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 (350+ vs 300+) and competitive frequent flyer benefits. Both are major U.S. carriers with comparable safety records and service quality.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Delta if you prioritize reliability and consistent on-time performance, plus you're based in major hub cities like Atlanta, Minneapolis, or Detroit where they offer superior connectivity. Choose United if you need extensive international coverage, fly from non-hub cities where United dominates, or prefer their Star Alliance partnerships for global travel benefits.
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.
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
SkyMiles/MileagePlus Program Elite Tiers
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 leads with 82.5% on-time performance compared to United's 79.8% (2024 DOT data), a 2.7 percentage point advantage. This translates to approximately 1 fewer delayed flight per 30 flights on Delta. Delta's superior performance is attributed to its larger hub consolidation and fleet optimization strategies.
Which airline offers more international flights?
United Airlines operates 350+ international destinations versus Delta's 300+, providing 50 additional cities. However, Delta offers more frequent daily frequencies to popular destinations like London, Paris, and Tokyo. United's Star Alliance partnership compensates for fewer direct routes by providing seamless connections through partner airlines like Lufthansa and ANA.
Are baggage fees and seat selection the same?
Both airlines charge $35 for the first checked bag and offer 31-inch seat pitch in standard economy. Delta includes free seat selection for basic economy; United charges $15-25 for seat selection depending on seat location. Both offer similar premium cabin products with 38-inch seat pitch.
Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus are comparable, but they differ strategically. United's 1K status provides complimentary upgrades on all flights; Delta's Diamond status provides complimentary upgrades on eligible flights. United offers superior value internationally through Star Alliance partnerships, while Delta excels domestically through hub dominance and better award availability on domestic routes.
Which airline has better customer satisfaction?
Delta achieves 78/100 in J.D. Power's 2024 satisfaction survey versus United's 75/100. However, both score below Southwest (79/100). Delta's advantage stems from better on-time performance and more consistent service delivery. United customers report frustration with baggage handling and flight disruptions, though both airlines score similarly for crew professionalism.