Delta operates a larger fleet (900+ aircraft vs 850+) and maintains higher on-time performance (83% vs 80%), while United offers more international routes and competitive pricing on many domestic flights. The better choice depends on your priorities: Delta for reliability, United for global connectivity and budget options.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Delta if you prioritize reliability, on-time performance, and award availability through SkyMiles—it consistently ranks higher in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Choose United if you travel internationally frequently, prefer cheaper base fares, or want faster elite status progression through MileagePlus with higher elite bonuses.
Compare Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Major U.S. carrier with largest fleet and highest on-time performance
Major carrier focusing on competitive pricing and modern cabin upgrades
SkyMiles/MileagePlus Annual Earning Rate
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines with 189 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 likely to get me to my destination on time in 2026?
Delta has a significant advantage with 83.2% on-time performance compared to United's 80.1% (DOT data 2025). This 3.1-point difference translates to roughly 1 additional delayed flight per month on either airline. Delta's operational efficiency is attributed to better crew scheduling and aircraft maintenance protocols.
Which airline has better international flight options?
United Airlines operates 340+ international destinations versus Delta's 320+, giving United an edge for global travel. United has exclusive routes to several destinations in Asia and Europe, making it ideal for frequent international travelers. However, Delta offers more premium cabin configurations on many long-haul flights.
How do the loyalty programs compare for earning free flights?
Both SkyMiles (Delta) and MileagePlus (United) award 1 mile per $1 spent, but United offers faster elite status progression with bonuses up to 200% versus Delta's 150%. United elite members earn miles faster, but Delta members report better award availability due to inventory management, meaning your miles are easier to redeem on Delta.
Which airline offers cheaper tickets overall?
United's average domestic ticket is $389 versus Delta's $412 (6% difference), making United more budget-friendly for most routes. However, Delta frequently offers competitive sales, and the price gap closes during promotional periods. Hidden fees and baggage policies are comparable between both carriers.
Are there significant differences in customer complaints between these airlines?
Delta ranks higher in customer satisfaction (755 vs 738 out of 1000, J.D. Power 2025) and has fewer baggage mishandling complaints (2.1 per 100,000 passengers vs United's 2.8). United has struggled with overbooking policies and crew scheduling issues in recent years, while Delta maintains more consistent operational standards.