Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines based on our 100-point scoring system.
Winner
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines — Domestic & International Flights
91/100
Excellent4.3
18,420 reviews
United Airlines
United Airlines Domestic & International Flights
83/100
Very Good3.8
142,600 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Overall Score
91/100
83/100
Price
$180.00
$170.00
Customer Rating
4.3/5
3.8/5
Review Count
18,420
142,600
Best For
Best On-Time Performance
Best for Global Routes
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
Delta Air Lines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort18/20
Price & Value12/15
Route Network14/15
Loyalty Program9/10
Customer Service14/15
Punctuality & Reliability14/15
Baggage Policy10/10
United Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort0/20
Price & Value0/15
Route Network24/15
Loyalty Program7/10
Customer Service4/15
Punctuality & Reliability0/15
Baggage Policy0/10
Pros & Cons
Delta Air Lines
Best on-time performance among US legacy carriers at 86%+ per 2025 DOT data.
Wide global network of 290+ destinations with strong SkyTeam alliance partnerships.
SkyMiles points never expire, reducing pressure to manufacture spending to preserve status.
Average domestic fares around $180 are higher than Southwest and often higher than United on competitive routes.
Basic Economy fares are highly restrictive — no carry-on bag larger than a personal item, no seat selection, last to board.
SkyMiles has faced criticism for devaluing award redemption rates, making aspirational first-class redemptions harder to achieve.
United Airlines
340-destination network and Star Alliance membership deliver the most extensive effective route coverage of any single US carrier choice, critical for complex international itineraries.
MileagePlus miles never expire — a genuine program benefit that allows casual travelers to accumulate value without the pressure of expiration deadlines common in competing programs.
United Polaris business class is one of the strongest premium cabin products on a US legacy carrier, with lie-flat seats and direct-aisle access on most widebody international routes.
3.8/5 customer rating reflects real and persistent service quality issues, particularly on domestic routes where United's ground experience and customer service lag Delta's benchmarks.
$35 first checked bag fee applies in most economy fare classes, adding meaningful cost for travelers who check bags on every trip compared to Southwest's two free bags.
77% on-time rate, while industry-average, means roughly 1 in 4 flights arrives late — a statistic that compounds on connecting international itineraries.
Our Verdict
Delta Air Lines comes out ahead with a score of 91/100 compared to 83/100. Delta Air Lines is best for best on-time performance. However, United Airlines may be a better fit if you prioritize best for global routes.
Airline pricing, routes, and policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify details directly with the airline before booking.