Alaska Airlines vs. Delta Air Lines: Which Is Right for You?

Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines are U.S.-based airlines with plenty of perks. One is a member of airline alliance Oneworld, while the other maintains its partnership with SkyTeam.

If you’re trying to figure out whether you should fly with Alaska Airlines vs. Delta, let us help you. In this guide, we’ll break down where they fly, their loyalty programs, the in-flight experience and more.

» Learn more: The year's best airlines

Where they’re based and where they fly

Winner for most options: Delta

Alaska

Although it’s a smaller airline than Delta, Alaska has been steadily growing in recent years. It’s headquartered in Seattle, but you’ll also find plenty of flights from its hubs in Los Angeles; San Francisco; Anchorage, Alaska; and Portland, Oregon.

While Alaska flies to many short-haul international destinations, such as the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico, it's also expanding its reach to places like London, Seoul, Reykjavik, Tokyo and Rome.

Delta

Delta is a much larger airline with broad international reach, including up to 5,000 daily flights to more than 290 destinations.

Delta U.S. hubs:

• Atlanta.

• Boston.

• Detroit.

• Los Angeles.

• Minneapolis-St. Paul.

• New York.

• Salt Lake City.

• Seattle. 

» Learn more: The complete guide to Delta partner airlines

Airline rewards programs

Winner for elite status and rewards: Alaska

Atmos Rewards (Alaska)

Alaska undoubtedly has one of the best remaining loyalty programs in the United States. Especially with its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and membership in the Oneworld alliance, it maintains its status as heavily lucrative and generous to its members.

The Alaska-Hawaiian joint loyalty program is called Atmos Rewards. There's a semi-dynamic award chart and there are some excellent redemptions to be found in economy and business classes on Alaska, Hawaiian and their airline partners. Because of this and among other reasons, NerdWallet values Atmos points at 1.4 cents each.

The Atmos loyalty program is also generous, with great mileage earnings and other benefits for its members.

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

Delta SkyMiles

While there are still Delta SkyMiles loyalists, the airline chipped away at its program in recent years to limit benefits to only its highest spenders. The requirements to reach elite status are very expensive, with the lowest level starting at earning $5,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars.

On top of that, redeeming SkyMiles for a good value has become increasingly difficult. NerdWallet values SkyMiles at 1.2 cents each.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Atmos Rewards elite status

In-flight experience

Winner of the sky: Delta

Alaska

Alaska operates fewer flights than Delta and a much smaller route network, especially when it comes to long-haul flights. Because of this, most of its aircraft only offer economy, economy plus and first class. The first class seats that you’ll find will recline but don’t turn into beds; they resemble large recliners more than anything else.

Those in first class are entitled to complimentary meals and alcoholic beverages, and those who are flying in economy plus also receive free alcohol. Anyone seated in economy will get nonalcoholic drinks and snacks.

However, following Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, it does now have aircraft with suites that offer lie-flat beds for business class. You'll typically find those planes on long-haul international routes.

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

Delta

Delta maintains several cabin classes, including economy, economy plus, premium economy, business and first class. The type of seat you’ll get will depend on where you’re flying.

Premium economy is akin to domestic first class as you’ll find on both Delta and Alaska, with large reclining seats. Those in Delta One, the airline’s premium business class product, will enjoy a lie-flat seat, high-end meals and complimentary alcohol.

Those traveling in economy will receive free snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, though on long-haul flights meals and alcohol are included.

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

Airline credit cards

Winner for its variety of credit cards: Delta

Alaska

The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card from Bank of America® delivers surprising value for its $95 annual fee. This includes a free checked bag on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, priority boarding and an annual companion certificate.

Delta

Delta also offers co-branded cards issued by American Express, with a variety of annual fees. Their benefits include free checked bags, companion certificates, airport lounge access and priority boarding. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Other factors to consider

NerdWallet's best airline analysis this year compared Alaska, Delta and other airlines across multiple factors; here's how these two airlines compare across subcategories.

• Alaska placed first in rewards rates whereas Delta placed seventh.

• Delta placed in terms of operations, while Alaska placed fourth.

• Delta placed second in elite status benefits compared to Alaska's third place finish.

• Alaska has lower total fees than Delta.

Delta vs. Alaska: The results

In total, Alaska is the winner in a face off against Delta.

Delta has better in-flight entertainment, more reliable operations, wider credit card options and flights to more destinations compared to Alaska. Delta performs better for its valuable elite status program and reliable operations.

However, Alaska outcompetes Delta in terms of its rewards rate and lower fees.

In the end, you will get where you're going on either airline. Choose the option that serves your preferred airport or flies to your ideal destinations.