: Premium Economy Offering
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Not available | United Airlines: New cabin class launching 2026
additional property: Revenue Diversification
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty program expansion | United Airlines: Core airline operations
additional property: 2026 Stock Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Outstanding YTD performance | United Airlines: Outstanding YTD performance
additional property: Wireless Charging in Premium Plus
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Yes, available | United Airlines: Yes, available
additional property: Privacy Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Updated privacy improvements | United Airlines: New privacy wings in Premium Plus
additional property: Most Common Aircraft Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo and older narrowbodies | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/737-900ER (127 each)
additional property: Primary Narrowbody Aircraft Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: A321neo fleet expanding | United Airlines: 254 (737-800: 127 + 737-900ER: 127)
additional property: Long-haul Aircraft Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: A350-1000 expansion underway | United Airlines: A321XLR on order
additional property: Aircraft Efficiency Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Widebody long-haul premium | United Airlines: Narrowbody high-frequency domestic
additional property: New Aircraft on Order
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: A350-1000s (active) | United Airlines: A321neo and A321XLR
additional property: Most Operated Narrowbody Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800 & 900ER (127 each)
additional property: Premium International Product
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Delta One (Lie-flat) | United Airlines: Polaris (Lie-flat)
additional property: New Aircraft Orders
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: A321neo adoption underway | United Airlines: A321neo & A321XLR on order (first new Airbus in 20+ years)
additional property: Lounge Network Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Sky Club (WiFi, snacks, drinks, seating) | United Airlines: United Club (WiFi, snacks, drinks, seating)
additional property: Fleet Size Difference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: -58 aircraft disadvantage | United Airlines: +58 aircraft advantage
  value reference: United Airlines
additional property: Total Mainline Fleet Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: 924 aircraft | United Airlines: 982 aircraft
  value reference: United Airlines
additional property: WiFi Technology
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Standard ground-based WiFi | United Airlines: Starlink satellite WiFi (2026)
additional property: Business Class Lie-Flat Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: 44% | United Airlines: 28%
  value reference: Delta Air Lines
additional property: Newest Narrowbody Aircraft Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Airbus A321neo & A321XLR on order
additional property: Widebody Fleet Flagship Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A350-1000 (launching 2026) | United Airlines: Boeing 787 Dreamliner & 777
additional property: Economy Self-Service Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Standard beverage/snack service | United Airlines: Self-serve snack bar in economy (2026)
additional property: International Route Expansion 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Enhanced European network | United Airlines: Fifth Freedom routes (NY-Milan, etc.)
additional property: Mainline Aircraft Fleet Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: 924 | United Airlines: 982
  value reference: United Airlines
additional property: Most Common Aircraft Model
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800 (127 units)
additional property: New Aircraft Type Introduced
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Airbus A321neo (first in 20+ years)
additional property: Business Class International Service
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Delta One (all-route) | United Airlines: Polaris (long-haul focused)
additional property: Fleet Modernization Priority
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Delta Air Lines: Moderate | United Airlines: High (A321XLR on order)
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/delta-air-lines
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/delta-air-lines
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/united-airlines
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/united-airlines
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/delta-vs-united-airlines
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/delta-vs-united-airlines
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/delta-vs-united
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/american-airlines-vs-united-airlines
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related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/economy-class-vs-business-class
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/booking-com-vs-airbnb-comparison-2026
teaches: How to choose between Delta Air Lines and United Airlines
genre: Travel

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Delta Air Lines
type: Organization
alternate name: DAL
language: en-US
description: Premium-positioned carrier known for operational excellence and reliability
subject of: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines

United Airlines
type: Organization
alternate name: UA
language: en-US
description: Second-largest US carrier with strong international presence, hub-and-spoke operations across multiple US cities.
image: ImageObject
  caption: United Airlines
subject of: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
image: ImageObject
  caption: United Airlines

Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines. Contains 198 attribute comparisons, 4 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Mainline Fleet Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Operations
variable measured: A321neo Aircraft Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Modern Narrowbody Fleet
variable measured: Boeing 737-800/900ER Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Legacy Narrowbody Fleet
variable measured: Widebody Aircraft Strategy
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Long-Haul Capacity
variable measured: Fleet Modernization Timeline
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Strategy
variable measured: Revenue Stream Diversification
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Business Model
variable measured: Aircraft on Order (Next-Gen)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Future Fleet
variable measured: Total Mainline Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Operations
variable measured: A321neo Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Modern Narrowbody Fleet
variable measured: Boeing 737 Fleet Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Legacy Aircraft
variable measured: Credit Card Reward Programs
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Loyalty
variable measured: International Fleet Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Route Network
variable measured: A321XLR Aircraft on Order
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Future Fleet
variable measured: Most Common Narrowbody Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Composition
variable measured: New Aircraft on Order/Delivery
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Modernization
variable measured: Premium Cabin Performance Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Service Quality
variable measured: Service Consistency Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customer Experience
variable measured: Market Strategy Priority
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Business Strategy
variable measured: Lounge Amenities Parity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Passenger Experience
variable measured: Delta Sky Club Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Premium Amenities
variable measured: Widebody Aircraft Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Strategy
variable measured: In-Flight Seat Screens
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cabin Technology
variable measured: Premium Economy Offering
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cabin Classes
variable measured: Revenue Diversification
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Business Strategy
variable measured: 2026 Stock Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial
variable measured: Wireless Charging in Premium Plus
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cabin Amenities
variable measured: Privacy Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cabin Amenities
variable measured: Most Common Aircraft Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Composition
variable measured: Primary Narrowbody Aircraft Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Composition
variable measured: Long-haul Aircraft Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Strategy
variable measured: Aircraft Efficiency Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Operations
variable measured: New Aircraft on Order
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Future Fleet
variable measured: Most Operated Narrowbody Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Composition
variable measured: Premium International Product
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Premium Service
variable measured: New Aircraft Orders
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Modernization
variable measured: Lounge Network Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Passenger Amenities
variable measured: Fleet Size Difference
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Competitive Position
variable measured: Total Mainline Fleet Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Operations
variable measured: WiFi Technology
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Amenities
variable measured: Business Class Lie-Flat Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Premium Service
variable measured: Newest Narrowbody Aircraft Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Modernization
variable measured: Widebody Fleet Flagship Aircraft
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Long-Haul Capacity
variable measured: Economy Self-Service Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Passenger Experience
variable measured: International Route Expansion 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Routes
variable measured: Mainline Aircraft Fleet Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Operations
variable measured: Most Common Aircraft Model
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Composition
variable measured: New Aircraft Type Introduced
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Modernization
variable measured: Business Class International Service
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Premium Services
variable measured: Fleet Modernization Priority
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Strategic Focus
variable measured: Primary Growth Strategy
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Business Strategy
variable measured: Total Mainline Fleet
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Operations
variable measured: Fleet Modernization Progress
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Operations
variable measured: Business Class Product Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Service Quality
variable measured: Premium Lounge Network
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Amenities
variable measured: Years Since Last New Aircraft Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Fleet Modernization
variable measured: Q4 2025 Operating Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Pre-Tax Profit Margin
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Premium Revenue Growth (2025)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue Growth
variable measured: Government Shutdown Financial Impact
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: External Impact
variable measured: Q4 2025 Revenue Growth Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue Growth
variable measured: Primary Narrowbody Aircraft
variable measured: Widebody Fleet Modernization
variable measured: New Aircraft Deliveries Status
variable measured: Revenue Diversification Programs
variable measured: Aircraft Fleet Diversity Index
variable measured: Fleet Age Modernization Progress
variable measured: Fleet Size Advantage
variable measured: Business Class Seat Screen Size
variable measured: Ultra-Long-Range Aircraft Orders
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/delta-vs-united-airlines

Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines.
has defined term: Fleet Operations
has defined term: Modern Narrowbody Fleet
has defined term: Legacy Narrowbody Fleet
has defined term: Long-Haul Capacity
has defined term: Strategy
has defined term: Business Model
has defined term: Future Fleet
has defined term: Legacy Aircraft
has defined term: Loyalty
has defined term: Route Network
has defined term: Fleet Composition
has defined term: Fleet Modernization
has defined term: Service Quality
has defined term: Customer Experience
has defined term: Business Strategy
has defined term: Passenger Experience
has defined term: Premium Amenities
has defined term: Fleet Strategy
has defined term: Cabin Technology
has defined term: Cabin Classes
has defined term: Financial
has defined term: Cabin Amenities
has defined term: Operations
has defined term: Premium Service
has defined term: Passenger Amenities
has defined term: Competitive Position
has defined term: Amenities
has defined term: Routes
has defined term: Premium Services
has defined term: Strategic Focus
has defined term: Financial Performance
has defined term: Revenue Growth
has defined term: External Impact
has defined term: Product Innovation
has defined term: Aircraft Technology
has defined term: Reliability
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Loyalty Program
has defined term: Operations & Reliability
has defined term: Network Reach
has defined term: Product Quality
has defined term: Customer Service
has defined term: Coverage
has defined term: Comfort
has defined term: Seating Comfort
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Network
has defined term: Product
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Loyalty Programs
has defined term: Customer Service & Reliability
has defined term: Operational Excellence
has defined term: Fleet
has defined term: Operational Performance
has defined term: Aircraft
has defined term: Customer Service Quality
has defined term: Scale
has defined term: Business Scale
has defined term: Fees
has defined term: Customer Satisfaction
has defined term: Ancillary Fees
has defined term: Baggage Policy
has defined term: Ticketing Flexibility
has defined term: Network Coverage
has defined term: Premium Cabin
has defined term: Network Size
has defined term: Customer Loyalty
has defined term: Expansion
has defined term: International
has defined term: Global Coverage
has defined term: Network Strategy
has defined term: Community
has defined term: Rewards
has defined term: Baggage Handling
has defined term: Finance

