United Airlines is expanding to serve more global destinations in 2026, while Delta is modernizing its long-haul fleet with new aircraft like the Airbus A350-1000. Both carriers offer premium cabin upgrades, but United's Polaris business class redesign and A321XLR introduction represent more aggressive near-term improvements.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Delta if you prioritize modern long-haul aircraft with advanced engines and transcontinental comfort on premium routes. Choose United if you value expanding global destination access, innovative business class technology with wireless charging, and increased frequency on new routes in 2026.
Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Premium-positioned carrier known for operational excellence and reliability
Second-largest US carrier with strong international presence, hub-and-spoke operations across multiple US cities.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines with 198 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.
Delta consistently ranks above United in customer satisfaction (J.D. Power, DOT consumer metrics) and on-time performance. Delta's investment in operations post-COVID has made it particularly reliable. United has improved significantly and now matches Delta on many routes. Choose Delta for: domestic US (especially South/East), transatlantic via Paris/Amsterdam, reliable operations. Choose United for: transpacific flights (US-Japan, US-Asia), Star Alliance benefits, and if Chase/United MileagePlus is your loyalty program.
Which has better business class, Delta One or United Polaris?
Both Delta One and United Polaris are strong international business class products on new widebody aircraft, offering lie-flat seats with direct aisle access. Delta One Suite (on select 767/A350 routes) has full closing doors and is widely considered the best US airline business class available. United Polaris is excellent but on older aircraft (especially 777s), the product can vary. For the best cabin experience on specific routes: check which aircraft Delta vs United is operating — the plane matters more than the brand.
Is Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus better?
United MileagePlus is generally considered the better loyalty program. MileagePlus miles don't expire; redemption options include broad Star Alliance partner awards; Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer 1:1 to MileagePlus. Delta SkyMiles is criticized for dynamic award pricing (less predictable redemption values) and not being transferable from many non-Amex points. However, Delta Amex co-branded cards are more widely used, so if you're an Amex cardholder, SkyMiles earning can be strong. For pure award flexibility: MileagePlus.
Does Delta or United fly more international routes?
United has a broader international footprint — 340+ destinations in 60+ countries vs Delta's 325+ in 50+. United's Pacific network is particularly dominant (world's largest carrier between the US and Japan). Delta is stronger in transatlantic (via the Air France-KLM JV) and has more depth in domestic US (especially Southeast). For travel to Asia, Pacific Islands, or Latin America via Star Alliance: United. For transatlantic via France, Netherlands, or KLM connections: Delta.
Which airline has fewer cancellations, Delta or United?
Delta has historically outperformed United in on-time arrivals and cancellation rates. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data consistently shows Delta in the top tier of major US carriers for reliability (typically alongside Alaska Airlines). United improved significantly in 2022–2024 under operational investment but generally ranks slightly below Delta. For routes where weather is a factor (United's Chicago O'Hare hub is one of the most delay-prone airports in the US due to Midwest weather; Delta's Atlanta hub also sees thunderstorm delays), the on-time gap fluctuates by season.