Key Takeaways:
Both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer extensive flight networks, excellent in-flight services, and loyalty programs.
But which one stands out as the better choice to suit your needs and travel habits?
This article will compare Delta vs. American based on diverse factors to help you decide which airline provides better value, comfort, and convenience for your next trip!
Flight Network and Destinations
American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, flies to about 350 destinations in over 60 countries. It is a member of Oneworld Alliance and partners with many airlines like British Airways and Finnair, allowing you to earn and redeem miles on these airlines as well.
Delta, based in Atlanta, Georgia, serves more than 280 destinations across six continents. With the SkyTeam Alliance partnership, it covers over 166 countries, letting you earn and redeem SkyMiles with other international airlines like Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.
Key domestic airports include:
| American Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|
Chicago-O’Hare |
Atlanta |
Los Angeles |
Boston |
Miami |
Detroit |
New York (JFK and LaGuardia) |
Los Angeles |
Philadelphia |
Minneapolis-St. Paul |
Phoenix |
New York (JFK and LaGuardia) |
San Francisco |
Salt Lake City |
Washington-National |
Seattle |
When comparing American Airlines vs. Delta, it’s a close call. American Airlines (AA) flies to more destinations overall, but Delta has a broader network of international routes thanks to its airline alliance.
Thus, Delta has a slight edge for international travel, while American is a top contender for domestic flights.
The best airline for you will depend on where you fly the most and how often you travel to specific destinations.
Airline Incidental Fees
It consists of different types of fees you have to pay based on your travel details and preferences. On a domestic flight, a few airline fees are checked baggage fees, seat-selection fees, change fees, and carry-on bag fees.
When comparing American Airlines vs. Delta, their fee structures are quite similar. American Baggage Fees is at $35 for the first checked bag when paid online or $40 if you pay at the airport.
Delta Baggage Fees is flat $35 for the first checked bag, regardless of how you pay.
| Fee Type | American Airlines Fee |
|---|---|
First Checked Baggage |
$35 (if paid online) |
Second Checked Baggage |
$45 |
Carry-on Baggage |
Free |
| Fee Type | Delta Air Lines Fee |
|---|---|
First Checked Baggage |
$35 |
Second Checked Baggage |
$45 |
Carry-on Baggage |
Free |
Both airlines allow even the basic economy passengers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item for free. However, the seat selection fees may slightly vary between the two.
Moreover, eligible co-branded credit cards offered by the airlines come with the benefit of a first free checked bag. Some of those cards include Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard.
You can also easily avoid these airline fees by attaining specific elite status with the airline loyalty program. Note that all bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person.
Basic Economy and Business Class Experience
American Airlines lets you enjoy Flagship Business and Business Plus seats for long-distance trips.
The business class fare on American provides various benefits, such as complimentary access to lounges, gourmet in-flight dining, lie-flat seats, more Loyalty Points, etc.
On the other hand, Delta’s business class option, Delta One, is perfect for select long-haul domestic and international flights.
It offers a luxurious experience with several perks like free Delta Sky Club access, priority boarding, privacy doors (Airbus A350 and A330-900), amenity kits, the opportunity to earn SkyMiles, etc.
Delta Air Lines is known for its superior business class compared to American, especially for long-haul international flights.
When it comes to basic economy fares, American Airlines is a better choice than Delta – particularly for budget-conscious travelers, with its flexibility, comfortable seating options, AA elite status upgrades, and greater seat selection for passengers.
American Airlines vs. Delta: Economy & Business Class Comparison
Economy Class
-
Seats & Comfort
American Airlines: Standard economy seats with 30-31 inches of pitch; limited legroom can be uncomfortable on longer flights.
Delta: Slightly better seat pitch at 31-32 inches, with some planes offering adjustable headrests and extra legroom in Comfort+.
-
In-Flight Entertainment
American Airlines: Seatback screens on most long-haul flights; access to a wide range of movies and TV shows.
Delta: Consistent seatback entertainment across most aircraft, offering a large selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
-
Meals & Service
American Airlines: Complimentary snacks on domestic flights; meals on international routes, though the quality can be hit-or-miss.
Delta: Better reputation for in-flight meals and snacks, with a focus on quality and variety, especially on longer flights.
Business Class
-
Seats & Comfort
American Airlines: Lie-flat seats on most international and some transcontinental routes, with direct aisle access in many configurations; some cabins offer Flagship Suites with more privacy.
Delta: Delta One suites offer lie-flat seats with sliding doors for added privacy, particularly on international routes; consistent comfort with memory foam cushions.
-
In-Flight Entertainment
American Airlines: High-quality screens with noise-canceling headphones; a broad selection of entertainment, though the interface can be less intuitive.
Delta: Large personal screens with a user-friendly interface, offering a premium experience with a wide range of entertainment options.
