Delta Airlines offers flexible fares, seat selection, and premium extras, while American Airlines delivers global routes, elite perks, and upscale comfort.
Delta vs American Airlines—two major carriers with distinct perks, from flexible fares to elite travel experiences. Whether you value comfort, global routes, or added extras, each airline has its edge. So, which one suits your travel style best? Let's compare and find the perfect fit for your next flight.
What is the overview of American Airlines & Delta Airlines?
When it comes to Delta vs American Airlines, both are major U.S. carriers, but they cater to different travel styles. Delta shines with global connections and premium experiences, while American Airlines balances international reach with a strong domestic network and elite travel perks.
- Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with significant hubs in the following cities:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- New York (JFK & LaGuardia)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Boston (BOS)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
Delta connects travelers to over 1,000 destinations across 60+ countries, spanning six continents. Delta's extensive international network is supported by its SkyTeam alliance and partnerships with global airlines.
- American Airlines
American Airlines has its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, and operates major hubs in cities such as:
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Miami (MIA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Washington, D.C. (DCA)
American Airlines serves over 350 destinations in 60+ countries worldwide. With a diverse fleet and a focus on economy and luxury travelers, American Airlines ensures an extensive travel network across six continents. The airline provides a full-service travel experience with premium cabin options and extensive loyalty benefits.
Read More: Southwest vs United: Which is Better?
Is Delta better than American Airlines?
Choosing between Delta Airlines and American Airlines depends on your travel preferences. American Airlines offers premium cabins, a vast international network, and assigned seating, while Delta shines with global connections, flexible fares, and extra perks like seat selection and priority boarding. If you're looking for luxury and global reach, go with American; Delta might be your best fit if you prefer flexibility and a solid travel experience.
Here's everything you need to know about Delta Airlines vs American Airlines:
Pricing and ticket options
- American Airlines
American Airlines offers a variety of fare options to cater to different travel needs, including:
- Basic Economy: The most affordable option comes with restrictions such as limited seat selection, baggage allowances, and ticket changes.
- Main Cabin: A flexible choice offering more freedom, including the ability to choose seats and make changes (fare differences may apply).
- Main Plus: Offers additional perks like priority boarding and extra legroom.
- Premium Economy: A step up with more comfort, additional amenities, and free checked bags.
- Business Class: Premium service with enhanced seating, amenities, and flexible ticket options.
- First Class: The highest level, offering ultimate comfort, privacy, and the most flexibility.
Baggage policies vary, with Premium Economy and above offering free checked bags. Refundable tickets are available for added flexibility.
- Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines also offers a wide variety of fare options, including:
- Basic Economy: The lowest-priced option, with limited flexibility and restrictions on seat selection, baggage, and ticket changes.
- Main Cabin: Offers more flexibility with the ability to select seats and make changes (change fees may apply depending on the fare).
- Comfort+: Adds extra legroom, priority boarding, and other enhanced perks for a higher price.
- Premium Select: A step up from Comfort+ with more space, premium dining, and additional amenities.
- Delta One: The most luxurious option with lie-flat seats, top-tier service, and the flexibility to make changes.
- First Class: Offers superior comfort and service, with a higher level of flexibility than Main Cabin or Basic Economy.
Baggage policies vary, with Comfort+ and higher offering free checked bags. Refundable fares are available for flexibility.
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Baggage policies & fees
Here's a comparison of the baggage policies for American Airlines and Delta Airlines to help you understand what to expect regarding carry-on and checked bags:
| Airlines | One Checked Bag (Domestic) | Carry-On (Basic Economy) |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | $35 | Free |
| American Airlines | $35 | Free |
| Feature | American Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | $35 online / $40 at airport (domestic) | $35 (domestic) |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $45 (domestic); higher on international | $45 (domestic); varies by route |
| 3rd Checked Bag | $150+ (route-based) | $150 |
| Bags 4–10 | $200+ per bag | $200 each |
| Overweight Bags | $100 (51–70 lbs), $200 (71–100 lbs) | Same as AA; over 100 lbs not accepted |
| Oversized Bags | $150–$200 (62–126 inches) | $200 (63–80"); over 80" not accepted |
| Sports Equipment | $30–$150 depending on item | Varies; most gear accepted as checked bags |
Pro Tip: Want extra value when you fly? Join AAdvantage® or SkyMiles® to score free checked bags, priority perks, and travel upgrades.
