Delta consistently ranks higher in on-time performance (83.5% vs 81.2%) and customer satisfaction, while United offers competitive pricing and a larger network with more international routes. Delta's operational efficiency comes at a premium price point, whereas United provides better value for budget-conscious travelers.
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Major U.S. airline with extensive global network and competitive pricing
Premium U.S. airline leading in operational reliability and customer satisfaction
On-Time Performance (2024). Fleet Size. Average Domestic Ticket Price. International Destinations. Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024). Baggage Fee (First Checked Bag). Frequent Flyer Program Tier Benefits
Choose Delta if you prioritize reliability, comfort, and superior customer service—you'll pay 11% more but experience fewer cancellations and better overall satisfaction ratings. Choose United if you value competitive pricing, extensive international connectivity, and network breadth, making it ideal for budget travelers and those needing global route flexibility.
United Airlines: $54 Billion | Delta Air Lines: N/A
United Airlines: 340+ | Delta Air Lines: N/A
United Airlines: Star Alliance | Delta Air Lines: N/A
United Airlines: 982 | Delta Air Lines: 924
United Airlines: Recently started deliveries | Delta Air Lines: Primary narrowbody focus
United Airlines: 254 (127 each variant) | Delta Air Lines: Declining operations
United Airlines: Aggressive widebody expansion | Delta Air Lines: New A350 orders
United Airlines: Moderate 2026-2032 | Delta Air Lines: Aggressive 2026-2030
United Airlines: Capacity-driven revenue focus | Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty programs
United Airlines: A321XLR and A321neo orders | Delta Air Lines: A350 and A321neo orders
United Airlines: Recent deliveries begun | Delta Air Lines: Second most operated
United Airlines: 254 (737-800/900ER combined) | Delta Air Lines: Legacy 737s present
United Airlines: MileagePlus with Chase partnership | Delta Air Lines: SkyMiles with multiple card options
United Airlines: Domestic high-frequency emphasis | Delta Air Lines: Widebody capacity growth priority
United Airlines: On order for ultra-long-haul | Delta Air Lines: Status unknown
United Airlines: A321neo (delivering), A321XLR (on order) | Delta Air Lines: A321neo (newest addition)
United Airlines: Excellent on international routes | Delta Air Lines: Excellent across all routes
United Airlines: Moderate - varies by route and aircraft | Delta Air Lines: High - polished across all routes
United Airlines: Aggressive expansion & frequency growth | Delta Air Lines: Network optimization & quality focus
United Airlines: United Clubs (comparable features) | Delta Air Lines: Sky Clubs (comparable features)
United Airlines: Expanding network | Delta Air Lines: 56 clubs
United Airlines: Multiple new widebody types | Delta Air Lines: A350-1000 with advanced engines
United Airlines: 16-inch screens (type pending) | Delta Air Lines: 16-inch 4K OLED
United Airlines: New cabin class launching 2026 | Delta Air Lines: Not available
United Airlines: Core airline operations | Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty program expansion
United Airlines: Outstanding YTD performance | Delta Air Lines: Outstanding YTD performance
United Airlines: Yes, available | Delta Air Lines: Yes, available
United Airlines: New privacy wings in Premium Plus | Delta Air Lines: Updated privacy improvements
United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/737-900ER (127 each) | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo and older narrowbodies
United Airlines: 254 (737-800: 127 + 737-900ER: 127) | Delta Air Lines: A321neo fleet expanding
United Airlines: A321XLR on order | Delta Air Lines: A350-1000 expansion underway
United Airlines: Narrowbody high-frequency domestic | Delta Air Lines: Widebody long-haul premium
United Airlines: A321neo and A321XLR | Delta Air Lines: A350-1000s (active)
United Airlines: Boeing 737-800 & 900ER (127 each) | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo
United Airlines: Polaris (Lie-flat) | Delta Air Lines: Delta One (Lie-flat)
United Airlines: A321neo & A321XLR on order (first new Airbus in 20+ years) | Delta Air Lines: A321neo adoption underway
United Airlines: United Club (WiFi, snacks, drinks, seating) | Delta Air Lines: Sky Club (WiFi, snacks, drinks, seating)
United Airlines: +58 aircraft advantage | Delta Air Lines: -58 aircraft disadvantage
United Airlines: 982 aircraft | Delta Air Lines: 924 aircraft
