Delta or American? About This Page:

[chezp]

I've been looking at flights to Hawaii for November - we won't be booking until we know we've got the dates for Aulani, but the two main options from Orlando over there look like being either American Airlines or Delta. They both come in at almost the same price, they both offer extra legroom seats, again for around the same price, which leaves me wondering who to fly with.

The last time we flew with either airline was 2005/06, so we don't have any recent experience. If you were us, faced with this dilemma, which one would you fly with and why?

[travlnmom]

I've flown with both quite a bit, and it is a toss up. I would look at the flight times/connections (and the connecting airport), and the number of flights they have for that route in case there are problems. See if there is one that looks better than the other in these areas. One thing to note if you don't fly these carriers very often is that Delta's frequent flyer miles don't expire, whereas Americans do expire if you don't have any activity (for 18 months I believe). Are either of these airlines partners with airlines that you frequently fly? That could also make a difference as far as the FF programs.
Happy planning!

[Straitlover]

I don't ahve much experience with either (flown American a couple of times, and I dont; think delta at all). I do know that I have seen lots of peopel posting here and on other boards I frequent about how Delta is notorious for cancelling flights. They'll do their schedule way out with all these flights and then a couple of months before the date start cancelling willy nilly.

Now, with airlines trying to cut costs and fly full planes, maybe they have eased up on that; I don't know. But personally, unless I was getting a really good deal with Delta or it was a flight I'd have no issue easily replacing if Delta cancelled on me, I'd pick American over Delta.

[kymma]

I fly Delta quite often and it is true that if you book WAY far ahead (which I like to do) they may move the flight times a bit. We haven't had them cancel the flight outright but the flight times can move by an hour or so.

[Lumieregirl]

Delta is more known to switch flight times on you. If you have some wiggle room in your plan and a few hours difference won't matter, it's not an issue.

[mamajab]

Also, Delta has a worse on-time reputation. That may be something to consider if you have a connecting flight.

[lauriep]

Delta serves Logan very well, so that's the airline I usually fly. It's true, though, that the departure times switch around maddeningly and I've once had them cancel a flight because it was underbooked. I've found their staff at the airports very nice, though, and always helpful with my scooter. I flew American last summer to California and had no problems, but they acted as though my request for a gate-check tag for the scooter was their worst nightmare-- rolling eyes and all! You can't go by one gate person, though!

[Disneybine]

We've flown with Delta in the past. There was one thing we really didn't like: The planes they used for Transatlantic flights were so very old... Not sure if that's still the case and/or if that's true for other routes as well, though.

[shazza]

Not much new to add - just confirming what others have said. We used to fly American whenever we could, but do feel their service has gone down (as have most US-based airlines). We've flown a lot with Delta the last few years, and have had good luck - although we've also recently experienced them changing flight times.

I'd just pick the one with the best schedule for you. Also - I think American Airlines and British Airways are partners, if that makes a difference.

[Ashli]

Delta is our favorite airline (well, tied with Southwest, but we fly Delta more often because the closest airport with Southwest is 2 hours away). Yes, the might move the flight times around, but we've always had it be under an hour difference with the one exception of when we booked an international flight WAY in advance and ended up having to switch where we were connecting due to flight changes. Some people say they aren't notified, but we've been notified by email every single time our flights have changed by so little as even 5 minutes. (We always book through delta.com so I'm not sure if that makes a difference in getting notifications) The best thing though is that we've had nothing but wonderful experiences with their employees. Unfortunately I can not say the same for American or especially US Air (which American just merged with). I avoid them at all costs.