Seating options
Delta and American assign seats based on fare class, with upgrade options available during booking or check-in. Here's what to know about the American Airlines vs Delta seat size:
| Features | Delta Airlines | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Assignment | Assigned seats by fare class; upgrades available. | Assigned seats based on fare; upgrades to preferred seating. |
| Cabin Classes | Basic, Main, Comfort+, Premium Select, First, Delta One. | Basic, Main, Main Plus, Premium, Business, Flagship® First. |
| Extra Legroom | Comfort+ offers extra space, early boarding, and bin space. | Main Cabin Extra offers more legroom, early boarding, and drinks. |
| Upgrade Options | Upgrade with SkyMiles®, cash, or Medallion® status. | Upgrade with AAdvantage® miles, cash, or elite status. |
| Family Seating | Seat selection during booking; Comfort+ for more space. | Seat selection allowed; preferred seating for families. |
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Routes & destinations
When comparing American Airlines vs Delta Airlines routes and destinations, American Airlines offers a vast global network with extensive international connections, while Delta provides strong domestic coverage and international destinations. Your choice will depend on whether you're prioritizing global reach or domestic flexibility.
- American Airlines
- Domestic Routes: Serves 200+ cities across the U.S.
- International Routes: Flies to over 50 countries with access to 1,000+ destinations through Oneworld and partner airlines.
- Popular Destinations: Europe, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.
- Delta Airlines
- Domestic Routes: Covers 300+ cities across the U.S.
- International Routes: Connects to 60+ countries with over 1,000 destinations, including major European and Asian hubs.
- Popular Destinations: Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean.
Reliability
When comparing the reliability of Delta Airlines vs. American Airlines, Delta tends to have a stronger performance in terms of on-time arrivals and fewer cancellations. Here's a breakdown of how they compare:
| Factor | Delta Airlines | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| On-Time Performance | 81.5% of flights on time | 79.8% of flights on time |
| Cancellation Rate | 1.8% of flights canceled | 1.6% of flights canceled |
| Flight Disruptions | Fewer major disruptions, consistent service | Fewer disruptions, generally reliable |
Loyalty programs
Let's understand the perks of Delta vs. American Airlines loyalty programs:
AAdvantage® – American Airlines Loyalty Program
With AAdvantage®, members earn miles when flying with American Airlines, oneworld® alliance partners, or through everyday purchases. These miles can be redeemed for flights, cabin upgrades, vacation packages, and more. Elite members unlock additional perks like:
- Early boarding
- Complimentary upgrades (for elite tiers)
- Free checked bags
- Priority check-in and security
- Exclusive deals with airline and travel partners
SkyMiles® – Delta Airlines Loyalty Program
Delta's SkyMiles® program allows members to earn miles on Delta flights, SkyTeam partners, and everyday purchases. SkyMiles never expires and can be used for flights, seat upgrades, Delta Vacations®, and more. Elite Medallion® status brings extra rewards like:
- Complimentary seat upgrades
- Priority boarding and waived bag fees
- Lounge access (for higher tiers)
- Exclusive member-only offers
- Ability to use miles + cash for bookings
Credit card availability
When it comes to Delta vs American credit card options, both carriers offer co-branded credit cards packed with perks like mileage earning, travel benefits, and priority services. These credit cards are ideal for frequent flyers who want to save more and fly better.