United Airlines: Starlink satellite WiFi (2026) | Delta Air Lines: Standard ground-based WiFi
United Airlines: Airbus A321neo & A321XLR on order | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo
United Airlines: Boeing 787 Dreamliner & 777 | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A350-1000 (launching 2026)
United Airlines: Self-serve snack bar in economy (2026) | Delta Air Lines: Standard beverage/snack service
United Airlines: Fifth Freedom routes (NY-Milan, etc.) | Delta Air Lines: Enhanced European network
United Airlines: Boeing 737-800 (127 units) | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo
United Airlines: Airbus A321neo (first in 20+ years) | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo
United Airlines: Polaris (long-haul focused) | Delta Air Lines: Delta One (all-route)
United Airlines: High (A321XLR on order) | Delta Air Lines: Moderate
United Airlines: High-frequency domestic + widebody expansion | Delta Air Lines: Balanced operational growth
Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
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: A321neo deliveries underway; A321XLRs on order | Delta Air Lines: A321neo integrated into fleet
United Airlines: Polaris: Excellent internationally; variable domestically | Delta Air Lines: Delta One: Consistently excellent across routes
United Airlines: United Club lounges globally | Delta Air Lines: Delta Sky Clubs in major hubs
United Airlines: First new Airbus in 20+ years (A321neo) | Delta Air Lines: A321neo already integrated
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: $15.4 billion | Delta Air Lines: $16.0 billion
United Airlines: 8.5% | Delta Air Lines: 9.5%
United Airlines: 11% | Delta Air Lines: Not disclosed
United Airlines: $250 million | Delta Air Lines: $200 million
United Airlines: 4.8% | Delta Air Lines: 3.0%
United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/900ER (254 total) | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo
United Airlines: A321XLR orders (limited widebody focus) | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A350 active deployment & expansion
United Airlines: A321neo first new Airbus in 20+ years (recent) | Delta Air Lines: A350 in active service, A321neo fleet established
United Airlines: Primarily ticket-driven with long-haul expansion | Delta Air Lines: MRO, cargo, loyalty, premium widebody revenue
United Airlines: Boeing/Airbus mixed (limited A321neo uptake) | Delta Air Lines: Boeing/Airbus optimized (A350 + A321neo focus)
United Airlines: Slower (just beginning A321neo transition) | Delta Air Lines: Faster (A350 + A321neo established)
United Airlines: +58 | Delta Air Lines: Baseline
United Airlines: Boeing 737-800/900ER (127 each) | Delta Air Lines: Airbus A321neo
United Airlines: 16-inch 4K OLED (2026) | Delta Air Lines: Not specified
United Airlines: Airbus A321XLR on order | Delta Air Lines: None announced
United Airlines: Recently began A321neo deliveries (first in 20+ years) | Delta Air Lines: A321neo already operational in fleet
United Airlines: 2026 (Polaris redesign launching) | Delta Air Lines: Not specified
United Airlines: Extended-range capability on A321XLR | Delta Air Lines: Larger wing design on A350-1000
United Airlines: 16-inch 4K OLED | Delta Air Lines: Standard display (size not specified)
United Airlines: Most destinations of any U.S. carrier | Delta Air Lines: Strong long-haul focus
United Airlines: Standard A321XLR engines | Delta Air Lines: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 (more powerful)
United Airlines: Available on Polaris redesign | Delta Air Lines: Not mentioned
United Airlines: Long-haul and mid-range (A321XLR) | Delta Air Lines: Long-haul primary focus (A350-1000)
United Airlines: Strong performance noted | Delta Air Lines: Strong performance noted
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: 79.8% | Delta Air Lines: 82.3%
United Airlines: $312 | Delta Air Lines: $348
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
United Airlines: 776 | Delta Air Lines: 783
United Airlines: 30,000 | Delta Air Lines: 25,000
United Airlines: 2.1 | Delta Air Lines: 1.8
United Airlines: 350+ | Delta Air Lines: 325+
United Airlines: 18.1 | Delta Air Lines: 17.2
United Airlines: 180 million | Delta Air Lines: 175 million
United Airlines: 73 | Delta Air Lines: 76
United Airlines: 106 million | Delta Air Lines: 118 million
United Airlines: 2.8 | Delta Air Lines: 2.1
United Airlines: 137 | Delta Air Lines: 120
United Airlines: 850+ | Delta Air Lines: 900+
