Delta vs United: Economy Class

Seating

Delta Airlines’ economy seats are of the standard size as most of its aircraft have a total number of 139 seats with a pitch of 31 inches and a width of 17 inches. However, in a few aircraft, depending on the seat layout, you might get a few extra inches of legroom and width. But, the maximum pitch and width you can ever get on Delta Airlines economy flights are 35 and 18.5 inches respectively.

On the other hand, most of United Airlines’ aircraft have a total number of 120 economy seats with similar pitch and width. However, as mentioned above, owing to the seat layout in a few aircraft, you might get a few extra inches of legroom. 

Both airlines have charging sockets on their seats but, depending on the aircraft, you might get a personal socket, or you would have to share.

Amenities and Inflight Entertainment

In Delta Airlines’ main cabin for passengers with economy class tickets from USA, a sleeping kit and a complimentary headset are provided only on long-haul international flights. Taking note of the in-flight entertainment, the screen size is the standard 9 inches but, as an icing on the cake, the airline promises to keep you engaged throughout the flight with complimentary access to Delta Studio.

Coming to United Airlines’ economy class, passengers do not have the luxury of being provided with any amenity or sleeping kits. Well, United makes up for that with food, which we’ll see later! Taking note of the in-flight entertainment, United has been removing seatback screens from most aircraft, arguing that passengers carry personal mobile devices in their handbags these days. You might find seatback screens on a few selected aircraft with limited entertainment options. However, United bleakly tries to keep its passengers entertained on long-haul flights with complimentary access to the United App, which has to be downloaded prior to boarding the flight. 

WiFi is available for purchase on both the airlines, on select routes.

Inflight Food and Dining

Both Delta and United offer complimentary food onboard; but, the former strictly does not offer anything for flights under 250 miles. While, United is happy to serve you complimentary food on all flights, irrespective of the duration and miles. 

Delta offers a complimentary meal along with beer, wine, spirits, and Starbucks only on long-haul international flights. On top of that, Delta’s inflight dining boasts of 14 different special meals to choose from, starting with toddler meals to gluten-free meals and vegan meals to the meals that adhere to religious requirements. 

On the other hand, on international flights, United offers complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with a three-course complimentary meal and illy coffee. On United Airlines flights longer than 12 hours, a complimentary mid-flight snack is offered to make you feel full for the rest of the flight.  

Spirits and liqueurs are available for purchase on both airlines.  

Economy Baggage Allowance

Delta Airlines’ economy baggage allowance for international flights is two pieces of check-in baggage, each not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs). In addition, one personal item and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin or under the seat are allowed. United Airlines’ economy baggage allowance is the same as that of Delta Airlines. 

Seat Upgrades: From Economy to Business 

There are multiple options for you to upgrade to business class from economy seats on Delta flights. You can redeem your frequent flyer miles for the same. Delta offers a complimentary economy to premium economy or business upgrades to Medallion Elite members, alongside allowing the purchase of an upgrade on the day of departure. 

Unlike Delta passengers, not everyone can upgrade from economy to business on United Airlines flights. Only those with elite status with the airline can make it on United business flights by upgrading their economy or premium economy tickets.    

Also Read: Premium Economy Flights vs Economy Air Travel

Delta vs United: Business Class

Business Class Seating

The award-winning Delta One – Delta Airlines business class – boasts of 180-degree flat-bed seats which measure from 76 to 82 inches, based on the aircraft. Set in a 1-2-1 layout, each seat comes with a Westin Heavenly branded in-flight bedding, an oversized duvet, a down-alternative pillow, and a dedicated overhead bin. 

United Airlines’ business-class Polaris seats are more or less the same as Delta’s business class seats. The 180-degree flat-bed seats are 72-in long and 6-in wide in United Polaris. On most of the aircraft deployed for United business class flights, the seats are set in a 1-2-1 or a 2-2-2 layout, except the newer planes with a more spacious 1-1-1 layout. Each seat features a dedicated overhead bin, a cool-gel pillow, and bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue with two different types of blankets – a quilted duvet and a lighter throw blanket. Mattress cushions are also available on request.

Inflight Amenities

In Delta Airlines’ business class, passengers are provided with an LSTN noise-canceling headphone and a TUMI amenity kit containing various travel essentials like dental kit, tissues, earplugs, hand and body lotion, and a lip balm. If you feel comfortable in a pajama during bedtime, do make sure to carry one while traveling on Delta’s long-haul flights from USA to Philippines.     

United Airlines provides its business class passengers with a noise-canceling headphone, a pair of slippers and a random theme-based Polaris amenity kit that packs in similar travel essentials mentioned above. However, on flights longer than 12 hours, passengers are given pajamas on request. 