Fleet Operations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: fleet-operations
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Modern Narrowbody Fleet
type: DefinedTerm
term code: modern-narrowbody-fleet
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Legacy Narrowbody Fleet
type: DefinedTerm
term code: legacy-narrowbody-fleet
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Long-Haul Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: long-haul-capacity
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Strategy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: strategy
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business Model
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business-model
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Future Fleet
type: DefinedTerm
term code: future-fleet
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Legacy Aircraft
type: DefinedTerm
term code: legacy-aircraft
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Loyalty
type: DefinedTerm
term code: loyalty
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Route Network
type: DefinedTerm
term code: route-network
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Fleet Composition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: fleet-composition
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Fleet Modernization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: fleet-modernization
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service-quality
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-experience
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business Strategy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business-strategy
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Passenger Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: passenger-experience
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Premium Amenities
type: DefinedTerm
term code: premium-amenities
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Fleet Strategy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: fleet-strategy
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cabin Technology
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cabin-technology
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cabin Classes
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cabin-classes
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cabin Amenities
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cabin-amenities
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operations
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Premium Service
type: DefinedTerm
term code: premium-service
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Passenger Amenities
type: DefinedTerm
term code: passenger-amenities
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Competitive Position
type: DefinedTerm
term code: competitive-position
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Amenities
type: DefinedTerm
term code: amenities
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Routes
type: DefinedTerm
term code: routes
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Premium Services
type: DefinedTerm
term code: premium-services
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Strategic Focus
type: DefinedTerm
term code: strategic-focus
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-performance
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue Growth
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-growth
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

