Quantcast

Which US airline offers best value: A comparison of Delta, United & American

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
Which US airline offers best value: A comparison of Delta, United & American
Policy
Webp delta1
Delta Air Lines | Wikipedia

Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines are the three largest US-based carriers. Determining which one offers the best value for money depends on various factors such as route, aircraft age, and passenger priorities.

Delta Air Lines is a full-service carrier with hubs at several major airports including Boston Logan International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It was founded in 1929 and is part of the SkyTeam alliance. According to Skytrax rankings, Delta is considered the best among these airlines, holding the 21st position globally with a 3-star rating. United Airlines follows as the second-highest ranked US airline at 42nd place worldwide, while American Airlines ranks 78th.

Skytrax evaluates airlines based on cabin comfort, staff service, onboard entertainment, and catering. Another ranking by AirlineRatings.com emphasizes safety but did not list any US-based airline among the top 25 full-service airlines for 2025. Instead, Delta, United, and American were categorized as "hybrid" carriers with Delta leading in comfort and safety ratings.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

In terms of legroom, Delta offers more than its competitors with an average economy seat pitch of 31 inches compared to American's 30.2 inches and United's 30.1 inches. The seating density on Delta’s Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737-800 also suggests more space per passenger than those operated by United or American.

When considering fares reported by Cirium in August 2022, American had the lowest average fare at $282 compared to Delta's $295 and United's $330. However, this may be influenced by flight distances; United typically operates longer flights than either Delta or American.

Regarding baggage fees, all three airlines provide complimentary light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on most routes along with free Wi-Fi services being phased in across their fleets. For carry-on luggage policies in basic economy class: Delta allows a carry-on bag without charge; United requires it to be checked for a fee; American follows Delta’s policy.

The choice of aircraft types also plays a role in passenger experience. All three airlines operate fleets comprising both narrowbody and widebody aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. Notably, Delta has invested heavily in modern Airbus A220s known for their quietness and spacious feel.

Ultimately deciding which airline provides better value involves personal preference considerations like seat comfort versus ticket price or route convenience versus additional costs associated with checked baggage fees or inflight amenities availability during travel timeframes across different routes served by each carrier respectively throughout North America primarily but internationally too given their extensive networks supported through global alliances memberships accordingly.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) performance is under scrutiny following recent development proposals, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Aug 1, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced plans to add 40 nonstop flights from Boston Logan International Airport to 10 leisure destinations across the United States for Patriots’ Day in April 2025.

Aug 1, 2025

Emirates has expanded its Aircrafted KIDS initiative to the Middle East and North Africa region, starting with the donation of 800 bags to two non-profit organizations in Egypt.

Aug 1, 2025

The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has issued a statement on X, urging policymakers to prioritize the ongoing modernization of air traffic control (ATC) systems.

Jul 31, 2025

ITA Airways announced on X that it is extending the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv through September 30, including the cancellation of flights AZ809 and AZ815 on October 1.

Jul 31, 2025

Emirates has announced on X its plans to launch daily flights from Dubai to Hangzhou, marking an expansion of its network in China.

Jul 31, 2025