Major U.S. carrier introducing Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with advanced engines in 2026
Frequent domestic travelers, premium cabin passengers seeking guaranteed consistency, and business travelers who value reliability over premium amenities
Short Answer
United operates a slightly larger fleet of 982 aircraft compared to Delta's 924, with both maintaining an average fleet age of 15 years. Delta is perceived as more consistent in service quality and comfort, while United offers competitive international products and is modernizing its fleet faster with new Airbus deliveries.
Our Verdict
Both United and Delta are major carriers with comparable fleet sizes and ages, but they excel in different areas. Delta offers superior consistency and reliability in service delivery across all route types, while United provides excellent value on international flights with competitive Polaris seating and is aggressively modernizing its fleet. The choice depends on whether you prioritize consistent comfort (Delta) or best international business class value (United).
United Airlines7.9
7.1Delta Air Lines
Choose United Airlines if
International travelers seeking premium business class value and frequent long-haul flyers willing to accept variable domestic service quality
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Key Differences at a Glance
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Total Mainline Fleet Size:United Airlines wins (982 aircraft vs 924 aircraft)
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Fleet Modernization Strategy:United Airlines wins (Taking A321neo deliveries; A321XLRs on order vs A321neo as newest narrowbody addition)
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Service Consistency:Delta Air Lines wins (More polished and consistent vs Varies by aircraft and route)
Frequent domestic travelers, premium cabin passengers seeking guaranteed consistency, and business travelers who value reliability over premium amenities
Declining operations
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Boeing 737 Fleet Count(aircraft)
254 (737-800/900ER combined)
Legacy 737s present
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First Checked Baggage Fee(USD)
$35
$35
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Total Mainline Aircraft(aircraft)
982
924
+6%
Delta Sky Club Locations(clubs)
Expanding network
56 clubs
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In-Flight Seat Screens(inches)
16-inch screens (type pending)
16-inch 4K OLED
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Primary Narrowbody Aircraft Count(aircraft)
254 (737-800: 127 + 737-900ER: 127)
A321neo fleet expanding
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Fleet Size Difference(aircraft)
+58 aircraft advantage
-58 aircraft disadvantage
+200%
Total Mainline Fleet Size(aircraft)
982 aircraft
924 aircraft
+6%
Average Fleet Age(years)
15
15
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Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)(seats per aircraft)
Up to 28 seats (new aircraft)
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Total Mainline Fleet(aircraft)
982 aircraft
924 aircraft
+6%
Years Since Last New Aircraft Type(years)
First new Airbus in 20+ years (A321neo)
A321neo already integrated
+300%
New Destinations Launched (2026)(number of cities)
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.
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737-800/737-900ER (127 each)
Most Common Aircraft
A321neo and older narrowbodies
Polaris excels on international routes🏆
International Product Quality
Delta One is more consistently polished
United Club lounges
Lounge Experience
Delta Sky Clubs
Excellent on long-haul; variable by aircraft
Business Class Comfort
Consistently excellent across fleet🏆
Total Mainline Fleet Size
United Airlines
982 aircraft🏆
Delta Air Lines
924 aircraft
Fleet Modernization Strategy
United Airlines
Taking A321neo deliveries; A321XLRs on order🏆
Delta Air Lines
A321neo as newest narrowbody addition
Service Consistency
United Airlines
Varies by aircraft and route
Delta Air Lines
More polished and consistent🏆
Most Common Aircraft
United Airlines
737-800/737-900ER (127 each)
Delta Air Lines
A321neo and older narrowbodies
International Product Quality
United Airlines
Polaris excels on international routes🏆
Delta Air Lines
Delta One is more consistently polished
Lounge Experience
United Airlines
United Club lounges
Delta Air Lines
Delta Sky Clubs
Business Class Comfort
United Airlines
Excellent on long-haul; variable by aircraft
Delta Air Lines
Consistently excellent across fleet🏆
Pros & Cons
United Airlines
5 pros3 cons
Pros
Largest mainline fleet among the three major carriers at 982 aircraft
Polaris business class is highly competitive on international routes
Aggressive fleet modernization with A321neo and A321XLR deliveries
Expanding global reach with focus on high-frequency international services
Competitive frequent flyer program (MileagePlus)
Cons
Service quality and comfort can vary significantly by aircraft type
Still operates older A319/A320 aircraft across much of domestic fleet
Less consistent experience reputation compared to competitors
Delta Air Lines
5 pros3 cons
Pros
Most polished and consistent service experience across all routes
Delta One business class offers reliably excellent comfort and service
Sky Club lounges provide premium lounge experience with elite status
Strong domestic network presence with reliable scheduling
Superior reputation for operational reliability and customer satisfaction
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
United operates 982 mainline aircraft, making it the largest of the major US carriers in fleet size. Delta operates 924 mainline aircraft, putting it slightly behind United but still among the largest globally.
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