Delta consistently ranks higher in customer satisfaction and on-time performance, with a 2025 DOT report showing Delta at 82.3% on-time arrivals versus United's 79.1%, while United offers more frequent international routes from certain hubs.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Delta if you prioritize reliability, consistency, and customer service quality—it outperforms United in on-time performance and satisfaction ratings. Choose United if you need extensive international connectivity and frequent service to specific overseas markets, particularly from its Chicago and Houston hubs.
Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Major U.S. carrier based in Atlanta operating 900+ aircraft with focus on operational reliability and customer experience.
Major U.S. carrier based in Chicago operating 850+ aircraft with extensive global network.
SkyMiles/MileagePlus Annual Earning Rate
Cabin Crew Complaints per 100k passengers (2025)
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines with 177 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)
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 2025?
Delta Air Lines leads with 82.3% on-time arrivals compared to United's 79.1%, according to DOT statistics. This 3.2-point difference is significant over frequent travel and translates to roughly 1 additional delay per 30 flights with United.
Which airline's loyalty program is better for earning rewards?
Delta's SkyMiles program offers higher base earning rates (5-12x miles per dollar) compared to United's MileagePlus (3-12x), making Delta more advantageous for frequent flyers. However, United's elite status benefits and international perks can offset this for long-haul travelers.
Does United or Delta have more international flights?
United operates 355+ international destinations versus Delta's 325+, giving United a 30-city advantage. United particularly dominates Asia-Pacific routes from San Francisco and Houston, while Delta emphasizes European connectivity through Atlanta.
What are the baggage fees for both airlines?
Both charge $38 for the first checked baggage on standard fares. Second bags cost $45-50 for each carrier. Basic economy fares may have restrictions, but the primary baggage fees are identical.
Which airline has fewer customer service complaints?
Delta received only 2.1 crew complaints per 100,000 passengers versus United's 3.8, an 81% advantage for Delta. This reflects broader customer satisfaction trends where Delta scores 76/100 on ACSI versus United's 72/100.