Airline category
US Legacy Carriers
American, Delta, United, and Alaska head-to-head on fares, baggage, and which legacy carrier wins your route.
6 comparisons in this category.
Alaska vs Delta 2026: The Two Most Reliable US Airlines
Delta edges on-time (80.9% vs 79.2%) and flies far more places; Alaska cancels slightly less (1.30% vs 1.36%) and gives oneworld access. Same $45 first bag.
Read the comparisonAmerican vs Alaska 2026: Alaska 79.20% vs 76.43% On Time
Alaska ran 79.20% on time in 2025 to American's 76.43%, and American cancelled 2.36% of flights. Alaska Saver earns points; American Basic Economy does not.
Read the comparisonUnited vs Alaska 2026: United's Global Reach, Alaska's Carry-On
Alaska includes a carry-on on every fare (United strips Basic Economy) and owns the West Coast; United wins global reach (370+ destinations). On-time is a near-tie.
Read the comparisonDelta vs American 2026: Delta Wins on Time, 80.90% vs 76.43%
Delta wins reliability: 80.90% on time vs 76.43%, and 1.36% vs 2.36% cancellations. American wins Latin America and the Caribbean. Online bag fees tie.
Read the comparisonUnited vs American 2026: United Cancels Less, AA Wins Basic
United cancels less (1.36% vs 2.36%) and runs more on time (78.77% vs 76.43%); American includes a full carry-on in Basic Economy.
Read the comparisonUnited vs Delta 2026: Delta Wins on Time, 80.90% vs 78.77%
Delta wins on time (80.90% vs 78.77%) and gives Basic Economy a carry-on; United Basic is personal-item only on most domestic routes. Cancellations tie.
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