Major U.S. carrier introducing Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with advanced engines in 2026
Business travelers and premium passengers who value service consistency, those frequent users of lounges, and travelers prioritizing reliability over maximum flight options.
Short Answer
United Airlines operates a larger mainline fleet of 982 aircraft compared to Delta's 924 aircraft, but Delta is perceived as more consistent in premium cabin experience and service delivery. Both airlines have similar average fleet ages of 15 years and are modernizing with new aircraft like the A321neo.
Our Verdict
United Airlines has the numerical advantage with a larger fleet of 982 aircraft versus Delta's 924, positioning it for greater flight frequency and capacity expansion. However, Delta is generally perceived as delivering more consistent premium service and cabin experiences, particularly in its Delta One product. Both airlines are at similar fleet modernization stages with comparable average ages, making the choice between them dependent on whether capacity and route frequency (United) or service consistency (Delta) matters more to the traveler.
United Airlines7.9
7.1Delta Air Lines
Choose United Airlines if
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Key Differences at a Glance
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Total Mainline Aircraft:United Airlines wins (982 aircraft vs 924 aircraft)
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Fleet Size Advantage:United Airlines wins (58 more aircraft than Delta vs 58 fewer aircraft than United)
Passengers prioritizing flight frequency, capacity options, and route availability, particularly on domestic and emerging international markets.
Choose Delta Air Lines if
Business travelers and premium passengers who value service consistency, those frequent users of lounges, and travelers prioritizing reliability over maximum flight options.
Declining operations
—
Boeing 737 Fleet Count(aircraft)
254 (737-800/900ER combined)
Legacy 737s present
—
First Checked Baggage Fee(USD)
$35
$35
—
Total Mainline Aircraft(aircraft)
982
924
+6%
Delta Sky Club Locations(clubs)
Expanding network
56 clubs
—
In-Flight Seat Screens(inches)
16-inch screens (type pending)
16-inch 4K OLED
—
Primary Narrowbody Aircraft Count(aircraft)
254 (737-800: 127 + 737-900ER: 127)
A321neo fleet expanding
—
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
—
Business Class Lie-Flat Seats (Long-Haul)(seats per aircraft)
Up to 28 seats (new aircraft)
—
—
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.
Boeing 737-800/900ER (127 each)
Most Common Aircraft Type
Airbus A321neo🏆
Polaris (varies by aircraft)
Premium Cabin Experience
Delta One (more consistent)🏆
A321neo & A321XLR orders (first new Airbus in 20+ years)🏆
Fleet Modernization Strategy
A321neo adoption underway
United Club
Lounge Experience
Sky Club
Total Mainline Aircraft
United Airlines
982 aircraft🏆
Delta Air Lines
924 aircraft
Fleet Size Advantage
United Airlines
58 more aircraft than Delta🏆
Delta Air Lines
58 fewer aircraft than United
Average Fleet Age
United Airlines
15 years
Delta Air Lines
15 years
Most Common Aircraft Type
United Airlines
Boeing 737-800/900ER (127 each)
Delta Air Lines
Airbus A321neo🏆
Premium Cabin Experience
United Airlines
Polaris (varies by aircraft)
Delta Air Lines
Delta One (more consistent)🏆
Fleet Modernization Strategy
United Airlines
A321neo & A321XLR orders (first new Airbus in 20+ years)🏆
Delta Air Lines
A321neo adoption underway
Lounge Experience
United Airlines
United Club
Delta Air Lines
Sky Club
Pros & Cons
United Airlines
5 pros3 cons
Pros
Largest mainline fleet of 982 aircraft enabling more flight options and frequencies
Aggressive expansion strategy with new A321neo and A321XLR orders for future growth
Strong presence across domestic high-frequency markets and long-haul international routes
Polaris cabin offers premium lie-flat seating on international flights
Extensive route network with strategic hub development
Cons
Service consistency varies more by aircraft type and route
Still operates significant numbers of older A319/A320 aircraft
Polaris premium experience can be inconsistent across fleet
Delta Air Lines
5 pros3 cons
Pros
Delta One premium cabin offers more polished and consistent international experience
Reputation for service quality and operational reliability
Sky Club lounges provide comparable amenities with consistent quality
Strong modernization with A321neo adoption
Premium cabin experience feels more refined on shorter routes
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
United Airlines operates the larger mainline fleet with 982 aircraft compared to Delta Air Lines' 924 aircraft, giving United a 58-aircraft advantage. This larger fleet allows United to offer more flight frequencies and capacity across its route network.
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