Airlines: Delta Air Lines vs. Emirates

Quick Verdict

Delta Air Lines excels in domestic routes and on-time performance, while Emirates stands out for its extensive in-flight entertainment and newer fleet. The choice depends on the traveler's priorities: reliability and domestic travel versus entertainment and a modern flying experience.

Delta Air Lines has a strong on-time performance record, while Emirates' on-time performance data is not available.
Emirates offers a vast in-flight entertainment library with up to 6,500 channels, surpassing Delta's 300+ options.
Delta provides more detail on seat dimensions across different classes, while Emirates highlights generous legroom in Economy.
Both airlines offer complimentary food and beverages, with Delta emphasizing partnerships with award-winning chefs and plant-based options.
Delta offers change fee waivers for many tickets, while Emirates' change fees depend on the fare conditions.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Delta Air Lines	Emirates
Baggage allowance	Carry-on: One cabin bag plus one personal item free of charge (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Checked Baggage: Within US/Canada, $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second (max 62 inches and 50 lbs). Excess Baggage: Within US, $150 for the third bag and $200 for each additional. Overweight Bags: Within US/Canada, $100 for 51-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs. Bags over 100 lbs are not allowed.	Cabin baggage: In Economy Class, one piece (55 x 38 x 20cm, max 7kg). First/Business Class, two pieces: briefcase (45 x 35 x 20cm) + handbag (55 x 38 x 20cm) or garment bag (20cm thick folded), each max 7kg. India departures: one piece, max 115cm. Brazil departures: up to 10 kg. Checked baggage: Economy: typically 30 kg (Americas/Africa: two pieces up to 23 kg each). Business: 40 kg. First: 50 kg (Americas/Africa: two pieces up to 32 kg each).
On-time performance	In 2024, 83.46% of Delta's flights arrived on time. Named most on-time airline in North America by Cirium.	Not available
In-flight entertainment options	Delta Studio offers over 300 movies, TV series, live satellite TV, playlists, podcasts, and games. Delta Sync allows customized in-flight entertainment. Introducing cloud-based IFE system. Starting in 2026, 4K HDR QLED screens and Bluetooth connectivity across all cabins. SkyMiles members enjoy ad-free YouTube streaming with Delta Sync Wi-Fi.	'ice' system with up to 6,500 channels (movies, TV, music, games). Includes HBO, Disney, BBC, Discovery, Paramount content. Playlist creation via Emirates app. Moving map, external cameras, flight/weather info, news, sports. WiFi ($9.99-$19.99). Content in 40+ languages. Spotify integration.
Seat comfort (legroom, seat width)	Main Cabin: 16-18.6 inches wide, 30-33 inches pitch. Comfort+: Same width, up to 34 inches pitch. Premium Select: 18.5 inches wide, 38 inches pitch. Delta One: 21-22.5 inches wide, flat beds 71-80 inches long.	A380 Economy: 18-inch width, 32-inch pitch. B777 seat cushions: 17.05 inches wide; A380: 18 inches. Generous seat spacing and ample legroom in Economy.
Food and beverage quality	Refreshing wine program, new snacks and meals designed with award-winning chefs. Offers special meals for dietary requirements. Introduced plant-based dishes. Meals please the most, with 60% of passengers rating meals as good.	Complimentary food/drinks on all flights. Economy: multiple options (vegetarian available), special dietary requests (24 hours prior). Food generally good.
Customer service (ground and in-flight)	Recognized for excellence in customer experience. Investing in technology to empower employees. New Global Cleanliness Division.	Cabin crew generally helpful.
Frequent flyer program benefits	SkyMiles members earn miles for flights and purchases. SkyMiles do not expire. Medallion members receive upgrades, bonus miles, waived fees, and priority services. Delta SkyMiles American Express Card benefits.	Emirates Skywards: Blue, Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers. Miles earned via flights, car rentals, hotels, credit cards. Elite status (Silver/Gold/Platinum): bonus miles, priority check-in/boarding, lounge access, extra baggage.
Route network (domestic and international)	Comprehensive domestic and international route network. Second largest carrier globally. International capacity grew twice as quickly as domestic in 2024.	Wide international route network. Fleet: Airbus A380-800, Boeing 777-200ER, Boeing 777-300ER (late 2023).
Ticket change flexibility	No change fees for Delta Main Classic or above tickets in US/Canada. Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation policy for tickets purchased directly from Delta.	Depends on fare conditions/ticket type. 24-hour grace period for changes/cancellations. Change fees vary. Economy Flex: changes without fee (fare differences may apply).
Cabin cleanliness	Electrostatic sprayers used to sanitize flights. HEPA filters equipped. Flight attendants wipe down high-touch surfaces. Improved bathrooms with new features.	Enhanced cleaning/disinfection, approved chemicals, HEPA filters (99.97% virus removal).
Aircraft age	Average fleet age is 14.9 years (as of December 2024). Modernizing fleet with Airbus A321, A220, A330neo, A350, and Boeing 737 MAX 10 models.	Average fleet age: 5.0 years (December 2016). Oldest A380: 15.2 years (March 2025).
Price competitiveness	Variety of fare options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Comfort+, First Class, and Delta One. Flexibility to rebook without change fees opens up savings when prices drop.	Not available

Overall Comparison

Delta: 83.46% on-time performance. Emirates: Up to 6,500 in-flight entertainment channels. Delta average fleet age: 14.9 years. Emirates average fleet age: 5.0 years (as of Dec 2016).

Pros and Cons

Delta Air Lines

Pros:

Extensive route network
Good on-time performance
Variety of in-flight entertainment options
Upgraded food and beverage options
No change fees for many tickets
Comprehensive frequent flyer program
Enhanced cabin cleanliness procedures

Cons:

Basic Economy tickets have restrictions
Some reviewers find seats hard or uncomfortable on long flights
Detailed boarding process can be confusing

Emirates

Pros:

Wide range of in-flight entertainment options
Generally good food and beverage quality
Helpful cabin crew
Enhanced cabin cleanliness procedures
Flexible ticket change policy (depending on fare)
Generous seat spacing and ample legroom

Cons:

On-time performance information not available
Price competitiveness information not available
Change fees may apply for ticket changes
Inconsistent seat width across aircraft types

User Experiences and Feedback

Delta Air Lines

What Users Love

Delta Premium Select is considered a very comfortable seat for long-haul flights, with more legroom and width than Delta Comfort Plus.
Delta Studio offers a decent mix of movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts.
Delta has been making strides in enhancing its in-flight dining experience, with a focus on quality, presentation, and fresh ingredients.
In Delta One, there are more flight attendants per passenger for more personalized service.
Delta is sanitizing every flight using electrostatic sprayers and has implemented enhanced cleaning procedures.
Delta SkyMiles is a popular frequent flyer program that allows members to earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and more.

Common Complaints

Some reviewers have found the seats hard or uncomfortable after a few hours.
Delta's detailed boarding process with multiple groups, which some travelers find confusing.

Value Perception

Delta's meals are rated highly.
NerdWallet named Delta the best airline for onboard entertainment in 2025.

Emirates

What Users Love

Comfortable seats on long-haul flights
Excellent in-flight entertainment system
Good quality food and beverages
Helpful and friendly cabin crew
Enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Emirates A380 economy class seats are 18 inches wide and have a 32-inch pitch, which many find spacious.
Emirates' ICE system is generally considered excellent, with a wide variety of content including movies, TV shows, music, and games.
The food in Emirates Economy Class is generally considered good, with complimentary food and drinks included.
Cabin crew are generally helpful and do their best to assist passengers.