External Impact
type: DefinedTerm
term code: external-impact
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-innovation
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Aircraft Technology
type: DefinedTerm
term code: aircraft-technology
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Reliability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reliability
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Loyalty Program
type: DefinedTerm
term code: loyalty-program
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operations & Reliability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operations-&-reliability
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Network Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: network-reach
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-quality
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Service
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-service
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Coverage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: coverage
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Comfort
type: DefinedTerm
term code: comfort
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Seating Comfort
type: DefinedTerm
term code: seating-comfort
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: experience
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Network
type: DefinedTerm
term code: network
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Loyalty Programs
type: DefinedTerm
term code: loyalty-programs
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Service & Reliability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-service-&-reliability
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operational Excellence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operational-excellence
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Fleet
type: DefinedTerm
term code: fleet
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operational Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operational-performance
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Aircraft
type: DefinedTerm
term code: aircraft
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Service Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-service-quality
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scale
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business-scale
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Fees
type: DefinedTerm
term code: fees
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Satisfaction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-satisfaction
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ancillary Fees
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ancillary-fees
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Baggage Policy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: baggage-policy
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ticketing Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ticketing-flexibility
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Network Coverage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: network-coverage
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Premium Cabin
type: DefinedTerm
term code: premium-cabin
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Network Size
type: DefinedTerm
term code: network-size
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Loyalty
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-loyalty
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Expansion
type: DefinedTerm
term code: expansion
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Coverage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-coverage
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Network Strategy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: network-strategy
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Rewards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: rewards
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Baggage Handling
type: DefinedTerm
term code: baggage-handling
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Finance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: finance
in defined term set: Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-08-18T09:00:24.430Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: delta-vs-united-airlines
main entity: Is Delta or United Airlines more reliable?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Delta Air Lines is more reliable than United Airlines based on on-time performance and cancellation data from the US Department of Transportation. In 2024, Delta posted an 82.1% on-time arrival rate (ranked #2 among major carriers) vs. United's 79.8% (ranked #4). Delta also leads on baggage mishandling (2.3 per 1,000 passengers vs. United's 3.1) and passenger complaints (3.8 per 100,000 vs. United's 5.2). The reliability gap is real but not dramatic — the difference of 2-3 percentage points in on-time performance means that over 100 flights, Delta arrives on time about 2-3 more times than United. United has improved substantially since 2020 under CEO Scott Kirby's operational leadership, and its on-time performance is now competitive. J.D. Power's 2025 airline satisfaction study ranked Delta #1 among traditional carriers; United was #3.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is United or Delta better for international flights?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: The comparison depends on your departure city and destination. United has a structural advantage for international travel from the US East Coast — Newark (EWR) is United's largest international hub and offers more non-stop transatlantic and transpacific routes from the New York area than Delta's JFK hub. United's Star Alliance membership also provides better partner redemption options (Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, ANA) for international award travel. Delta's SkyTeam alliance partners (Air France-KLM, Korean Air) are strong for Europe and Asia. For premium cabin quality: United's Polaris business class product has closed the gap with Delta One since 2022 — Polaris now features direct aisle access seats on most widebody aircraft, and multiple publications rate it as Delta One's equal or superior on comparable routes. Both airlines significantly surpass American Airlines in long-haul international premium cabin experience. If price is the primary factor, both airlines price international fares similarly, with competitive sales from their respective hubs.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is SkyMiles or MileagePlus a better loyalty program?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: United MileagePlus is generally rated a better program than Delta SkyMiles for frequent travelers in 2026, primarily for award redemption flexibility. MileagePlus miles can be redeemed on 35+ Star Alliance partners (Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Air Canada, etc.) with partner award pricing that can yield exceptional value for international business class — United partners like ANA and Singapore Airlines have historically offered first and business class redemptions at relatively low mile costs. Delta SkyMiles has its own award strengths (SkyTeam partner redemptions, Delta One availability) but has made award pricing less predictable with its dynamic pricing model since 2019. The 2024 SkyMiles restructuring (higher credit card spend thresholds for Medallion status, tighter SkyClub access) reduced the program's perceived value among Delta loyalists. MileagePlus miles never expire with any account activity in 18 months; SkyMiles never expire unconditionally — an advantage for infrequent travelers.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which airline has better first class, Delta or United?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For domestic first class (US routes), Delta edges out United — the inflight experience (meal quality, service consistency, seat comfort on most mainline jets) gives Delta a slight advantage in J.D. Power and consumer review scores. For international business class (long-haul routes), United's Polaris product is highly competitive with Delta One and rated as equivalent or superior on some aircraft configurations. Delta One on widebody aircraft (A330, A350, B767, B757) features fully-flat beds with direct aisle access; Polaris on United's 787 and 767 features fully-flat beds with direct aisle access on alternating seats. The Delta One suite product (available on some A321XLR and A350 aircraft) offers a closing door for full privacy — a product United doesn't yet widely offer. Practically speaking, the "better" first class is often whichever airline has direct non-stop service to your destination — both Delta One and United Polaris are premium products that far exceed domestic first class in food, service, and seat quality.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Delta Air Lines and United Airlines
type: HowTo
description: Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft vs 850+) and maintains slightly higher on-time performance (83% vs 81%), while United offers more international routes (350+ destinations vs 325+) and competitive pricing on premium economy seats. Both are major US carriers with similar safety records and frequent flyer programs.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Fleet Size
step: Consider: On-Time Performance (2025)
step: Consider: International Destinations
step: Consider: Annual Revenue (2024)
step: Consider: Average Baggage Fee (First Checked Bag)
step: Consider: SkyMiles/MileagePlus Elite Earning Rate
step: Consider: Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Delta if you prioritize reliability, on-time performance, and domestic connectivity with solid customer satisfaction scores. Choose United if you need extensive international coverage, more frequent flights to European and Asian hubs, and don't mind slightly lower punctuality ratings. Both offer comparable pricing and frequent flyer benefits, making the choice dependent on your route preferences and priority needs.

Consider: Fleet Size
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Fleet Size: Delta Air Lines has 900+ aircraft, while United Airlines has 850+ aircraft.

Consider: On-Time Performance (2025)
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: On-Time Performance (2025): Delta Air Lines has 83.2%, while United Airlines has 80.8%.

Consider: International Destinations
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: International Destinations: Delta Air Lines has 325+ destinations, while United Airlines has 350+ destinations.

Consider: Annual Revenue (2024)
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Annual Revenue (2024): Delta Air Lines has $56.4 billion, while United Airlines has $61.2 billion.

Consider: Average Baggage Fee (First Checked Bag)
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Average Baggage Fee (First Checked Bag): Delta Air Lines has $35, while United Airlines has $35.

Consider: SkyMiles/MileagePlus Elite Earning Rate
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: SkyMiles/MileagePlus Elite Earning Rate: Delta Air Lines has 1 mile per $1 base fare, while United Airlines has 1 mile per $1 base fare.

