Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft vs 800+) and maintains higher on-time performance (82.5% vs 79.8%), while United offers more international routes (340+ destinations) and competitive pricing on long-haul flights. Both are major U.S. carriers with distinct operational strengths.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Delta if you prioritize reliability, on-time performance (2.7% better), and higher customer satisfaction scores — ideal for business travelers who value consistency. Choose United if you need extensive international coverage, competitive pricing on long-haul routes, or fly frequently to destinations outside Delta's network; their 340+ global destinations provide greater flexibility for international business and leisure travel.
Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Major U.S. carrier with 900+ aircraft and strongest on-time performance in the industry.
Major U.S. carrier with 800+ aircraft and most extensive international route network.
Frequent Flyer Program: Annual Elite Miles Threshold
Average Ticket Price (domestic round-trip, 2024)
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines with 162 attributes.
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Premium Cabin Seat Pitch (Business/Polaris)
Average Domestic Round-Trip Ticket Price
DOT Complaints Per 100,000 Passengers (2024)
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score (2024)
Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
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?
Delta Air Lines leads with 82.5% on-time arrivals vs United's 79.8% (DOT 2024 data). This 2.7% difference translates to approximately 10 additional delayed flights per 1,000 flights for United. Delta's superior logistics and fleet management contribute to this advantage.
United Airlines offers lower average domestic ticket prices at $378 vs Delta's $385 round-trip (2024 data). However, both charge identical baggage fees ($35 first bag). Long-haul and premium cabin pricing varies by route; United's extensive international network sometimes enables competitive pricing on transoceanic routes.
Which airline has more international routes?
United Airlines serves 340+ destinations globally vs Delta's 300+, giving United a 40-destination advantage. United has stronger presence in Latin America and Asia-Pacific, while Delta dominates domestic U.S. routes with better frequency on popular corridors.
Both SkyMiles (Delta) and MileagePlus (United) require 25,000 miles for entry-level elite status. Delta offers 15% bonus miles on elite redemptions; United provides free checked bags for premium cardholders. Program value depends on your travel patterns—Delta rewards frequent flyers, United rewards credit card holders.
Which airline has higher customer satisfaction?
Delta scored 78/100 vs United's 74/100 on J.D. Power's 2024 North American Airline Satisfaction Study. Delta's higher score reflects better on-time performance, fewer complaint incidents, and improved cabin experience. United is working to improve through fleet modernization and customer service initiatives.