United Airlines: 75 | Delta Air Lines: 78
United Airlines: 31 | Delta Air Lines: 31
United Airlines: $61.2B | Delta Air Lines: $56.4B
United Airlines: 38 inches | Delta Air Lines: 38 inches
United Airlines: 1.5x | Delta Air Lines: 1.0x
United Airlines: 73/100 | Delta Air Lines: 76/100
United Airlines: $58.2B | Delta Air Lines: $63.4B
United Airlines: 741 | Delta Air Lines: 759
United Airlines: $318 | Delta Air Lines: $324
Premium Cabin Seat Pitch (Business/Polaris)
United Airlines: 6.5 feet (direct-aisle on 787) | Delta Air Lines: 6 feet (direct-aisle on select aircraft)
United Airlines: 3.8 stars | Delta Air Lines: 4.2 stars
United Airlines: 81.2% | Delta Air Lines: 83.5%
United Airlines: 342 destinations | Delta Air Lines: 325 destinations
Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket Price
United Airlines: $289 | Delta Air Lines: $312
United Airlines: $35 | Delta Air Lines: $35
United Airlines: 3 primary hubs (Chicago, Houston, Newark) | Delta Air Lines: 3 primary hubs (Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit)
United Airlines: United Extra (3 inches extra) | Delta Air Lines: Delta Comfort+ (2-3 inches extra)
United Airlines: 843 | Delta Air Lines: 902
United Airlines: 4,800+ | Delta Air Lines: 5,400+
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
United Airlines: 8% | Delta Air Lines: 5%
United Airlines: 358 | Delta Air Lines: 312
DOT Complaints Per 100,000 Passengers (2024)
United Airlines: 2.84 | Delta Air Lines: 2.18
United Airlines: 80.2% | Delta Air Lines: 82.1%
United Airlines: 870 | Delta Air Lines: 900
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score (2024)
United Airlines: 740 | Delta Air Lines: 758
United Airlines: 31 inches | Delta Air Lines: 32 inches
United Airlines: 77.2% | Delta Air Lines: 81.5%
United Airlines: 14.1 years | Delta Air Lines: 12.8 years
United Airlines: 2.14 | Delta Air Lines: 1.67
United Airlines: 5,200+ flights | Delta Air Lines: 5,400+ flights
United Airlines: 182 billion RPM | Delta Air Lines: 198 billion RPM
United Airlines: 80.1% | Delta Air Lines: 82.5%
United Airlines: 0.58 | Delta Air Lines: 0.45
United Airlines: 25% | Delta Air Lines: 18%
United Airlines: 2.41 | Delta Air Lines: 1.89
United Airlines: 28% | Delta Air Lines: 44%
How to choose between United Airlines and Delta Air Lines
Compare United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines. Contains 158 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines.
United Airlines is 11.5% cheaper, with average domestic tickets at $312 compared to Delta's $348. However, Delta's higher prices reflect better on-time performance (83.5% vs 81.2%) and superior customer satisfaction ratings, which some travelers view as justified value.
Delta leads with 83.5% on-time performance versus United's 81.2%. Delta also has a complaint ratio of 1.89 per 100,000 passengers compared to United's 2.41—meaning you're 27% less likely to file a complaint with Delta based on 2024 DOT data.
United Airlines serves 137 international destinations globally, compared to Delta's 120. This makes United ideal for travelers needing diverse routing options and connectivity to emerging markets, particularly in Asia and South America.
Yes, both airlines charge $35 for the first checked baggage on domestic flights. However, Delta offers better baggage handling (lower damage claims) and more frequent compensation approvals when baggage issues occur.
Delta's SkyMiles and United's MileagePlus are comparable, both with 5 elite tiers. Delta typically offers better premium cabin access and easier elite status earning, while United members report higher award redemption rates on off-peak travel. Choose based on your preferred domestic hubs (Delta: Atlanta, Minneapolis; United: Chicago, Houston).
How to Choose Between United Airlines and Delta Air Lines
On-Time Performance (2024): United Airlines has 81.2%, while Delta Air Lines has 83.5%.
Fleet Size: United Airlines has 870 aircraft, while Delta Air Lines has 900 aircraft.
Average Domestic Ticket Price: United Airlines has $312, while Delta Air Lines has $348.
International Destinations: United Airlines has 137 cities, while Delta Air Lines has 120 cities.
Consider: Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024): United Airlines has 73/100, while Delta Air Lines has 76/100.
Consider: Baggage Fee (First Checked Bag)
Baggage Fee (First Checked Bag): United Airlines has $35, while Delta Air Lines has $35.
Consider: Frequent Flyer Program Tier Benefits
Frequent Flyer Program Tier Benefits: United Airlines has 5 elite tiers, while Delta Air Lines has 5 elite tiers.