Delta operates 900+ aircraft with a 82.5% on-time arrival rate, while United operates 850+ aircraft with a 81.2% on-time rate; Delta consistently ranks higher in customer satisfaction with 3.8/5 stars versus United's 3.4/5 stars across major review platforms.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Delta Air Lines is the better choice for most leisure and business travelers prioritizing reliability and customer service, with superior on-time performance (82.5% vs 81.2%) and fewer complaints (2.8 vs 3.6 per 100,000 passengers). Choose United if you need more international destinations (340+ vs 320+) or prefer its hub structure for specific routes, though be prepared for lower overall satisfaction ratings and higher complaint volumes.
Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Premium-focused carrier with bundled amenities and transparent pricing across all fare tiers.
Major U.S. carrier with hub-and-spoke model emphasizing ancillary revenue and elite loyalty rewards.
Customer Complaint Rate (per 100,000 passengers, DOT 2024)
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines with 187 attributes.
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Premium Cabin Seat Pitch (Business/Polaris)
Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket Price
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
DOT Complaints Per 100,000 Passengers (2024)
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score (2024)
Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
Baggage Delay Complaints (per 100,000 passengers)
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.
Which airline has better on-time performance in 2024?
Delta Air Lines leads with an 82.5% on-time arrival rate compared to United's 81.2% according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. This 1.3 percentage point difference translates to approximately 5 additional delayed flights per 100 flights on United. Delta has maintained top-3 on-time performance rankings for five consecutive years.
How do frequent flyer programs compare between Delta and United?
Both Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus offer the same 1 mile per $1 spent baseline earning rate. However, Delta provides a 10% mileage bonus on purchases made with their co-branded credit card, while United offers dynamic pricing in their award chart, meaning prices fluctuate based on demand. Delta's program is more predictable for planners, while United's may offer better deals during off-peak travel.
Which airline has more international routes?
United Airlines operates 340+ international destinations compared to Delta's 320+, giving United a 20-destination advantage. United's hub-and-spoke model emphasizes international connectivity through hubs in Chicago, San Francisco, Newark, and Houston. However, Delta's overall passenger satisfaction on international routes is 0.5 points higher (3.9 vs 3.4 stars).
What is the complaint rate difference between these airlines?
Delta receives 2.8 complaints per 100,000 passengers while United receives 3.6 complaints per 100,000 passengers according to the DOT, making Delta 28.6% more complaint-free. Common United complaints involve overbooking handling and baggage mishandling, while Delta complaints typically center on premium cabin service. This gap has widened each year since 2022.
Are baggage fees the same for both airlines?
Yes, both Delta and United charge $35 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second checked bag. Both airlines offer free checked bags for first and second-tier frequent flyer elite members and premium cabin passengers. Carry-on bags are free for both carriers and do not count against baggage limits.