Delta vs. American: Which Airline Has Cheaper Flights?

When it comes to booking airfare in the United States, two names dominate the conversation: Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Travelers often wonder which carrier consistently offers better value for money.

The debate of Delta vs. American is not just about price it touches on customer experience, reliability and overall convenience. Still, for budget-conscious flyers, the burning question remains: which airline has cheaper flights? Let’s take a deep dive into both carriers to uncover the real differences in cost and what those prices include.

Delta vs. American: A Quick Snapshot

Before breaking down the costs, it helps to understand how each airline positions itself in the market.

Feature	Delta Air Lines	American Airlines
Headquarters	Atlanta, Georgia	Fort Worth, Texas
Network Size	Strong in the Southeast & global routes	Strong domestic coverage & Latin America
Loyalty Program	SkyMiles	AAdvantage
Cabin Classes	Basic Economy to Delta One (Business)	Basic Economy to Flagship First
Reputation	On-time reliability, polished service	Competitive pricing, extensive network

Airfare Pricing: How Do They Compare?

Base Fares

Both airlines advertise competitive base fares, especially on domestic routes. However, American Airlines often undercuts Delta on certain routes which making it appear cheaper at first glance. Delta, meanwhile, tends to keep base fares slightly higher but compensates with fewer last-minute fluctuations.

Hidden Fees and Add-ons

When comparing Delta vs. American, the extras matter. American Airlines has been criticized for charging fees more aggressively, especially for seat selection and checked luggage. Delta is not immune but it often bundles more perks into its ticket options, particularly with its Main Cabin fares.

Regional Price Differences

Pricing also depends heavily on where you are flying. For instance:

Delta dominates Atlanta and Minneapolis, where American struggles to compete.
American often comes in cheaper from Dallas Fort Worth and Charlotte, where it has hubs.

This means “cheaper” depends on your departure airport as much as the airline itself.

Ticket Classes Compared

Basic Economy

Delta: Includes free carry-on but strict restrictions on seat choice and boarding order.
American: Similar rules but sometimes slightly cheaper. However, it’s less forgiving when it comes to upgrades.

Main Cabin

Delta: Slightly pricier on average but comes with more customer-friendly perks like seat selection at booking.
American: Often cheaper but you may need to pay extra for preferred seating.

Premium Options

Delta Comfort+ vs. American Main Cabin Extra: Comparable, though Delta Comfort+ includes priority boarding.
Delta One vs. American Flagship Business: Pricing is route-specific but Delta frequently prices higher, justified by service quality.

Additional Factors That Influence Cost

Baggage Fees

Delta: $35 for the first checked bag domestically.
American: Same $35 fee, though discounts are available for AAdvantage members.

Loyalty Programs

Frequent flyers save more in the long run:

SkyMiles (Delta): No expiration, good for international redemptions.
AAdvantage (American): Easier to earn elite status, more domestic reward opportunities.

Change and Cancellation Policies

Delta’s elimination of most domestic change fees gives it an edge. American has similar policies but enforces stricter rules on Basic Economy.

Customer Perception of Value

Even when American is cheaper, many passengers perceive Delta as the better value due to reliability and service. For example, Delta regularly outperforms American in both on-time arrivals and overall customer satisfaction. That means a $20 savings on American may not feel worth it if delays and disruptions occur.

How to Decide Between Delta vs. American

Choosing the cheaper option requires context:

Check from your local hub – Prices differ dramatically based on where you live.
Factor in extras – Baggage, seat selection and food can tip the scale.
Consider loyalty programs – Long-term travelers may save more with consistent loyalty.
Look beyond price – Reliability, service and comfort matter when flights go wrong.

Pro Tip: Use our comparison tool to instantly check Delta vs. American fares side by side, including baggage and seat fees, to see which airline is truly cheaper for your trip.

FAQs About Delta vs. American

1. Which airline is cheaper overall: Delta or American?

American Airlines typically has lower base fares but Delta often provides better value once you include extras like baggage and seat selection.

2. Does Delta or American have better on-time performance?

Delta consistently outperforms American in punctuality which can reduce the hidden “cost” of delays.

3. Are Basic Economy tickets worth it?

They’re cheaper but restrictive. Delta’s Basic Economy includes carry-ons which making it slightly more traveler-friendly than American’s.

4. Do loyalty programs affect flight costs?

Yes. AAdvantage members often find discounted rates and reward flights while Delta’s SkyMiles stretch further for international trips.

5. Which airline charges more for baggage?

Both charge $35 for the first checked bag domestically, though loyalty status can waive these fees.

6. Are Delta’s premium cabins more expensive than American’s?

Usually, yes. Delta often prices its Comfort+ and Delta One above American’s equivalents, banking on higher service quality.

7. Does the departure airport change the price difference?

Absolutely. Delta hubs like Atlanta usually favor Delta while American hubs like Dallas favor American.

8. Can you switch flights easily with either airline?

Delta allows free changes on most tickets (except Basic Economy). American has similar policies but restrictions are stricter.

9. Which airline offers cheaper international flights?

American often has lower prices to Latin America while Delta can be more affordable to Europe depending on promotions.

10. Is one airline better for families traveling on a budget?

American may look cheaper upfront but Delta’s included perks (like seat selection in Main Cabin) can save families from surprise fees.

Conclusion

The debate of Delta vs. American doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. If you want the lowest upfront fare, American Airlines often comes out ahead. But when you weigh reliability, fewer hidden costs and service, Delta may be the smarter buy. The real winner depends on where you fly, what extras you need and how much you value convenience.

Next time you are planning a trip, compare both carriers carefully. A quick check with our fare comparison tool will show whether Delta or American is truly the cheaper and better choice for your journey.