United operates 58 more aircraft (982 vs 924) with a larger domestic focus, while Delta emphasizes premium revenue diversification and newer widebody fleet expansion. Both maintain identical 15-year average fleet ages despite different aircraft strategies.
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose United Airlines if you prioritize frequency and domestic network coverage with competitive fares across high-volume routes. Choose Delta Air Lines if you value premium long-haul comfort, modern widebody aircraft, and airline stability backed by diversified revenue streams beyond ticket sales.
Compare United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines
Major U.S. carrier with 800+ aircraft and most extensive international route network.
Major U.S. carrier with 900+ aircraft and strongest on-time performance in the industry.
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines with 162 attributes.
Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)
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)
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines.
Which airline has a newer fleet in 2026?
Both United and Delta maintain identical 15-year average fleet ages, but Delta is modernizing faster with active Airbus A350 widebody deployment and established A321neo fleets. United is just beginning A321neo deliveries after 20+ years without new Airbus aircraft, indicating Delta's fleet is effectively newer despite the same average age statistic.
Does United or Delta operate more flights?
United operates 982 mainline aircraft (58 more than Delta's 924), which provides greater capacity for high-frequency domestic service. However, American Airlines operates the most total flights among major US carriers at 2.2 million departures annually. Delta prioritizes premium long-haul routes over pure flight frequency.
Which airline is better for international travel?
Delta Air Lines is better for international travel due to its A350 widebody fleet expansion and premium-focused revenue strategy. These newer aircraft offer superior comfort for long-haul routes. United is expanding long-haul capacity but maintains a more domestic-focused strategy with less modern widebody deployment.
Are there differences in aircraft reliability between the two airlines?
Delta's newer A350 and established A321neo fleets are more modern and fuel-efficient. United still operates significant numbers of aging A319/A320 aircraft, though Boeing 737-800/900ER aircraft in both fleets are generally reliable. Delta's newer widebody fleet likely has lower maintenance costs per flight hour.
Which airline is more financially stable for 2026?
Delta demonstrates stronger financial positioning through diversified revenue streams including MRO services, cargo operations, and loyalty programs—beyond ticket sales alone. United's strategy is more ticket-dependent with primary focus on frequency and volume. Delta's Q4 2025 earnings showed successful premium revenue expansion.