Inflight Food and Dining  

Delta One’s inflight meal service varies depending on the destination you travel to. Delta has partnered with chefs worldwide to pamper passengers with regional delicacies.  Moreover, Travelers with Delta business flight tickets are privileged enough to choose meals of their preference, three days prior to the journey. Delta has roped in Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson to curate the world’s best wines for premium passengers. 

United promises to keep its Polaris business class passengers’ appetite full throughout the flight, starting with snacks, a five-course meal and the arrival meal. In a bid to take its dining experience a step further, United has collaborated with chefs from The Trotter Project, a nonprofit organization. You can also savor the complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with ‘a la carte’ snacks to satisfy your mid-flight cravings. Regional specialties are only offered on flights from USA to South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and other few destinations in Asia.

Lounge Access

The perks of flying Delta business class include complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges across the world, regardless of membership. However, if you have elite status with the airline, you can take a guest or two, along with you for free. 

Unlike Delta, United doesn’t allow you to take guests but offers complimentary access to its Polaris lounges worldwide and the lounges of its codeshare partners.

Lounge memberships can be purchased for both airlines, depending on your status with the airline. 

Priority Access

Sky Priority hassle-free boarding, access to dedicated check-in counters, expedited baggage handling, and fast security check-in are among the perks of booking Delta One flights. However, concierge access and bag delivery are only available at selected locations.

Similarly, United’s Premier Access priority options for its Polaris passengers are also the same.

Baggage

Delta Airlines’ business-class baggage allowance for international flights is two check-in bags of up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each, one personal item and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin or under your seat. Similarly, United Airlines’ business-class baggage allowance is the same as that of Delta Airlines. 

Delta Airlines vs United Airlines: Fleet Age

Delta Airlines’ fleet consists of 909 Airbus, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas aircraft, making it one of the largest in the world. However, Delta has an average fleet age of 15.8 years but its 112 MD-80/90 aircraft of 26 years, is the oldest in its fleet.

United Airlines’ fleet consists of 790 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with the average fleet age of 15.1 years. 

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Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the world’s leading integrated transportation hubs and the world’s biggest single-building airport terminal. Spanning 700,000 square meters, China’s Daxing Airport is expected to handle over 72 million passenger trips a year by 2025. Situated on the border of Hebei Province, the airport is located nearly 46 km to the south of the Beijing city center.

Daxing International Airport will provide Delta Airlines with a great opportunity to serve the growing needs of its customers. When Delta moves to Daxing, along with China Eastern Airlines, Delta will be able to accommodate the growing numbers of passengers by increasing the number of on-time departure and arrival flights, alongside ensuring more convenient baggage delivery, faster security check, custom clearance and boarding, and efficient arrival procedures.

The Deputy General Manager of Daxing International Airport Kong Yue said, “We are excited to have Delta Airlines as one of the key tenant airlines at the Daxing Airport, which is designed for a seamless connection. We share the same goal of providing passengers with pleasant travel experience on-ground hospitality. When Delta moves to Daxing, we’ll continue working closely together to ensure passengers flying to and from Daxing Airport could enjoy the best-in-class services.”

In 2015, Delta Airlines acquired a 3.5% stake in China Eastern Airlines by investing a whopping $450 million and made it a codeshare partner. Delta Airlines’ daily flight services from Beijing to Detroit and Seattle will be operating from Daxing Airport and will be extended to over 30 cities across China through codeshare flights on China Eastern Airlines.

When Delta moves to Daxing, Delta One members, as well as SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members traveling on flights from the USA to China, will be able to savor the amenities of China Eastern’s new VIP lounges at Daxing International Airport. China Eastern has two domestic lounges and one international lounge at Daxing Airport. One domestic lounge located in the central area of the terminal, while the other is situated on Level 3 in the southeastern pier; the international lounge is located on Level 4 in the central area. All three lounges are fully equipped with modern amenities and travelers-friendly facilities.

Delta’s long-haul flights from Detroit to Beijing are currently being served by the airline’s flagship Airbus A350, while the daily flights from Seattle to Beijing will deploy the new Airbus A330-900 neo. In the first half of 2020, Delta plans to operate all six of its nonstop flights from the USA to China on a daily basis; all equipped with the next-generation Delta One suites and Delta Premium Select Products.

Early in 2019, Delta moved its Shanghai operations to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport Satellite 1 Terminal, the world’s largest satellite airport terminal. Delta runs four daily non-stop services in Shanghai including flights from Detroit to Shanghai, flights from Seattle to Shanghai, flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai and flights from Atlanta to Shanghai.

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Delta Airlines is currently operating flights to Shanghai from Seattle, Detroit and Los Angeles. Once the proposed nonstop flights from Atlanta to Shanghai take to skies, Atlanta will be Delta’s fourth US gateway to Shanghai. Delta Airlines’ upcoming service will also provide a smooth one-stop access to more than 150 destinations across US and Latin America from Shanghai. Furthermore, it will connect with more than 50 destinations via Shanghai in China in codeshare partnership with China Eastern Airlines.

