Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft) and maintains higher on-time performance (83% in 2025) compared to United's 870+ aircraft and 79% on-time rate, though United offers competitive pricing on select routes and has invested heavily in modernizing its domestic cabin experience.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Delta Air Lines if you prioritize reliability, on-time performance (83% vs 79%), and superior customer satisfaction scores—it's the safer choice for business travelers and those with tight connections. Choose United Airlines if budget is your primary concern, as fares average $23 less per domestic ticket, and you value their modern cabin amenities and expanded wifi offerings on domestic routes.
Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Premium-positioned carrier known for operational excellence and reliability
Major US carrier with 5,000+ daily flights and competitive pricing strategy
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Frequent Flyer Program Quality (TripAdvisor 2025)
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines with 197 attributes.
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 is more reliable in 2025-2026?
Delta Air Lines has a significant reliability advantage with an 83% on-time performance rate compared to United's 79% in 2025. Delta also has a lower baggage mishandling rate (0.98 vs 0.94 per 1,000 passengers), making it the more dependable choice for time-sensitive travel.
Which airline offers better value for money?
United Airlines offers cheaper average fares at $389 per domestic flight versus Delta's $412 (5.6% savings). United also includes free WiFi on all domestic flights, while Delta charges $7 per flight. However, Delta's higher on-time performance may save you money through fewer missed connections.
Delta's SkyMiles program is generally considered superior, ranking first for transferable points value and partner redemptions. Delta frequent flyers have access to over 1,000 partner hotels and 15+ airline partners. United's MileagePlus program is competitive but has fewer premium transfer partners and slightly lower redemption values.
Which airline has better international service?
Delta operates to 355 international cities compared to United's 342. Delta has more destinations in Europe (127 vs 115) and Asia-Pacific (89 vs 74). Both airlines offer competitive premium cabins, though United's Polaris business class features direct-aisle access on 787 aircraft, while Delta's premium economy is more spacious.
Both airlines charge $35 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second checked bag on most domestic flights. First and second bags are free for frequent flyer elite members and premium cabin passengers on both carriers. Delta elite members receive complimentary baggage for carry-on as well, providing slightly better value for frequent travelers.