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Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines are two of the largest U.S.-based air carriers, but they take very different approaches to flying passengers across the country and beyond.
Choosing between these two airlines isn't just about who has the cheapest ticket on your travel dates. The airline you fly can significantly impact your entire travel experience, from how many flight options you have and whether you'll arrive on time, to what fees you'll pay and how comfortable your journey will be.
Both airlines pride themselves on reliability and customer service, but when you dig into the details, clear differences emerge. Some travelers may prefer Southwest's straightforward, no-frills approach, while others might favor Delta's premium amenities and global reach.
Here's how Southwest and Delta stack up across the categories that matter most to flyers.
On this page
Routes and destinations
Winner for most flight options: Delta
Delta easily takes the crown in this category with significantly more destinations than Southwest. While United actually serves the most destinations among major U.S. carriers, Delta's network still dwarfs Southwest's reach.
Delta
Delta serves more than 300 destinations across six continents, operating up to 5,500 daily scheduled departures.
Delta's membership in the SkyTeam alliance expands travel options even further. Through SkyTeam, passengers can reach more than 945 destinations in more than 145 countries with over 13,800 daily departures.
With SkyTeam, you can book tickets on partner airlines like KLM, Air France, Korean Air and Virgin Atlantic and enjoy a seamless travel experience, including checking in for flights and checking bags between destinations.
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Southwest
Southwest serves nearly 120 airports in 11 countries across North America, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. During peak periods, Southwest operates about 4,000 scheduled flights daily.
Where Southwest shines is in nonstop routes between cities, particularly between mid-sized markets that legacy carriers typically connect through their hubs. The airline uses a mostly point-to-point business model rather than relying on geographic hubs where passengers connect through.
For example, you can fly nonstop from Tampa, Florida, to Kansas City, Missouri, on Southwest. On Delta, you'd need to connect through Atlanta, Minneapolis or Detroit.
Operational reliability
Winner: Southwest
According to NerdWallet's analysis of U.S.-based airlines to find the most reliable carrier, Southwest and Delta were ranked first and second, respectively. The analysis evaluated on-time performance, cancellation rates and baggage mishandling.
Southwest
Southwest ranked first overall for reliability among major U.S. carriers. The airline had an on-time rate of 79.92%, a cancellation rate of just 0.82% and a mishandled baggage rate of 0.40%.
Southwest's low cancellation rate and excellent baggage handling gave it the edge over Delta, despite Delta having a slightly higher on-time percentage.
Delta
Delta Air Lines had an on-time percentage of 80.27%, outperforming Southwest by a slim margin. However, Delta's cancellation rate of 1.37% and mishandled baggage rate of 0.46% were both higher than Southwest's, which cost it the top spot.
That said, Delta still outperformed other major carriers, finishing ahead of Alaska, United, JetBlue and American.
Fees
Winner for lowest fees: Delta
Delta edges out Southwest in this category, primarily due to lower seat selection fees. When comparing the cost of two checked bags plus average seat selection fees, Delta comes in at $104.99 versus Southwest's $135.67.
That said, each airline charges a host of other fees that may affect your decision on which one to fly with.
Delta
Delta charges fees for checked bags and flight changes, but Wi-Fi is free for Delta SkyMiles members. Here's a look at some of the common fees you may come across with the legacy carrier:
- Checked bag fee: $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag. A third bag is $150, with bags four to 10 costing $200 each.
- Overweight bag fees: $100 for bags weighing 51-70 pounds and $200 for bags weighing 71-100 pounds.
- Same-day standby fee: $0.
- Same-day change fee: $75.
- Change fee for flights originating in the U.S. (excluding Basic Economy): $0.
- Cancellation fee: $0 except for Basic Economy tickets, where it is $99 for travel originating in the United States and Canada.
- Internet: Delta has rolled out free Wi-Fi on most of its flights for members of the SkyMiles program. On flights where free Wi-Fi isn't available, messaging is free.
- Unaccompanied minors: $150 each-way for children ages 5-17.
Southwest fees
Southwest made major changes to its fee structure in 2025, ending its famous free checked bags policy on May 28. The airline now charges some of the same fees as other carriers.
