I flew economy on American, Delta, and United. The flights were strikingly similar but with small quirks that may help you choose which airline to fly.

Taylor RainsJul 18, 2024, 04:14 IST

Comparing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines' domestic narrowbody cabins.Taylor Rains/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>I recently flew in domestic economy on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.</li><li>Each has pros and cons, but are all competitive. I'll continue to book based on price and convenience.</li></ul>The <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-and-worst-airlines-in-the-us-according-to-the-points-guy-2024-6">US has three "Big 3" mainline carriers</a>: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.Frequent flyers commonly have a favorite, whether for the fares, on-time rate, route options, or the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-overhauls-skymiles-program-medallion-qulifying-dollars-skyclub-frequent-flyer-2023-9">airline's loyalty program.</a>I have <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-airbus-a220-nyc-jfk-dallas-dfw-economy-lavatory-review-2024-5">historically favored Delta</a> because it's what my family always flew growing up. But these days, I usually book based on price and convenience rather than loyalty. (If you're looking for the best airline for <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-book-free-travel-cheap-deals-credit-card-rewards">free upgrades or point redemptions, </a>this isn't the article for you).As someone whose job often involves <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/united-basic-economy-review-carryon-middle-seat-new-york-denver-2024-7">flying on airlines</a> and comparing them, I recently pit the Big 3 against each other by flying each on the same ticket type, on similar routes, and all within a reasonable timeframe.What I found won't change how I approach booking flights because the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-vs-delta-airlines-domestic-basic-economy-review-2024-6">experiences on each airline</a> were similar enough overall, but I can imagine the small comfort and service differences could sway other travelers.

My three domestic tickets were for basic economy on flights of about four hours, giving me the most apples-to-apples comparison.

I prefer basic economy on mainlines because they come with the cabin perks at a cheaper price.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I book basic economy because I like to save money where I can, and the unbundled fares are perfect for my style of travel.

American's Boeing 737 cabin from Dallas/Fort Worth to LaGuardia.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Out of the three discount options, American and Delta often offer more bang for your buck than United's more restrictive basic fares.

United's boarding pass made it crystal clear that I was not allowed a carry-on bag with my basic economy ticket.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

United's policy required me to spend an extra $40 to check my carry-on, which isn't ideal and could be a dealbreaker if a competitor is cheaper.

Google Flights shows the same price for all three mainlines from LaGuardia to Chicago on October 16, but you won't get a carry-on bag on United.Google Flights

While the no carry-on bothered me, it's not a problem for everyone. United earns points for its more tech-savvy cabin.

I travel with overhead Beats headphones and AirPods, but I prefer the Beats and can connect them to United's economy cabin.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

You'll get a similar cabin layout on Delta, but without Bluetooth, unless you're in first class on an A321neo.

The Delta A220 economy inflight television screen. This one does not have Bluetooth.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

American has installed seatback tablet holders instead of screens. It makes me an oddball, but I actually prefer it that way.

The Kindle Fire 10 with a case on fit fine.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

In my experience, besides the screen difference, the Big 3 largely offer the same level of comfort and service in their narrowbody cabins.

The cabins on Delta (top), United (bottom left), and American (bottom right). The seat width varied but I didn't notice.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Delta has the best internet, but all of the Big 3 participate in a T-Mobile plan that gives free WiFi to eligible customers.

The T-Mobile inflight connection option on American's WiFi portal.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

American offers very limited free internet, while United offers complimentary messaging.

The limited WiFi option on American.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Of course, there are some outliers, as all three still fly older jets that haven't been retrofitted with updated cabins.

For example, there was no tablet holder on the American A319 I flew back in 2022. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Still, you'll more likely than not be on a retrofit plane with enough comforts to survive a four or so-hour flight.

The "United Next" cabin on a Boeing 737 Max 8.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

And if you're on Delta's A220 plane, you may want to visit the lavatory.

Delta A220 lavatory window.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Overall, my recent flights gave me more confidence in American and United after previous mediocre experiences.

Gate C7 at DFW airport for my return flight to LaGuardia in May.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

My main hesitation would be the route. I'll almost always pay more or go out of my way for a nonstop.

It's case-by-case, but I'll typically fly out of New York-JFK or LaGuardia. Between the two, I can get almost anywhere in the US nonstop.Anadolu/Getty Images

For those still stuck between one or more of the three for a particular economy flight, here's my best advice on how to choose.

The view of the United cabin from the author's middle seat.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

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