Southwest Airlines vs Delta Air Lines
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines based on our 100-point scoring system.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines — Domestic & Select International Flights
88/100
Very Good4.2
22,150 reviews
Winner
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines — Domestic & International Flights
91/100
Excellent4.3
18,420 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Southwest Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Overall Score
88/100
91/100
Price
$150.00
$180.00
Customer Rating
4.2/5
4.3/5
Review Count
22,150
18,420
Best For
Best for Bag-Inclusive Value
Best On-Time Performance
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
Southwest Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort15/20
Price & Value15/15
Route Network11/15
Loyalty Program8/10
Customer Service13/15
Punctuality & Reliability13/15
Baggage Policy13/10
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
Pros & Cons
Southwest Airlines
Two free checked bags on every fare — the clearest and most consistent cost advantage over competing US carriers.
No change or cancellation fees on any fare type, making Southwest the most flexible major US airline for travelers with uncertain plans.
Rapid Rewards points never expire on active accounts, and the Companion Pass is one of the highest-value companion benefits in US aviation.
Open seating model is divisive — travelers who want to pre-select a specific seat or guarantee adjacent seats for families must pay for EarlyBird Check-In or rely on early 24-hour check-in.
No alliance membership and no interlining with other carriers limits usefulness for complex international itineraries.
No seatback screens and limited premium product options make Southwest less competitive for long-haul or business travelers seeking elevated comfort.
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.
Our Verdict
Delta Air Lines comes out ahead with a score of 91/100 compared to 88/100. Delta Air Lines is best for best on-time performance. However, Southwest Airlines may be a better fit if you prioritize best for bag-inclusive value.
Airline pricing, routes, and policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify details directly with the airline before booking.