Consider: Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025): Delta Air Lines has 759/1000, while United Airlines has 741/1000.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Delta Air Lines is better than United Airlines
review body: Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft vs 850+) and maintains slightly higher on-time performance (83% vs 81%), while United offers more international routes (350+ destinations vs 325+) and competitive pricing on premium economy seats. Both are major US carriers with similar safety records and frequent flyer programs.
date published: 2026-07-19
date modified: 2026-08-18
review rating: Rating
  rating: MIXTURE
  best rating: TRUE
  worst rating: FALSE
  alternate name: Depends on use case — see analysis
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
item reviewed: Delta Air Lines is better than United Airlines
  type: Claim
  language: en-US
  text: Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft vs 850+) and maintains slightly higher on-time performance (83% vs 81%), while United offers more international routes (350+ destinations vs 325+) and competitive pricing on premium economy seats. Both are major US carriers with similar safety records and
  author: Internet consensus
  appearance: delta-vs-united-airlines
  first appearance: delta-vs-united-airlines

Primary Growth Strategy
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Balanced operational growth | United Airlines: High-frequency domestic + widebody expansion

Total Mainline Fleet
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 924 aircraft | United Airlines: 982 aircraft
value reference: United Airlines

Fleet Modernization Progress
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: A321neo integrated into fleet | United Airlines: A321neo deliveries underway; A321XLRs on order

Business Class Product Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Delta One: Consistently excellent across routes | United Airlines: Polaris: Excellent internationally; variable domestically

Premium Lounge Network
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Delta Sky Clubs in major hubs | United Airlines: United Club lounges globally

Years Since Last New Aircraft Type
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: A321neo already integrated | United Airlines: First new Airbus in 20+ years (A321neo)
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Q4 2025 Operating Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $16.0 billion | United Airlines: $15.4 billion
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Pre-Tax Profit Margin
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 9.5% | United Airlines: 8.5%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Premium Revenue Growth (2025)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Not disclosed | United Airlines: 11%

Government Shutdown Financial Impact
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $200 million | United Airlines: $250 million
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Q4 2025 Revenue Growth Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 3.0% | United Airlines: 4.8%
value reference: United Airlines

Primary Narrowbody Aircraft
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo | United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/900ER (254 total)

Widebody Fleet Modernization
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Airbus A350 active deployment & expansion | United Airlines: A321XLR orders (limited widebody focus)

New Aircraft Deliveries Status
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: A350 in active service, A321neo fleet established | United Airlines: A321neo first new Airbus in 20+ years (recent)

Revenue Diversification Programs
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty, premium widebody revenue | United Airlines: Primarily ticket-driven with long-haul expansion

Aircraft Fleet Diversity Index
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Boeing/Airbus optimized (A350 + A321neo focus) | United Airlines: Boeing/Airbus mixed (limited A321neo uptake)
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Fleet Age Modernization Progress
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Faster (A350 + A321neo established) | United Airlines: Slower (just beginning A321neo transition)
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Fleet Size Advantage
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Baseline | United Airlines: +58
value reference: United Airlines

Business Class Seat Screen Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Not specified | United Airlines: 16-inch 4K OLED (2026)

Ultra-Long-Range Aircraft Orders
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: None announced | United Airlines: Airbus A321XLR on order

Next-Generation Narrowbody Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: A321neo already operational in fleet | United Airlines: Recently began A321neo deliveries (first in 20+ years)

Premium Cabin Redesign Timeline
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Not specified | United Airlines: 2026 (Polaris redesign launching)

A350-1000 Wing Size vs A321XLR Range
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Larger wing design on A350-1000 | United Airlines: Extended-range capability on A321XLR

Business Class Display Screen Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Standard display (size not specified) | United Airlines: 16-inch 4K OLED

Global Destination Leadership 2026
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Strong long-haul focus | United Airlines: Most destinations of any U.S. carrier

Engine Technology - Long-haul Aircraft
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 (more powerful) | United Airlines: Standard A321XLR engines

Wireless Charging in Business Class
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Not mentioned | United Airlines: Available on Polaris redesign

Aircraft Fleet Modernization Scope
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Long-haul primary focus (A350-1000) | United Airlines: Long-haul and mid-range (A321XLR)

Stock Performance Trajectory 2026
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Strong performance noted | United Airlines: Strong performance noted

On-Time Arrival Rate (2025)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 83% | United Airlines: 79%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Average Domestic Ticket Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $312 | United Airlines: $287
value reference: United Airlines

Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 783 | United Airlines: 776
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Frequent Flyer Elite Status Threshold
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 25,000 | United Airlines: 30,000
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Involuntary Overbooking Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 1.8 | United Airlines: 2.1
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Global Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 325+ | United Airlines: 350+
value reference: United Airlines

