Delta Air Lines
DL · United States
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 8.0/10
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Side-by-side policy and rating comparison — baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, lounges, and loyalty programmes.
Verdict
Delta Air Lines scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.0/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Comparison data last updated 6 July 2026
Policy comparison
Structured operational tokens — verify current fare rules on each airline before booking.
| Policy | Delta Air Lines | United Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin baggage | Included | Included |
| Checked baggage | Fee on domestic Basic; intl often 1×23 kg | Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial (messaging/select routes) | Partial (messaging/select routes) |
| Economy seat pitch | 31–32" | 30–31" |
| Loyalty programme | SkyMiles | MileagePlus |
| Lounge access | Delta Sky Club | United Club / Polaris |
| Changes & refunds | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
Individual profiles
United Airlines
UA · United States
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 7.7/10
Editorial profiles
8.0 / 10
Quick Answer
Delta Air Lines scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.3/10), ranking #8 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is Delta Air Lines a good airline?
Delta Air Lines scores 8.0/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #8 globally with a safety score of 9.3/10. Delta leads US carriers in operational reliability, Sky Club lounges, and a improving premium cabin portfolio including Delta One suites. See full profile →
Overall 8.0 Excellent
Safety 9.3 Excellent Safety
Service 8.0 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.8 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis
- Alliance
- skyteam
- Founded
- 1925
- Fleet
- 950 aircraft
- Region
- americas
- IATA / ICAO
- DL / DAL
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Fee on domestic Basic; intl often 1×23 kg |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 31–32" |
| Lounge access | Delta Sky Club |
| Changes & refunds | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
| Loyalty programme | SkyMiles |
Strengths
- Industry-leading OTP in US
- Delta One suites on A350
- Strong SkyMiles program
Weaknesses
- Basic economy restrictions
- Domestic first class inconsistent
Awards & recognition
- Most On-Time US Major Airline
- Best US Airline Premium
7.7 / 10
Quick Answer
United Airlines scores 7.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.1/10), ranking #17 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is United Airlines a good airline?
United Airlines scores 7.7/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic, ranking #17 globally with a safety score of 9.1/10. United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member with Polaris business class on long-haul, an extensive global network from Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco, and MileagePlus as a core loyalty programme for UK–US routings. See full profile →
Overall 7.7 Very Good
Safety 9.1 Excellent Safety
Service 7.8 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.6 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD) / Newark (EWR) / San Francisco (SFO)
- Alliance
- star alliance
- Founded
- 1926
- Fleet
- 900 aircraft
- Region
- americas
- IATA / ICAO
- UA / UAL
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 30–31" |
| Lounge access | United Club / Polaris |
| Changes & refunds | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
| Loyalty programme | MileagePlus |
Strengths
- Polaris lounges and lie-flat business
- Extensive Star Alliance network
- Strong SFO and ORD hubs
Weaknesses
- Basic Economy restrictions
- Polaris product varies by aircraft age
Awards & recognition
- Star Alliance founding member
- Polaris business class
FAQ
Which is better — Delta Air Lines or United Airlines?
Delta Air Lines scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.0/10 vs 7.7/10 for United Airlines. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Does Delta Air Lines or United Airlines include a carry-on bag?
Delta Air Lines: Included. United Airlines: Included.
Which has free Wi-Fi — Delta Air Lines or United Airlines?
Delta Air Lines: Partial (messaging/select routes). United Airlines: Partial (messaging/select routes).
Does Delta Air Lines include checked baggage?
Delta Air Lines checked baggage: Fee on domestic Basic; intl often 1×23 kg.
Does United Airlines include checked baggage?
United Airlines checked baggage: Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply.