A Closer Look: American Airlines vs. Delta Airlines, Here’s How They Stack Up

Two of the giants in the air American Airlines and Delta Airlines have plenty to offer travelers, but have you stopped to think and compare them? There are more factors to consider than flight prices and the convenience of direct flights (nonstops) offered. Let’s put the numbers, flight amenities, alliances, sheer number of destinations and actual number of planes side by side for a closer analysis of two of the most dominant airlines.

American Airlines is the world’s largest airline with headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas and boasts flights to 350 destinations. This doesn’t include their regional airline American Eagle and its seven individual airlines, with flights to 242 destinations. Compare that to Delta Airlines, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and flights to 241 destinations, 328 if you include their regional carrier Delta Connection.

Both airlines have loyalty programs that offer frequent passengers a number of perks. Not only can American Airlines’ AAdvantage members earn miles, they can also take advantage of upgrades, no blackout dates, the ability to buy gifts or share miles, and have access to the Oneworld Alliance (American has alliances with 23 airlines). On the contrary, over at Delta, their SkyMiles loyalty program offers miles that never expire, rewards at every level, no cap on miles earned, and the ability to earn miles with their 20-plus partner airlines.

American leads when it comes to the number of aircrafts with 965 while Delta has 764. With regards to baggage fees, both offer the first carry on for free. The second bag will cost you $30 domestically and $60 internationally with American, while Delta charges $30 for the second bag under 50 pounds.

Here’s the lowdown on onboard experiences, meaning entertainment, food, and classes of service:

American has seven classes of service and they include...

• First Class: premium dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment along with wider seats and more legroom plus, priority security, check-in, and boarding.
• Business Class: choose from a larger menu, complimentary pillows and blankets, and free inflight entertainment to name a few.
• Premium Economy: a chef-inspired meal with complimentary beer, wine and spirits; an amenity kit; and complimentary personal on demand entertainment.
• Main Cabin Extra: seats feature early boarding; free snacks, beer, wine, and spirits; free movies and television shows; and extra leg room.
• Main Cabin: free seat selection; complimentary snack and soft drinks; Wi-Fi for purchase; and complimentary movies and television shows.
• Basic Economy: still receive snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment but passengers can only choose their seat 48 hours before departure and for international flights at time of booking.

Delta has seven classes of service and they include...

• Delta One: a dedicated inflight cabin attendant; flat-bed seat; chef-curated meals with complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails; outlet and USB port; extra wide screen televisions and noise-canceling headphones; and an amenity kit with skin care products.
• First Class: spacious seats oftentimes with seat back screens; a dedicated inflight attendant; soft blanket and pillow; WiFi, outlets, and complimentary ergonomically designed earbuds; complimentary snacks and alcoholic beverages on flights less than 900 miles; full meals on flights 900-1,399 miles; and even more options for flights more than 1,500 miles.
• Delta Premium Select: extra reclining seats with footrests; wider seats with adjustable headrests; personal entertainment screening device; power ports in the seat’s armrest.
• Delta Comfort: more legroom; a dedicated bin space; early boarding; complimentary pillow, blanket and headset; and choice of films, television shows, HBO, or Showtime.
• Main Cabin: preferred seats; complimentary headphones and the same flight entertainment as Delta Comfort.
• Basic Economy: a main cabin seat; complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; Wi-Fi for purchase; and complimentary hours of movies and shows on Delta Studio.

That’s a rundown of comparisons between the two giants to help you make an informed decision according to your travel plans and needs. Next time you book a flight, know what’s available then take off on your next adventure. Bon Voyage!

​P.S. Explore how to pick the best airline mile programs with yours truly!