Delta vs. Southwest Airlines: Which is Better?

Southwest Airlines vs. Delta — luxury meets flexibility. Discover which airline checks your boxes for comfort, savings, and hassle-free travel.

Delta vs Southwest Airlines—both bring something special to the table, whether it's extra comfort or budget-friendly fares. Looking for perks or savings? Each airline has its strengths. So, which one should you choose for your next trip? Let's break it down and help you decide which one's the perfect fit for your next flight booking.

What is the overview of Delta and Southwest Airlines?

When comparing Delta vs Southwest Airlines, both are major U.S. carriers, but they serve different markets. Delta offers global connections, while Southwest focuses more on domestic and nearby international routes.

➤ Southwest Airlines:

❖ Location: Southwest is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with major operations in cities like Chicago (Midway), Denver, Baltimore, Dallas (Love Field), Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

❖ Destinations: Southwest serves over 120 destinations, mainly across the U.S., with additional routes to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Southwest operates more than 4,000 daily flights, primarily within North America.

➤ Delta Airlines:

❖ Location: Delta Air Lines is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and runs major hubs in cities such as Atlanta, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Detroit, Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, and Salt Lake City.

❖ Destinations: Delta connects travelers to over 1,000 destinations in more than 60 countries worldwide, spanning six continents. Delta offers an extensive international network through partnerships with SkyTeam alliance members and global airlines.

Read More: How to Get Southwest Flight Delay Compensation?

Is Delta or Southwest better?

When comparing Delta vs Southwest, both are top airlines, but each excels differently. Delta offers wider global reach and premium services, while Southwest stands out for affordability, free bags, and flexible policies. The better choice between Delta Airlines vs Southwest Airlines depends on your priorities—comfort or value.

Here are the key differences between Southwest vs Delta Airlines:

Pricing & Flexibility

🔰 Delta Airlines 
Delta offers something unique for everyone—from budget-friendly Basic Economy to Delta One. Enjoy seat selection, inflight entertainment, and premium extras like priority boarding and added comfort.

🔰 Southwest Airlines

Southwest is simple, fun, and budget-friendly. One-class seating, free checked bags, no change fees, and easy upgrades for a stress-free, flexible trip.

Baggage Fees

Flight Change & Cancellation Fees

Baggage Policy

🔰 Southwest Airlines

Checked Baggage 
✔ 2 free checked bags (max 50 lbs each, 62 linear inches). 
✔ Extra bag fees: 
➤ $100 for bags 51-70 lbs 
➤ $125 for 71-100 lbs 
➤ $125 for oversize bags (over 62 inches)

Carry-On 
✔ 1 free carry-on (24" x 16" x 10") + 1 personal item. 
✔ Personal items must fit under the seat (purse, laptop bag, etc.)

🔰 Delta Airlines

Carry-On Baggage 
✔ 1 free carry-on (22" x 14" x 9") + 1 personal item. 
✔ No weight limit, except on select international routes. 
✔ Musical instruments are allowed if they fit in the cabin storage.

Checked Baggage 
✔ 1st checked bag (max 50 lbs): $35 (domestic). 
✔ 2nd checked bag (max 50 lbs): $45 (domestic). 
✔ International fees vary by destination. 
✔ Bag size limit: 62 linear inches (L + W + H). 
✔ First Class and premium fare holders get a 70 lbs limit.

Cabin Classes

🔰 Southwest Airlines

1️⃣ Standard Economy 
All-Economy cabin with open seating and 3-3 layout. Seats offer 31-32" pitch and ~17" width. Complimentary snacks and two free checked bags are included for all passengers.

2️⃣ Business Select 
It has the same Economy seat but with A1-A15 boarding priority. Early access to exit or front-row seats. Includes a free premium drink, bonus Rapid Rewards points, and priority security lanes.

3️⃣ EarlyBird Check-In 
Regular Economy seats with automatic early check-in. It enhances your boarding group position, giving you better seat choices while still following open seating rules.

4️⃣ Exit Row Seats 
Seats by emergency exits with extra legroom. Available to passengers who board early and meet FAA safety requirements (15+ years old and able to assist in emergencies).

🔰 Delta Airlines

1️⃣ Basic Economy 
The lowest fare option has no seat selection (assigned at check-in). Seats offer 31-32" pitch and 17-18" width. It includes free snacks, drinks, entertainment, and boards (Zone 8).

2️⃣ Main Cabin 
Standard Economy with seat selection at booking. Same dimensions as the Basic Economy. Includes snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi (for purchase), and personal seatback screens.

3️⃣ Comfort+ 
Extra legroom seats (34-36" pitch) with priority boarding (Zone 5). It has dedicated overhead bin space and complimentary alcoholic beverages on most flights.

4️⃣ First Class (Domestic) 
Spacious seats (up to 21" wide) with extra recline and 37" pitch. Features 2-2 layout, premium meal service, Starbucks coffee, and priority check-in and baggage handling.

5️⃣ Delta One 
Premium cabin with lie-flat seats and privacy doors (on select flights). Offers chef-designed meals, plush bedding, Sky Club lounge access, and full priority services.

In-Flight Experience

🔰 Delta Airlines: 
Multiple cabin options, seatback entertainment, free snacks, Comfort+ extra legroom, and premium perks in First Class and Delta One.

🔰 Southwest Airlines: 
All-Economy cabin, open seating, free snacks, two checked bags, optional Wi-Fi, and priority boarding with Business Select or EarlyBird.

Loyalty Program

🔰 Delta Airlines

SkyMiles rewards frequent flyers with global flight options, upgrades, and partner airline benefits—ideal for travelers seeking premium perks worldwide.

🔰 Southwest Airlines

Rapid Rewards offers easy point earning, no blackout dates, and simple redemptions—perfect for flexible, budget-friendly travel.

FlyO Tip: Want more freedom on your flight? Upgrade to Economy Plus® or premium cabins for extra perks like easy flight changes, seat selection, and carry-on allowance.

Which travel credit cards are best for Southwest and Delta Airlines?

Southwest credit card vs Delta credit card offer great rewards for frequent flyers, while Delta cards shine with premium perks and lounge access for loyal customers. Here's why Delta vs Southwest Airlines are different:

• Southwest Airlines Credit Cards

Southwest offers a variety of cards that are perfect for frequent travelers looking to earn Rapid Delta vs Southwest Rewards points.

✦Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: Earn 2x points on Southwest purchases and 1x on everything else. Annual fee: $69.

✦ Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, 1x on all other purchases, plus a 6,000-point anniversary bonus. Annual fee: $99.

✦ Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: Earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, 1x on others, plus 7,500 bonus points annually and priority boarding. Annual fee: $149.

• Delta Airlines Credit Cards

Delta's American Express cards also offer great perks, especially for those loyal to the airline.

✦ Delta Airlines SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and a $0 annual fee for the first year.

✦ Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: 3x miles on Delta purchases, priority boarding, and a $350 annual fee.

✦ Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: 3x miles on Delta purchases, access to Sky Club, and a $650 annual fee.

Final Thoughts: Which Airline is better for you: Delta or Southwest?

Choosing between Delta or Southwest depends on your priorities after comparing ticket flexibility, mileage programs, credit cards, and benefits.

Southwest is great for budget-conscious travelers, offering no change fees, free checked bags, and flexibility. On the other hand, Delta offers a more premium experience with better customer service, frequent flyer perks, and luxury options.

Whether you prioritize affordability or luxury, both airlines offer unique benefits for different travel needs.

FAQ’s

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