American Airlines vs. Delta: Which Is Best?

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are two of the largest U.S.-based airlines, and they have networks that cover coast to coast within the U.S. and abroad. American is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance, while Delta is part of SkyTeam.

Their hub airports, loyalty programs, onboard service, schedules and fares are all reasons that people will select to fly with one of them. If you’re trying to figure out if American or Delta is better for you, this guide will break down their key differences.

» Learn more: The year's best airlines

Winner for most options: American

American

American has major hubs spread across the country. The airline serves more than 350 destinations in 60 countries.

Delta

Delta is also large, with 290 destinations on 5,000 daily flights to six continents. While Delta serves fewer destinations than American, it operates an expansive network.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Delta partner airlines

Winner for elite status and rewards: American

American AAdvantage

American’s loyalty program, AAdvantage, provides impressive value to members, especially since they can earn Loyalty Points to attain elite status in more ways than what Delta offers. You don’t even have to take an American flight to earn Loyalty Points to get elite status; you can earn points on credit cards and shopping online. But then, what good is elite status if you don’t fly?

While the airline relies on a semi-dynamic award chart for its flights and those of its partners, it offers far more value than Delta, which is known for exorbitantly pricing its awards. American miles are valuable, and NerdWallet gives each mile a value of 1.6 cents.

In fact, a recent NerdWallet analysis named American’s elite status as the most valuable among U.S. carriers.

» Learn more: The beginner’s guide to airline elite status

Delta SkyMiles

Delta’s SkyMiles program can offer sweet spots from time to time, especially for economy class awards, but the airline has done its best to chip away at its program. It is quite hard to extract great value from the loyalty program if you are hoping to redeem miles at a good rate for business or first class.

Delta has downgraded perks associated with some of its Choice Benefits. For example, Global Upgrade Certificates are only valid on a one-class upgrade from economy to premium economy or premium economy to business on Delta flights. American’s systemwide certificates are good from economy to business class.

This is why NerdWallet allocates a lower value to SkyMiles at 1.2 cents each. Interestingly, Delta has improved in NerdWallet’s rankings for best elite status for many of its tiers, but it still gets outshined by American.

Winner of the sky: Delta

American

American offers economy and first class on domestic flights. The first class seats are similar to Delta’s and are like large recliners, although some lack in-flight entertainment screens.

First class passengers enjoy complimentary meals and beverages in flight, and those in Main Cabin Extra seats also receive a free drink. All other passengers enjoy nonalcoholic drinks and snacks.

On longer flights, American has first and business class with fully flat beds and a premium economy cabin. Both of these are comfortable on long flights. In economy class, alcoholic drinks and meals are complimentary on long-haul flights.

» Learn more: The best airline for in-flight entertainment

Delta

Delta offers Delta Main, Delta Comfort and first class on domestic flights. Its first class seat is a large-style recliner with an entertainment screen. Free drinks and meals are the norm in first class, and Delta Comfort passengers enjoy more legroom and free drinks with upgraded snacks. Economy passengers also select from four snack choices and enjoy nonalcoholic drinks free of charge. On most Delta planes, all seats have an entertainment screen.

Premium economy on international flights offers an experience similar to domestic first class. Those in Delta One, the airline’s premium business class product, will enjoy a lie-flat seat, high-end meals and complimentary alcohol. Each of Delta’s planes offers a different seat in Delta One. Some of its newer planes have private doors at the seat, while others are quite constrained with limited foot space.

Those traveling in economy enjoy meals and alcohol on long-haul flights.

» Learn more: Guide to Delta One and Delta first class

Winner for its variety of credit cards: Tie

American

American has numerous credit cards, including some that include membership to the Admirals Club. Perhaps the best feature of American’s credit cards (some of which have no or low annual fees) is the fact that you can spend your way to elite status when using them.

Delta

Delta’s co-branded cards are issued by American Express and come with different annual fees that are proportionate to the benefits they offer. The most premium Delta-branded cards get you Sky Club access, though certain limits apply.

Like American cards, some of the perks of holding a Delta co-branded credit card include earlier boarding and free checked bags.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

NerdWallet's best airline analysis this year found American to rank higher than Delta when it comes to several categories. And its loyalty program has a lot to do with it. This is how the two airlines compare across various categories:

• American scored significantly higher than Delta in rewards rates. This is due to the ability to extract more value, especially premium cabin awards, on American flights. 

• American’s elite status scored higher than Delta’s.

• Delta has a much more reliable operation than American, outpacing its competitor.

• Delta scored slightly better than American on fees, though Delta punishes customers who originate travel in Europe with more fees.

While American edges out Delta when it comes to loyalty program and elite status, Delta is a more reliable and friendlier airline overall. If you are choosing an airline for a better onboard product and more pleasant lounge experience, Delta is your carrier.

But if you value upgrades and elite status, choose American. Both airlines will fly you to your destination safely and in relative comfort, but depending on what you value, there are some pros and cons with both carriers.