First-Class Seat Pitch (Long-Haul)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 17.2 | United Airlines: 18.1
value reference: United Airlines

On-Time Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 82.5% | United Airlines: 79.8%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Annual Passengers
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 175 million | United Airlines: 180 million
value reference: United Airlines

Customer Satisfaction (ACSI Score)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 76 | United Airlines: 73
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Frequent Flyer Program Members
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 118 million | United Airlines: 210M (MileagePlus)
value reference: United Airlines

DOT Complaints per 100k Passengers
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 2.1 | United Airlines: 2.8
value reference: Delta Air Lines

International Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 355 | United Airlines: 72
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 900+ | United Airlines: 868 aircraft
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 78 | United Airlines: 75
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Economy Seat Pitch
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 31 | United Airlines: 31

Premium Economy Seat Pitch
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 35 inches (Comfort+) | United Airlines: 34 inches (Plus)
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Daily Domestic Flights
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 5,104 | United Airlines: 4,823
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Frequent Flyer Base Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 1.0 | United Airlines: 1.0

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 76 | United Airlines: 721
value reference: United Airlines

Average Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $63.4B | United Airlines: $58.2B
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Average Domestic One-Way Base Fare
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $324 | United Airlines: $318
value reference: United Airlines

Premium Cabin Seat Pitch (Business/Polaris)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 6 feet (direct-aisle on select aircraft) | United Airlines: 6.5 feet (direct-aisle on 787)
value reference: United Airlines

Customer Satisfaction Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 3.8/5 | United Airlines: 3.4/5
value reference: Delta Air Lines

International Destinations Served
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 325 destinations | United Airlines: 340+
value reference: United Airlines

Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $312 | United Airlines: $289
value reference: United Airlines

Main Hub Count and Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 3 primary hubs (Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit) | United Airlines: 3 primary hubs (Chicago, Houston, Newark)

Premium Economy Legroom Benefit
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Delta Comfort+ (2-3 inches extra) | United Airlines: United Extra (3 inches extra)
value reference: United Airlines

Total Aircraft Fleet
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 902 | United Airlines: 843
value reference: Delta Air Lines

On-Time Arrival Rate (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 83.5% | United Airlines: 81.2%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Daily Flights Operated
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 5,400+ | United Airlines: 4,800+
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 76/100 | United Airlines: 73/100
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Annual Frequent Flyer Miles Devaluation
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 5% | United Airlines: 8%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Widebody Aircraft (787/777/350)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 312 | United Airlines: 358
value reference: United Airlines

DOT Complaints Per 100,000 Passengers (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 2.18 | United Airlines: 2.84
value reference: Delta Air Lines

On-Time Arrival Performance (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 82.1% | United Airlines: 80.2%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Total Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 912 aircraft | United Airlines: 886
value reference: Delta Air Lines

First Checked Baggage Fee (Economy)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $35 | United Airlines: $35

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 758 | United Airlines: 740
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Average Economy Seat Pitch
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 32 inches | United Airlines: 31 inches
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Domestic Hub Cities
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 5 | United Airlines: 4
value reference: Delta Air Lines

On-Time Arrival Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 81.5% | United Airlines: 79.1%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Average Fleet Age
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 12.8 years | United Airlines: 14.1 years
value reference: Delta Air Lines

DOT Complaint Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 2.8 | United Airlines: 3.6
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Revenue Passenger Miles (Annual)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 198 billion RPM | United Airlines: 182 billion RPM
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Mishandled Baggage Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 0.45 | United Airlines: 0.58
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Modern Aircraft (787/737MAX) Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 18% | United Airlines: 25%
value reference: United Airlines

Complaint Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 1.89 | United Airlines: 2.41
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Total Aircraft Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 900+ | United Airlines: 850+
value reference: Delta Air Lines

On-time Arrival Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 82.5% | United Airlines: 81.2%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Global Destinations Served
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 360+ | United Airlines: 340+
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $385 | United Airlines: $378
value reference: United Airlines

Elite Frequent Flyer Entry Threshold
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 25,000 miles | United Airlines: 25,000 miles

Annual Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $61.2B | United Airlines: $59.6 billion
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 74 | United Airlines: 738
value reference: United Airlines

First Checked Baggage Fee
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $35 | United Airlines: $35

Baggage Mishandling Rate (2025)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 0.98 | United Airlines: 0.94
value reference: United Airlines

Domestic WiFi Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $7 | United Airlines: Free
value reference: United Airlines

Crew Complaints per 100k Passengers
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 2.1 | United Airlines: 3.8
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Premium Loyalty Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 5-12x | United Airlines: 3-12x
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Domestic Route Network
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 285+ | United Airlines: 330+
value reference: United Airlines

