Delta vs United: Which Airline Runs More On Time in 2026?

Delta Air Lines is ranked #1 for on-time performance among US major carriers in 2025, with 85.3% of flights arriving on time (DOT definition: within 15 minutes of schedule). United Airlines ranked #3 at 80.2%. The gap is consistent across hubs and routes, driven by Delta's Atlanta hub efficiency, operational discipline, and better weather routing. For frequent flyers who value reliability, Delta's advantage is real and measurable.