- Here's the easiest way to score the Delta vs American Airlines Rewards:
➤ American Airlines Credit Cards:
Cards Available:
- AAdvantage MileUp
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Earning Rewards:
- Earn AAdvantage® miles on everyday purchases
- Bonus miles for American Airlines purchases
Perks:
- Free checked bags for eligible cardholders
- Preferred or priority boarding
- Admirals Club® access (Executive card)
- Mile redemption for upgrades, flights, and more
➤ Delta Air Lines Credit Cards:
Cards Available:
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Reserve American Express® Cards
Earning Rewards:
- Earn SkyMiles® on daily spending
- Bonus miles for Delta purchases and partner transactions
Perks:
- First checked bag free (Gold card and above)
- Priority boarding
- Companion certificate (Platinum & Reserve cards)
- Access to Delta Sky Club® (Reserve card)
Both airlines offer solid credit card perks—choose American for Oneworld access and Admirals Club or Delta for SkyMiles rewards and Medallion benefits.
Customer Service and Support
When it comes to customer service and support, both American Airlines and Delta Airlines deliver dependable service — but with different strengths.
- American Airlines
American Airlines offers many customer support options, including phone assistance, online chat, mobile app support, and airport help desks. They provide specialized support for passengers with disabilities, loyalty program members, and international travelers. However, response times can vary during peak hours, and some travelers report less consistency in service quality.
- Delta Airlines
Delta consistently ranks high for customer satisfaction and is known for its professional, courteous, and responsive service. They offer 24/7 customer support via phone, social media, mobile app, and airport agents. Delta's Fly Delta app and rebooking tools also simplify travel changes. Passengers often highlight shorter wait times and helpful responses during disruptions.
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Which airline is better for your next journey: Delta or American Airlines?
Choosing between Delta Air Lines and American Airlines depends on what matters most to you—comfort, pricing, route coverage, or customer service.
âś… Delta Air Lines
- Customer Satisfaction: Ranked highly by J.D. Power and The Points Guy for overall customer service, on-time performance, and in-flight experience.
- Cabin Comfort: Offers Delta Comfort+, Premium Select, First Class, and Delta One® for luxury international travel.
- Reliability: Delta is consistently praised for fewer cancellations and delays (U.S. DOT statistics).
- SkyMiles® Loyalty Program: Miles never expire, and Medallion® status provides strong upgrade perks.
- In-Flight Experience: Free messaging, in-seat entertainment, and Wi-Fi are available on most flights.
âś… American Airlines
- Extensive Network: Largest airline globally in terms of fleet size and destinations (serving 350+ destinations in 60+ countries).
- Cabin Options: From Basic Economy to Flagship® First—a top-tier premium international service.
- AAdvantage® Program: Great for frequent flyers; miles can be used with oneworld® partners.
- Flexible Booking: American offers Main Plus and Main Cabin Extra for added comfort and flexibility.
- Entertainment & Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi, seatback screens (on many flights), and Apple Music partnership.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing between American Airlines vs Delta Airlines depends on what you're after—comfort, flexibility, or a great rewards program. Whether it's Delta vs American Airlines for your next trip, both airlines offer something special. If you're not sure whether it's American or Delta, just let your travel vibe decide! Need help booking? Give FlyOfinder a call at +1-571-378-7016 for amazing deals and support.
FAQ’s
Q1: Is Delta bigger than American Airlines?
American Airlines has the largest fleet and passenger volume globally. Delta, however, leads in operational reliability and customer satisfaction.For any assistance with your flight reservations, feel free to contact us at +1-571-378-7016.
Q2: What is the difference between Delta and American Airlines?
Delta is known for consistent service and on-time flights. American offers a wider global network and more international premium options.
Q3: How much is American Airlines' baggage fee compared to Delta?
Both charge $30 for the first checked bag. Delta may charge more for extra or overweight bags, depending on the route.
Q4: Who has more destinations: Delta or American?
American Airlines flies to all over 350 destinations worldwide. Delta serves more than 300 cities across six continents.
Q5: Is American Airlines more reliable than Delta?
Delta generally has better on-time performance and fewer cancellations. It ranks higher in reliability across various industry reports.
Q6: Which loyalty program is better, American Airlines or Delta?
Delta SkyMiles offers flexibility and no mileage expiration. American's AAdvantage provides better value for partner and international bookings.
Q7: Is it easier to get status with American or Delta?
American's Loyalty Points system makes it easier to earn status. Delta relies more heavily on spending and flight activity.Have questions about your airlines tickets? FlyOfinder support team is here to help at +1-571-378-7016.