Delta Air Lines vs Alaska Airlines: Which one is better?

Alaska as well as Delta are the most prominent & well-known US-based airlines. On one hand, Alaska Airlines is popular for its extensive regional network on the West Coast of the United States. Whereas, Delta Air Lines has a global network in multiple continents, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

This blog is all about the most searched comparison between both airlines i.e. Alaska vs Delta. Read till last to make an informed decision before flying with any of these air carriers.

Delta vs Alaska: Where do they fly?

Based on connectivity & networks, Delta can be considered a good airline in comparison to Alaska. Here’s why:

Alaska Airlines

Although Alaska Airlines is a smaller airline than Delta, it still serves 120 destinations within the U.S. and has a vast network in seven other countries. This airline has membership in the OneWorld Alliance and connects flights to over 900 destinations across more than a hundred countries.

Here is the list of the destinations Alaska flies to:

• Bahamas
• Belize
• Canada
• Costa Rica
• Guatemala
• Mexico
• The U.S.

Delta Air Lines

Delta is one of the largest airlines in comparison to Alaska Airlines and among other major airlines. This airline connects 280 destinations across six continents. It has membership in the SkyTeam Alliance & has connectivity with 17 airlines to fly to different countries.

In recent years, its global presence has expanded up to 1,000 cities across 170 countries, with a daily operation of 4,000 flights.

Here is the list of the Domestic Hubs Delta flies to:

• Atlanta
• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis-St. Paul
• Detroit
• Salt Lake City
• New York-John F. Kennedy
• Seattle
• Boston

Here is the list of the International Hubs Delta flies to:

• Amsterdam
• Seoul
• Mexico City
• Paris-Charles de Gaulle
• London-Heathrow
• Tokyo-Haneda

Delta vs Alaska Credit Card

Delta is the top choice in providing an extensive range of credit card options over Alaska. Here are the reasons:

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines only provides a single co-branded card which is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® issued by the Bank of America® account. This card offers many exclusive benefits, including a low annual fee of $95†.

Here are other offers that Alaska provides to passengers:

• The Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare™ allows you to fly with a friend. 

• Priority boarding allows you to get settled for your journey more quickly.

• You can accumulate 2 miles for every dollar spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, local transit, rideshare service, cable, and select streaming services.

• You have the opportunity to benefit from the special offer of a $0 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees starting at $23) and 50,000 bonus miles when you make qualifying purchases with the Alaska Airlines Visa® card.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines offers numerous card options such as SkyMiles® American Express Cards that are designed to enhance your travel rewards. With options for personal, business, and international needs, these cards provide valuable benefits and earning potential for frequent travelers.

Below are the Earn Miles of Delta Air Lines while flying:

• 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
• 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
• No cap on miles earned

Here are some Card Options available for passengers:

• Gold: 40,000 bonus miles after $2,000 spent, $0 intro annual fee, $150 
• Platinum: 50,000 bonus miles after $3,000 spent, $350 yearly fee
• Reserve: 60,000 bonus miles after $5,000 spent, $650 yearly fee
• Blue: 10,000 bonus miles after $1,000 spent, $0 yearly fee

Additional Cards:

• Business and international credit cards are available
• Delta SkyMiles® Debit Card

Referral Program: Earn bonus miles by referring friends approved for a SkyMiles® Card.

Delta vs Alaska: Frequent Flyer Programs

Alaska Airlines offers a valuable miles Mileage Plan and benefits from higher mile earnings in comparison to Delta. Here’s an overview of the mileage plan of both airlines:

Alaska Airlines

Mileage Plan by Alaska Airlines offers the best loyalty program to its members and a chance to earn and redeem miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Enrollment is free in this plan and miles never expire. 

Additionally, members have access to the MVP elite status for perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. The Alaska Mileage Plan values miles is approximately 1.4 cents.

Alaska Airlines uses award charts for most of its partner airlines. This approach ensures consistent value for a wide range of destinations.

Delta Airlines

Delta SkyMiles is a free loyalty program where your miles never expire. You can earn miles on Delta flights, partner airlines, and everyday purchases, then redeem them for flights, Delta Vacations®, upgrades, and more. 

Delta’s SkyMiles has a value of 1.2 cents, slightly lower than Alaska has 1.4 cents.

With the SkyMiles American Express Card, you earn miles on each purchase and enjoy extra benefits. Medallion Members receive exclusive perks like complimentary upgrades and waived fees.

Delta vs Alaska: In-Flight Experience

Delta Airlines sets the standard of in-flight services, while Alaska Airlines offers a distinct experience. Here’s why: 

Alaska Airlines

Despite having fewer operating routes than Delta, Alaska Airlines is still appreciated by travelers for its in-flight options. These include carry-on luggage and access to entertainment, food, and beverages. You can enjoy streaming 800+ movies and TV shows, and stay connected with in-flight internet and texting.

Alaska Airlines offers a range of in-flight experiences:

• First Class: You can have spacious seating, priority boarding, complimentary food and drinks, and dedicated flight attendants. Two free checked bags and lounge access are included on selected flights.

• Premium Class: This provides extra legroom, early boarding, and complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails. In premium class access to overhead storage is prioritized.

• Main Cabin: The main cabin offers award-winning service with seat selection and no change fees. It also provides the facility to earn Mileage Plan miles on every flight.

• Saver Fare: The most budget-friendly option, providing essential Main Cabin amenities with no seat selection or flight changes.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines ranks above Alaska Airlines in terms of in-flight experience. The airline’s premium provides more space and comfort with upgraded dining and thoughtful extras to ensure better onboarding. You can enjoy Delta Studio’s extensive entertainment and fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi for streaming and messaging.

Delta Air Lines offers various in-flight experiences to suit various preferences:

• Delta One®: It provides a luxury experience with flat-bed seats, fine dining, and expedited Sky Priority® services.

• First Class: Spacious seating, personal service, and complimentary meals and beverages are facilitated within the first class of Delta whereas International Main Cabin offers an elevated service, which includes meals, snacks, and entertainment during long-haul flights.

• Delta Comfort+®: Extra legroom, expedited boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space are provided along with other amenities. Main Cabin passengers enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages, and entertainment, while Basic Economy passengers have value fares with limited options.

Key Takeaways: Delta vs Alaska

• Alaska Airlines performed well in terms of rewards rates, claiming the top position. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines ranked sixth. 

• When it comes to basic economy tickets, Alaska secured the third spot, while Delta found itself at the bottom of the rankings.

• Alaska Airlines is better than Delta in elite status benefits, securing the top spot while Delta came in fourth. Additionally, Alaska had lower total fees compared to Delta.

• In terms of the in-flight experience, Delta is far better than Alaska. 

• Furthermore, Alaska was ranked as the most pet-friendly airline, with Delta coming in third and receiving a significantly lower score.

Final Thoughts

To choose between Delta Air Lines vs Alaska Airlines, consider your priorities rewards, comfort, international reach, or credit card perks.

Opt for Alaska if you value high rewards rates, lower fees, and regional travel benefits, or choose Delta for a superior in-flight experience, global network, and credit card options with travel rewards. 

Frequently Asked Questions