On-Time Performance Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 82.5% | United Airlines: 83.1%
value reference: United Airlines

First Checked Baggage Fee (Domestic)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $38 | United Airlines: $38

Premium Economy Retrofit Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 65% | United Airlines: 48%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Customer Complaint Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 2.3 | United Airlines: 2.8
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Major Hub Airports
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 7 hubs | United Airlines: 8 hubs
value reference: United Airlines

Average Domestic Fare
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $312 | United Airlines: $287
value reference: United Airlines

Destinations Served Globally
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 325 destinations | United Airlines: 342 destinations
value reference: United Airlines

Customer Net Promoter Score
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 45 | United Airlines: 38
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Annual DOT Complaints Filed
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 6,531 | United Airlines: 8,247
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Elite Frequent Flyer Free Upgrades
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 4 free upgrades | United Airlines: 2 free upgrades
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Baggage Fees (First Checked Bag)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $38 | United Airlines: $38

Average Domestic Fare Premium
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: +4.2% | United Airlines: baseline
value reference: United Airlines

Basic Economy Overhead Bin Access
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Included | United Airlines: Not included

First Checked Bag Fee (Domestic)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $35 | United Airlines: $35

Main Cabin Change Fee (Domestic)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: Free | United Airlines: $100 average
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Average Domestic Round-Trip Base Fare
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $298 | United Airlines: $285
value reference: United Airlines

Elite Night Bonuses (Annual, Top Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 10 (Diamond) | United Airlines: 50 (1K)
value reference: United Airlines

On-Time Performance (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 82.4% | United Airlines: 79.8%
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Global Route Network
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 325 destinations (6 continents) | United Airlines: 352 destinations (6 continents)
value reference: United Airlines

Fleet Average Age
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 10.8 years | United Airlines: 11.2 years
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 78/100 | United Airlines: 74/100
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Frequent Flyer Economy Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 1.0x | United Airlines: 1.5x
value reference: United Airlines

Baggage Complaint Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: 1.8 | United Airlines: 2.4
value reference: Delta Air Lines

First Checked Bag Fee
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: $38 | United Airlines: $40
value reference: Delta Air Lines

Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $54 Billion

Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 340+

Alliance
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Star Alliance

Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Up to 28 seats (new aircraft)

Premium Cabin Privacy Feature
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Enhanced Polaris pods with varied privacy

New Aircraft Deliveries (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: A321neo and A321XLR on order

Business Class Experience Consistency
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Varies by aircraft type

Premium Lounge Access
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: United Club with WiFi and refreshments

Overall Flight Count
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Growing through hub expansion

Transatlantic Business Class Quality
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Established premium offerings

Loyalty Program Updates
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Standard program maintenance

Onboard Experience Improvements
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Standard service levels

New Destinations Launched (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 5+ new regional destinations

Long-Haul Route Innovation
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 22-hour one-stop flights

Customer Service Complaint Trend
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Rising complaints in 2026

Flight Delay/Cancellation Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Crisis situation in 2026

International Network Reach
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Extensive global network

Regional Hub Focus
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Hub-and-spoke international

Widebody Fleet Strategy
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Aggressive widebody deployment

Corporate Social Responsibility
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: Standard industry programs

Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: ~900

Domestic Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 250+

International Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 60+

Free Checked Baggage
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: First bag $35 (Basic Economy)

Average Domestic Ticket Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $230

On-Time Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 79.1%

Customer Satisfaction Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 7.2

Loyalty Program Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 1 base

Maximum Elite Bonus Miles
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 200%

Free Checked Baggage Allowance
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 1 (most fares)

Baggage Delay Complaints (per 100,000 passengers)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 2.8

Free Checked Baggage (Economy)
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 1 bag

Average Domestic Round-Trip Fare
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $318

Domestic Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: 356 destinations

Annual Operating Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Delta Air Lines: N/A | United Airlines: $63.6B

SpeakableSpecification
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Delta Air Lines — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

United Airlines — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
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additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/delta-vs-united-airlines
object: Delta Air Lines
object: United Airlines

Primary Narrowbody Aircraft
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Composition

Widebody Fleet Modernization
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Strategy

New Aircraft Deliveries Status
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Modernization

Revenue Diversification Programs
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Business Strategy

Aircraft Fleet Diversity Index
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Operations

Fleet Age Modernization Progress
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Strategy

Fleet Size Advantage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Competitive Position

Business Class Seat Screen Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Premium Amenities

Ultra-Long-Range Aircraft Orders
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Strategy

Next-Generation Narrowbody Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Modernization

Premium Cabin Redesign Timeline
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Innovation

A350-1000 Wing Size vs A321XLR Range
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Aircraft Technology