“Strong demand for Delta service across the Pacific and to China nonstop from the US as well as our China Eastern partnership make this route compelling for both business and leisure travelers,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to connecting Delta’s hometown and China Eastern’s home with this route, while offering our customers innovative products, thoughtful in flight service and leading operational reliability,” he added.

With the addition of new nonstop Delta Airlines Flights from Atlanta to Shanghai, Delta will now have a nonstop service from Atlanta to the three largest markets in Asia – Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai. Delta Airlines has also partnered with China Eastern and Korean Air to provide a convenient one-stop access to more than 75 destinations in Asia.

“Global connectivity and a strong relationship with China is the need of the day,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “Delta Airlines’ new Atlanta to Shanghai nonstop flights will not only serve our tourism industry by shortening the international travel time, but will bolster our business community as well. Delta Air Lines has to be appreciated for all of its hard work in making sure that Georgia remains a leader in the global marketplace.”

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said, “We are happy to hear that Delta is now offering non-stop service to Shanghai Pudong International Airport which will strengthen Atlanta International Airport’s standing as the world’s most-efficient and busiest passenger airport. This new nonstop Delta Airlines Flights from Atlanta to Shanghai will open new business and cultural opportunities between Shanghai and Atlanta, and will support our thriving tourism industry.”

Subject to Government approval, Delta Airlines’ proposed flight DL 185 will depart from Atlanta at 3 pm and arrive in Shanghai at 6:50 pm (next day). It will start from Shanghai at 11:40 am and reach Atlanta at 2:55 pm (next day).

Highlights of Delta Airlines’ upcoming nonstop flights from Atlanta to Shanghai:

• 291-seat Boeing 777-200LR aircraft
• 37 lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in Delta One
• 36 seats in Delta Comfort+
• 218 seats in the Main Cabin
• An industry-leading nine-abreast seating layout, among the widest in international economy seating
• Every seat has Wi-Fi, a personal, in-flight seatback entertainment screen as well as power ports
• Complimentary meals, including locally sourced Chinese meals and beverages will also be provided in all cabins
• Additionally, in the Delta One cabin, customers will enjoy Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, noise-canceling LSTN headphones, TUMI amenity kits featuring Kiehl’s since 1851 premium skincare and in-flight loungewear

The Delta One suite and the Delta Premium Select will progressively roll out on Delta’s Boeing 777 fleet for the Atlanta-Shanghai route, beginning in late 2018.

Do save BIG on booking Delta Airlines flights to China, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines and UAE at iEagle.com. The cheapest Delta Airlines fares are guaranteed alongside the best service throughout the year.

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Delta Airlines tapped into the popularity of New York’s Union Square restaurants in a bid to compete with other international airlines that are pampering premium flyers with a gamut of luxuries like inflight spa treatment, restaurant-like dining, free cups of brand coffee, and inflight screening of Star Wars films. How luxurious airlines’ inflight services are in premium classes is no more a secret.

Delta Air Lines chose inflight food to gain an advantage over its competitors. The alliance with Union Square Hospitality Group that owns such brand restaurants as Shake Shake, Blue Smoke, Gramercy Tavern, and Union Square Café across New York is expected to serve food on Delta flights as an unforgettable experience for Delta One customers.

The purpose is to treat passengers in the Delta One cabin with topnotch restaurant-like hospitality on board. “We want Delta One flyers to say not just ‘This is great food’ but ‘This is great food on an airline,’” exulted John Harenda, Vice President for operations at Union Square Hospitality group. Allison Ausband, Senior Vice President for inflight service at Delta Air Lines, agreed with John Harenda in saying, “We really want to change the conversation around food on Delta flights for premium flyers.”

It is not easy to redefine inflight dining service and that too for premium travelers. Usually plates and containers to serve food on board are small. High altitude affects sensibility of taste buds. Recipes must be in tune with inflight circumstances, according to Carmen Quagliata, the Union Square Café Chef, who has designed the menu for Delta One food.

Delta Airlines’ alliance with Union Square Hospitality Group resulted from the success of a menu that the master chef of Blue Smoke had created for a few Delta flights in 2013. Barbequed meats from Blue Smoke’s menu did wonder to the taste buds on board. The new Delta One menu from Chef Carmen Quagliata’s repertoire will be launched on Delta flights from New York on March 1.

Delta Airlines wanted Chef Carmen Quagliata to add a pasta dish from Union Square Café to the Delta One menu, but he was doubtful about the taste of pasta dishes which are usually reheated on flights. So he brainstormed the recipe of a baked pasta dish for Delta One passengers. Thus the food on Delta flights for Delta One cabin became an innovation in the end.

Get Cheap Tickets for Delta Flights from USA to Manila, Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, Doha, Beijing, Chiang Mai and other major cities on iEagle.com.    

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