I typically prefer Delta over American. After head-to-head flights, the rival airline is growing on me.

Taylor RainsJun 2, 2024, 16:44 IST

I prefer American's tablet holder to Delta's seatback screens. Not everyone agrees with me. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I recently flew back-to-back on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines in domestic economy.
Delta has better WiFi options, but I prefer the in-flight entertainment set-up on American.

There were few flight options out of the tiny Tallassee, Florida, regional airport I lived near growing up, but my family mostly flew Delta Air Lines.

Its good customer service and usually on-time flights have kept me as a fan of the airline well into adulthood.

However, Delta recently changed its SkyMiles program to rely on money spent rather than miles flown — pointing to a desire to attract more high-dollar travelers. This has made loyalty less important to me.

I've since spent more time on mainline rival American Airlines, which has a huge operation out of the New York City airports I now live by. While it used to disappoint, I'm slowly becoming a fan.

To compare American to my old favorite, I recently flew back-to-back on both airlines in domestic economy class. I found them to be different but the same, so I'd book either again if the price is right.

My American and Delta flights journeyed between New York's LaGuardia Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas.

Gate C7 at GFW airport for my flight home to New York.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The Delta outbound was on an Airbus A220, while the American return was on a Boeing 737-800.

A Delta A220 (top) and an American Boeing 737-800 (bottom, not the Max).Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider, Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

Each ticket was basic economy with a random seat to keep things as apples-to-apples as possible. I ended up in the middle seat on both.

The seats on the American flight.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Despite my unfortunate luck, both 30-inch-pitch seats were plenty spacious enough for my 5'3" self. Delta's seat was wider.

The author's legroom on Delta's A220 (top) and American's 737-800 (bottom) economy seats.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Other seat similarities included a sturdy tray table, adjustable headrests, power ports, and a seatback pocket.

Delta's A220 is configured with rows of two on the left and rows of three on the right, so the chances of getting a random middle seat are lower.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The padding on my American and Delta flights was comparable, as well as the overall inflight service and reliability.

An adjustable headrest is a must for me for sleeping on airplanes. Pictured is the American flight.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I also particularly liked the full-sized window in the rear lavatory of Delta's A220.

Inside Delta's A220 lavatory.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Besides the window, there were two other key differences between the mainline competitors: inflight entertainment and WiFi access.

The seatback screen on Delta's A220.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Most people I've talked to say they prefer the seatback screens common on Delta's jets — but I like prefer the tablet holder on American.

The tablet holder on the seatback on American.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

When I travel, I bring my own pre-downloaded content and like the holder's viewing angle better than propping my tablet on the tray table.

My neighbor used his holder to play his Nintendo Switch.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

For WiFi, Delta had an entirely free option available to SkyMiles members. American's complimentary option was only 20 minutes.

Screenshot of American's free WiFi option on the author's iPhone.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

However, my T-Mobile phone number gives me free and unlimited WiFi on both airlines. It's typically fast and reliable regardless of carrier.

The T-Mobile service extends to Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, too. In almost every case, I've had working WiFi for most of the flight.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Considering I use T-Mobile WiFi and always bring my tablet to watch shows, neither of the airlines' internet nor IFE setups is a dealbreaker for me.

The snack and drink I got on my American flight.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I prefer American's IFE setup, but its economy comfort is so comparable to Delta's that I care more about price and timing.

The seat on Delta's A220.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

There's also reliability to consider, but American didn't trail far behind Delta in terms of on-time performance in 2023, and it actually beat United.

An American Airlines Boeing 737-800.AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

These days, I'm looking for the most convenient routing, regardless of carrier, and booking the one with the best timing and fare ratio.

Delta Air Lines at JFK.Ron Adar/Shutterstock

Some may say I'm missing out on the glamour of airline status, but it's nice not to worry about that loyalty anymore.

Deplaning the Delta A220.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

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