Here's a look at some common Southwest fees:
- Checked bag fee: $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag. Additional checked bags will run you $150 each.
- Overweight checked bag fee: $100 per bag weighing 51–70 pounds and $200 for bags weighing 71–100 pounds.
- Same-day standby fee: $0. (Basic fares are not eligible.)
- Same-day change fee: $0. (Basic fares are not eligible.)
- Change fee: $0.
- Internet: Free for Rapid Rewards members; otherwise, $8 per flight from takeoff to landing. Messaging is free.
- Unaccompanied minors: $100 one-way per child ages 5–11.
Southwest introduced assigned seating in January 2026, replacing its traditional first-come, first-served boarding process. Passengers can now pay extra for preferred seats and Priority Boarding within 24 hours of departure.
Rewards rate
Winner: Southwest
Southwest takes the win in the rewards category, offering a 7.8% return on base spending compared to Delta's 6%. This advantage comes from Southwest's higher base earning rate.
The gap might seem small, but for travelers booking multiple flights per year, those extra points add up fast. That said, earning rates are just one piece of the puzzle — your home airport, preferred routes and credit card benefits might carry more weight in choosing your airline.
Southwest
Our analysis values Southwest Rapid Rewards points at 1.3 cents apiece. Pair that with 6 points earned per dollar spent, and you get a 7.8% return — the strongest performance among both legacy and budget carriers.
In addition to its standard points-earning options, Southwest partners with Chase for three consumer credit cards and two business credit cards that allow you to rack up bonus points on Southwest tickets and other everyday purchases.
Delta
Our valuation puts Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents each. Earning 5 miles per dollar translates to a 6% return on your spending.
Delta's real strength lies in its American Express partnership and global reach. The airline offers seven co-branded Amex cards spanning four tiers of benefits, covering both personal and business needs.
Credit card availability
Winner for credit card options: Delta
Both Delta and Southwest offer co-branded credit cards that let you rack up miles or points on everyday purchases while unlocking travel perks. The key difference is that Delta provides more options across different price points and travel styles.
Southwest offers three personal cards and two business cards, while Delta counters with four personal cards and three business cards.
Delta credit card options
Delta partners with American Express for its entire credit card portfolio, with annual fees ranging from $0 (see rates and fees) to $650 (see rates and fees).
Every card earns miles on Delta purchases and general spending, but the benefits scale dramatically as you move up the tiers.
The personal card lineup includes:
The business offerings mirror the personal cards:
Nearly all of them throw in useful extras like complimentary checked bags and 15% savings on award bookings.
The top-tier Delta Amex cards cater to travel enthusiasts and road warriors with perks like annual companion passes, credits toward status upgrades and access to airport lounges. As a SkyTeam member, Delta also opens doors to award redemptions across a worldwide network of partner airlines. Terms Apply.
Southwest credit card options
Southwest takes a simpler approach, partnering with Chase to issue its co-branded cards. Every card earns points on all purchases, with bonus earning in select categories.
All Southwest cardholders automatically board in Group 5 under the airline's new assigned seating system. Depending on which card you choose, you may also enjoy other perks, like free checked bags, anniversary point bonuses, flight discounts, complimentary upgrades and tier qualifying points toward elite status.
The personal cards include:
The business cards are:
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
Southwest vs. Delta recapped
Both Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines are solid choices for domestic travel, each excelling in different areas that matter to flyers.
But between the two, Southwest takes the crown for reliability and offers the strongest rewards. The airline's point-to-point route network delivers nonstop flights between cities where other carriers force connections.
Delta wins on route variety, premium amenities and credit card options. With 341 destinations and SkyTeam alliance access, Delta opens up the world in ways Southwest simply can't match. The airline also offers a more refined travel experience with first class, premium economy and lounge access for elite members.
Your choice ultimately depends on where you're flying and what you value. If you need to get from Tampa to Kansas City without connecting, Southwest has you covered. But if you're planning a trip to Europe or want to earn elite status with premium cabin perks, Delta is your airline.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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