United Airlines vs. Delta: Which Is Best for You?

Delta has a strong presence in the U.S., particularly on the East Coast, with major hubs in Atlanta, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), and Detroit.

Delta also has a strong international presence, with numerous flights to Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

United, on the other hand, has a more expansive international route network, particularly to Asia and Europe. United’s major hubs are in Chicago (O’Hare), Newark, San Francisco, and Houston.

If you’re planning to fly to or from the West Coast or need to travel to Asia frequently, United might have a slight edge.

Delta is often praised for its onboard service, with many travelers noting the friendliness of the flight attendants and the overall comfort of the cabins. 

Delta’s in-flight entertainment system, Delta Studio, offers a vast array of movies, TV shows, and music, available on most flights. Their newer planes and upgraded interiors often make for a more comfortable ride.

United has made significant strides in improving its in-flight experience, especially with its Polaris business class product, which is highly regarded for international travel. 

However, in the economy class, United has received mixed reviews. The in-flight entertainment system on United is similar to Delta’s, though some older planes may not have seat-back screens, which can be a drawback.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: bonus_miles_full

Earning Potential:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase
• 2x on other travel, dining

Airline Partner: Multiple Airlines via Transfer

Additional Perks: No foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation insurance

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: bonus_miles_full

Earning Potential:

• 3x miles on Delta, hotels
• 2x on dining and U.S. supermarkets

Airline Partner: Delta Air Lines

Additional Perks: $100 Delta flight credit after $10,000 spend, no foreign transaction fees, upgrade priority

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: bonus_miles_full

Earning Potential:

• 2x miles on United, dining, hotels

Airline Partner: United Airlines

Additional Perks: Priority boarding, two United Club passes annually, trip cancellation insurance, no foreign transaction fees

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: bonus_miles_full

Earning Potential:

• 2X Membership Rewards points on all purchases up to $50,000 annually
• 1X points thereafter

Airline Partner: Transfers to 20+ airline partners via Amex Membership Rewards

Additional Perks:

• $600 cell phone protection against theft or damage
• Primary car rental insurance
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Bonus Miles: bonus_miles_full

Earning Potential:

• 3X points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services
• 3X points on advertising with social media and search engines
• 1X points on other purchases

Airline Partner: Transfers to 10+ airline partners via Chase Ultimate Rewards

Additional Perks: $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 4 upgraded boardings per year, 20% back on in-flight purchases

Delta’s SkyMiles program is known for its simplicity and lack of blackout dates, which makes redeeming miles relatively straightforward. 

However, the value of SkyMiles has been a point of contention, with many travelers feeling that Delta miles are worth less compared to other airlines.

United’s MileagePlus program is part of the Star Alliance, which gives you access to a broader range of airline partners for earning and redeeming miles.

United also allows stopovers on award tickets, which can add value for international travelers. However, the program has been criticized for dynamic award pricing, which can make it difficult to predict how many miles you’ll need for a flight.

Delta is consistently ranked as one of the most punctual airlines in the United States.

Their commitment to on-time departures and arrivals has earned them high marks from travelers who value punctuality.

United’s on-time performance is solid but not as strong as Delta’s.

While they have improved over the years, Delta generally has the upper hand in this category.

Delta charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second on domestic flights, with similar fees on international routes. 

Delta’s baggage policy is fairly standard, but one perk is that Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders such as Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card get their first checked bag free.

United has the same baggage fees as Delta for domestic flights, charging $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second.

United also offers the first checked bag free for cardholders of their co-branded credit cards.

Delta’s Sky Club lounges are well-regarded for their amenities, including comfortable seating, food options, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Delta is also working to expand and upgrade its lounges, particularly in major hubs like Atlanta and New York.

United’s Polaris lounges for international business class passengers are among the best in the industry, offering high-end amenities and dining options.

However, United Club lounges, available to domestic travelers, are more hit-or-miss, with some locations needing an upgrade.

Delta consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction surveys. Their customer service is often praised for being friendly and helpful, whether in-flight or during booking and check-in.

United has worked hard to improve its customer service in recent years, but it still has some catching up to do compared to Delta.

United’s service can be more variable, with some travelers reporting excellent experiences and others, well, not so much.

You prioritize on-time performance, friendly customer service, and a consistent in-flight experience.

Delta’s U.S. hubs and SkyMiles program are also great if you frequently travel within the United States or to Delta’s strongholds in Europe and Latin America.

You need access to a broader international network, particularly in Asia, and value having more partner airlines for redeeming miles.

United’s Polaris business class is also a strong choice for long-haul international flights.