Delta vs. United Airlines: Which Is Best?

Delta vs. United Airlines: Which is Best?

When it comes to traveling, choosing the right airline is crucial to ensure an enjoyable experience. With so many options available today, deciding between Delta and United Airlines can be overwhelming. Delta and United Airlines are two of the biggest players in the airline industry, providing exemplary services to millions of passengers every year. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which airline to choose.

Route Network

When it comes to the route network, both Delta and United Airlines provide extensive coverage across the globe. The route coverage is pretty similar, and both airlines serve numerous airports throughout the United States and abroad. Delta operates around 5,400 flights daily to over 300 destinations worldwide, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. At the same time, United Airlines operates around 5,000 flights daily to over 300 destinations in over 50 countries.

Delta’s Route Network

• Flies to over 50 countries in the world with more than 300 destinations
• Strong coverage in Europe and Asia
• Major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta
• Operates a hub-and-spoke type network to connect passengers with various destinations

United Airlines Route Network

• Flies to over 50 countries in the world with more than 300 destinations
• Strong coverage in South America
• Major hubs in Chicago, Denver, and Newark
• Operates a hub-and-spoke type network to connect passengers with various destinations

Baggage & Fees

Another important factor to consider while choosing an airline is the baggage policy and fees. Both Delta and United Airlines allow passengers to carry one standard carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. Delta and United both have similar baggage fees for domestic and international flights. In terms of checked baggage, Delta charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second, whereas United charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.

Delta’s Baggage & Fees

• Allows one standard carry-on bag and one personal item onboard for free
• $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second
• $150 for checked bags exceeding 50 pounds.
• It charges $100 for oversized bags.

United Airlines Baggage & Fees

• Allows one standard carry-on bag and one personal item onboard for free
• $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second
• $125 for checked bags exceeding 50 pounds.
• $200 for oversized bags.

Comfort, Amenities & In-Flight Entertainment

Comfort, amenities and in-flight entertainment also play a significant role when it comes to choosing airlines. Delta and United both have in-flight entertainment systems that offer the latest movies, TV shows, games, music, and more. United Airlines offers personal device entertainment featuring DIRECTV free of charge, allowing passengers to stream premium content on their own device. Delta Airlines offers Delta Studio – a free, seatback entertainment system with hundreds of films, TV shows, and music options. Delta also has considered one of the best premium economy cabins, featuring seats that offer extra legroom, larger Premium Select seats and an upgraded dining experience. United provides a similarly great premium economy service with the added benefit of lie-flat seats on certain flights.

Delta’s Comfort, Amenities & In-Flight Entertainment

• Free seatback entertainment system with Delta Studio
• SkyClub Lounges in major hubs that offer complimentary drinks and snack
• Best-in-class Premium economy cabin
• Complimentary liquor, beer, and wine on international flights

United Airlines Comfort, Amenities & In-Flight Entertainment

• Personal device entertainment*
• United Polaris featuring lie-flat seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and upgraded dining experience
• Complimentary blankets and pillows available on extended duration flights
• United Clubs offering complimentary drinks and snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book Delta and United Airlines flights from the same booking?

Yes, you can book Delta and United flights from the same booking. It can be done either online or through a travel agent.

What are the check-in options for Delta and United Airlines?

Delta and United Airlines both offer online check-in, mobile check-in, and airport kiosk check-in options. Passengers are allowed to check-in at least 24 hours before the flight schedule.

Do Delta and United airlines offer Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes, Delta and United Airlines provide Wi-Fi services while onboard. United Airlines offers both satellite and ground-based Wi-Fi services, whereas Delta offers three different in-flight Wi-Fi options.

Do Delta and United Airlines offer meal options in all classes?

Delta and United Airlines provide a variety of meal options in all classes, including complimentary meals on select routes and for certain classes. In premium economy, business class, and first-class cabins, the airlines offer some of the best-dining options onboard.

Can I change my flight schedule on Delta and United airlines?

Yes, both Delta and United Airlines allow passengers to change their flight schedule. Delta provides 24-hours flexible booking options so that passengers can get a refund, cancel, or make free changes to their reservations until midnight of the next day after the reservation is made. Similarly, United Airlines provides flexibility for changes with no change fees, with terms and conditions applicable.

Do Delta and United Airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service?

Yes, both Delta and United Airlines provide an unaccompanied minor service for children between the ages of 5-14. However, specific terms and conditions apply.

Do Delta and United Airlines offer priority boarding?

Yes, both Delta and United Airlines offer Priority Boarding to various classes of passengers. United has moved to a new boarding process that includes both a group number and boarding time.

Do Delta and United Airlines provide complimentary alcoholic beverages onboard?

Delta and United Airlines provide complimentary alcoholic beverages for international flights. However, passengers are required to pay for alcoholic beverages in domestic flights, except for premium cabins.

Can I get a refund on my Delta and United Airlines ticket?

Delta and United Airlines both offer refunds on tickets, but specific terms and conditions apply. Passengers can get a refund if they cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking or if their flight is canceled or delayed for more than two hours.

Do Delta and United Airlines provide group travel?

Yes, both Delta and United Airlines offer group travel services. Passengers can book Delta and United Airlines group travel flights online or through a travel agent.

Can I check-in for my connecting flight early?

Passengers can check-in early for their connecting flights through the online check-in, mobile check-in, or airport kiosk check-in options. However, specific terms and conditions apply.

Which airline is better for international travel?

Both airlines provide excellent services for international travel. Delta is known for having exceptionally designed international cabins with lie-flat beds and upgraded dining options. Meanwhile, United Airlines has Polaris – considered the best business class cabin in the industry, with lie-flat seats, express check-in, preferred lounge access, and upgraded dining experience.