Delta Air Lines consistently ranks higher in customer satisfaction with a 3.9/5 rating versus United's 3.4/5, while United offers more frequent departures from major hubs and competitive pricing. Delta's operational reliability and premium cabin service drive customer preference, though United provides better value for budget-conscious travelers.
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Delta Air Lines if you prioritize reliability, on-time performance (82.1% vs 79.2%), and customer satisfaction ratings—Delta consistently outperforms in these metrics and offers superior premium cabin experiences. Choose United Airlines if you value competitive pricing ($23 cheaper average ticket), prefer more frequent flight options from major hubs, and are willing to accept slightly lower satisfaction scores for better value.
Compare United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines
Major U.S. airline with extensive global network and competitive pricing
Premium U.S. airline leading in operational reliability and customer satisfaction
Frequent Flyer Program Award Availability
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines with 158 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 better on-time performance?
Delta Air Lines leads with 82.1% on-time performance compared to United's 79.2%. This 2.9 percentage point advantage means Delta passengers experience fewer delays and cancellations. Both airlines improved in 2025, but Delta's operational investments and fleet modernization contributed to superior reliability metrics.
Is United or Delta cheaper for domestic flights?
United Airlines averages $289 per domestic round-trip ticket, $23 cheaper than Delta's $312 average. United's competitive pricing strategy makes it attractive for budget-conscious travelers, though Delta offers more premium perks (Comfort+ seating, free drinks) that may justify the higher base fare for some passengers.
Which airline has a better frequent flyer program?
Delta's SkyMiles program offers better award availability and redemption flexibility, though it requires 60,000-75,000 miles for domestic flights. United's MileagePlus program provides 1.5x earning on premium cabin bookings, making it superior for business travelers. Choice depends on whether you prioritize earning or redemption value.
Which airline is better for international travel?
Delta serves 325 international destinations versus United's 318, with particularly strong Asia-Pacific and European coverage. Delta's premium cabin experience and Skyteam alliance partnerships provide seamless connections. United excels on South American routes. For most international travelers, Delta's 3.9/5 satisfaction rating and 82.1% on-time performance make it the more reliable choice.
What is the baggage policy for both airlines?
Both United and Delta charge $35 for the first checked bag on most domestic flights. Frequent flyers with elite status on either carrier receive free baggage. Economy Plus or Delta Comfort+ passengers also receive free first checked bag. Policies are nearly identical, so baggage fees should not be a differentiating factor.