-
Meals & Service
American Airlines: Multi-course meals with options curated by celebrity chefs, though service can be inconsistent.
Delta: Well-regarded for its meal quality, with a focus on regional specialties and an extensive beverage menu; attentive and consistent service.
This comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of American Airlines and Delta in both Economy and Business Class, helping travelers choose based on their preferences for comfort, service, and in-flight experience.
Airline Rewards Program – SkyMiles vs. AAdvantage
Delta offers the SkyMiles program for its customers, while American Airlines has the AAdvantage program.
Both loyalty programs allow you to earn miles, redeemable for various rewards flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, etc.
With American, members earn based on distance flown, fare class, and elite status, whereas passengers can earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles based on the price of the ticket with enhanced earnings depending on your elite status.
Both airlines provide loyalty perks for frequent flyers, like priority boarding, free checked bags, and free access to airport lounges.
These benefits are subject to your membership level within each program and can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Delta SkyMiles has four elite statuses – silver, gold, platinum, and diamond, and American AAdvantage status levels include gold, platinum, platinum pro, and executive platinum.
AA elite status has relatively more attainable requirements.
When it comes to airline rewards programs, earn and redeem American miles through AAdvantage – which is one of the top airline loyalty programs, offers high rewards rates per dollar spent.
Remember that the value of your accumulated miles may vary based on your travel patterns and how you decide to redeem them.
Travel Rewards Credit Card Options
American issues personal as well as business credit cards in partnerships with Citi and Barclays, offering many benefits tailored to frequent flyers. Popular AA credit card options are:
For business travelers, there’s a popular CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard card.
Delta’s co-branded credit card lineup consists of four personal and three business card options issued by American Express – each with its unique set of perks. these include:
For business travelers, Delta has a lineup of co branded cards including:
These credit cards come with generous welcome bonuses, the opportunity to earn miles on bonus spending categories, and varied perks such as free checked bags, American’s Admiral Club membership or access to Delta Sky Club, priority boarding, or the benefit of a companion certificate.
Choosing the best credit card for Delta vs. American Airlines depends on your budget and travel preference.
But when it comes to earning rewards and elite status, American holds an advantage over Delta Air Lines.
American Airlines credit cards are ideal for travelers seeking to maximize their benefits.
It allows cardholders to accumulate Loyalty Points for every dollar spent, helping them achieve elite status faster.
American Airlines vs. Delta : Which is better and why?
When deciding between Delta vs. American, each airline has its own unique advantages. Selecting the best airline for you would depend on factors like your travel preferences and priorities.
| Criteria for Comparison | American Airlines vs. Delta : Which is better and why? |
|---|---|
1.Flight Network and Destinations |
⭐American Airlines – Best for Domestic Flights Delta Air Lines – Ideal for International Travel |
2. Airline Fees |
⭐(Tie) Delta and American Airlines – Both airlines offer similar services and fees |
3. Basic Economy Experience |
⭐American Airlines – It covers more domestic routes and offers more comfort and perks. |
4. Business Class Experience |
⭐Delta – Delta One seats shine for access to Sky Club lounges, premium dining, and more. |
5. Airline Rewards Program |
⭐American Airlines – AAdvantage provides better elite status benefits than SkyMiles. |
6. Travel Credit Cards |
⭐Delta – It offers a range of co-branded credit cards in partnership with American Express with various benefits like bonus miles, complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, access to Delta Sky Club, etc. |
7. Safety and Reliability |
⭐Delta – Ranks high on on-time performance and has a strong safety record. |
8. Customer Service |
⭐Delta – Receives higher ratings and more positive feedback from passengers as compared to American |
9. In-Flight Experience |
⭐Delta – Enhanced level of comfort, more in-flight entertainment options, complimentary meals & beverages |
10. Mileage Redemption Rates |
⭐American Airlines – More favorable redemption rates and options. |
American Airlines vs. Delta FAQs
Which airline is better, American or Delta?
Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are both major carriers in the United States, each with its own strengths. Deciding the better one between these two depends on your priorities.
American Airlines excels in its extensive domestic network and loyalty program, while Delta is known for its exceptional customer service, reliability, and premium onboard experience.
Which is the best airline in the US?
Determining the ‘best’ airline in the US can be subjective as it would depend on various factors, like customer service, airline fees, route network, amenities, safety record, and more.
Delta Air Lines consistently ranks among the top airlines in the United States due to its safety and reliability, expansive route network, and customer satisfaction ratings.
Who has more legroom, Delta or American?
Delta Air Lines generally offers more legroom compared to American Airlines. Delta’s standard economy class provides a more generous seat pitch than America’s economy class seats.
However, it may vary depending on the aircraft type and seating class.
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