Business Class Display Screen Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cabin Amenities

Global Destination Leadership 2026
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Route Network

Engine Technology - Long-haul Aircraft
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Aircraft Technology

Wireless Charging in Business Class
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cabin Technology

Aircraft Fleet Modernization Scope
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Strategy

Stock Performance Trajectory 2026
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

On-Time Arrival Rate (2025)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

Average Domestic Ticket Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Experience

Frequent Flyer Elite Status Threshold
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Program

Involuntary Overbooking Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations & Reliability

Global Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network Reach

First-Class Seat Pitch (Long-Haul)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Quality

On-Time Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

Annual Passengers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Customer Satisfaction (ACSI Score)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service

Frequent Flyer Program Members
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty

DOT Complaints per 100k Passengers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Quality

International Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Coverage

Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Experience

Economy Seat Pitch
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Comfort

Premium Economy Seat Pitch
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Seating Comfort

Daily Domestic Flights
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Frequent Flyer Base Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Program

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Experience

Average Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial

Average Domestic One-Way Base Fare
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Premium Cabin Seat Pitch (Business/Polaris)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Amenities

Customer Satisfaction Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Quality

International Destinations Served
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network

Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Main Hub Count and Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network

Premium Economy Legroom Benefit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product

Total Aircraft Fleet
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

On-Time Arrival Rate (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Daily Flights Operated
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service

Annual Frequent Flyer Miles Devaluation
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Programs

Widebody Aircraft (787/777/350)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Composition

DOT Complaints Per 100,000 Passengers (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service & Reliability

On-Time Arrival Performance (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operational Excellence

Total Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet

First Checked Baggage Fee (Economy)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Experience

Average Economy Seat Pitch
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Comfort

Domestic Hub Cities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Route Network

On-Time Arrival Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operational Performance

Average Fleet Age
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Aircraft

DOT Complaint Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service Quality

Revenue Passenger Miles (Annual)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale

Mishandled Baggage Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Modern Aircraft (787/737MAX) Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet

Complaint Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Experience

Total Aircraft Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

On-time Arrival Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

Global Destinations Served
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Route Network

Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Elite Frequent Flyer Entry Threshold
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Program

Annual Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Business Scale

Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Experience

First Checked Baggage Fee
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fees

Baggage Mishandling Rate (2025)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

Domestic WiFi Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Amenities

Crew Complaints per 100k Passengers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Quality

Premium Loyalty Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Programs

Domestic Route Network
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Coverage

On-Time Performance Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

First Checked Baggage Fee (Domestic)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Premium Economy Retrofit Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Modernization

Customer Complaint Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Quality

Major Hub Airports
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Average Domestic Fare
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Destinations Served Globally
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network

Customer Net Promoter Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Satisfaction

Annual DOT Complaints Filed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service

Elite Frequent Flyer Free Upgrades
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Program

Baggage Fees (First Checked Bag)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ancillary Fees

Average Domestic Fare Premium
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Basic Economy Overhead Bin Access
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Baggage Policy

First Checked Bag Fee (Domestic)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Baggage Policy

Main Cabin Change Fee (Domestic)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ticketing Flexibility

Average Domestic Round-Trip Base Fare
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Elite Night Bonuses (Annual, Top Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Program

On-Time Performance (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

Global Route Network
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network Coverage

Fleet Average Age
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet

Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service

Frequent Flyer Economy Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty

Baggage Complaint Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

First Checked Bag Fee
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network

Alliance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network

Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Premium Cabin

Premium Cabin Privacy Feature
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Premium Cabin

New Aircraft Deliveries (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet Modernization

Business Class Experience Consistency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Premium Service

Premium Lounge Access
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Amenities

Overall Flight Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network Size

Transatlantic Business Class Quality
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Premium Service

Loyalty Program Updates
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Loyalty

Onboard Experience Improvements
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service

New Destinations Launched (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Expansion

Long-Haul Route Innovation
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International

Customer Service Complaint Trend
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

Flight Delay/Cancellation Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

International Network Reach
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Coverage

Regional Hub Focus
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network Strategy

Widebody Fleet Strategy
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fleet

Corporate Social Responsibility
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community

Fleet Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Domestic Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network

International Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Network

Free Checked Baggage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Amenities

Average Domestic Ticket Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

On-Time Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Customer Satisfaction Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Quality

Loyalty Program Earning Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Rewards

Maximum Elite Bonus Miles
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Loyalty Program

Free Checked Baggage Allowance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Baggage Policy

Baggage Delay Complaints (per 100,000 passengers)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Baggage Handling

Free Checked Baggage (Economy)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Baggage Policy

Average Domestic Round-Trip Fare
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Domestic Destinations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Route Network

Annual Operating Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Finance