Whenever you are looking to book a flight, be it international or within the U.S., only two options surface in your mind - Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways because they are very much alike yet so different that they soothe the psyche of different sets of flyers.
Both airlines are profound in terms of their offerings, but looking at them closely, one would find that there are quite a lot of differences among their destinations, reliability, fees, loyalty programs, and in-flight experiences. So before booking your next flight, just browse through this comparison so that you make a more informed choice and find out which is best aligned to your taste and preferences.
### Routes and Destinations
When choosing an airline, one has to consider whether it flies to the destination you wish to visit or not. Although many airlines allow customers to redeem miles for flights with their partner airlines and increase their scope of destinations. For those looking into specific destinations or flight availability, simply call +1 (877) 637-9008 for more details on routes or to manage your reservation.
Delta
Delta wins on this parameter because it has more flights and flies to more destinations. Delta is also one of the pioneers of the SkyTeam Alliance, which is a cluster of 19 member airlines. Travelers can book flights through Delta or its alliances to every continent with Antarctica being an exception, of course. Delta offers flights to 300 destinations across 57 countries. If this doesn't amuse you, its SkyTeam alliances fly to more than 1,000 destinations across 166 countries; a great way to spend your SkyMiles perhaps.
JetBlue
JetBlue is pretty much like a homegrown brand which operates mostly in the U.S. but has a decent number of flights to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. It is now extending its routes to the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, and some metropolitans of Canada as well. JetBlue offers flights to a total of 33 countries.
### Reliability
This parameter gives you a lot to choose between the two, and as cheeky as it might sound, Delta Airlines wins this segment hands down, being the hare which goes on to finish the race and the poor tortoise lagging behind a mile in a quarter-mile race.
JetBlue
Cancellations, delays, and lost baggage are pretty much the norm in JetBlue.
Delta
Delta is the most punctual airline there is. If you are waiting for the luggage at the carousel and if there is a delay of more than 20 minutes, they give you 2,500 SkyMiles, a good way to make up for the inconvenience, isn't it?
### Fees
A consolation segment win for JetBlue. JetBlue doesn't charge for seat selection; however, the cost of a checked bag is something to be wary of. If you're unsure about baggage fees or need to make changes to your reservation, you can get more information by calling +1 (844) 655-2855.
JetBlue
JetBlue doesn't charge for seat selection except for basic economy. However, it bears a bad reputation for charging for checked bags on domestic flights, which is $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second if you add a bag to your reservation 24 hours before the flight. If you add a bag within 24 hours, it will cost $45 for the first and $60 for the second.
Delta
Delta charges $35 for a checked bag, but that can be waived off in case of co-branded credit cards or Medallion elite status. Several premium ticket classes also serve as an exemption from the fee.
### Economy
Basic economy fares offer rock bottom prices but mostly at the cost of one's convenience. It often drills down to no miles earned, no upgrades, and no free checked bags. Choose the lesser evil of the two.
JetBlue
JetBlue has various restrictions on its Blue Basic tickets. Passengers cannot bring a carry-on bag except for the routes between the U.S. and the UK, and they must pay when checking a bag.
Delta
Delta's basic economy travelers can bring a personal item and a carry-on bag when boarding the plane.
### Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs reward travelers for flying on a regular basis. Travelers earn miles for future flights, and co-branded credit cards help flyers earn miles faster and reach elite status sooner.
JetBlue
JetBlue TrueBlue members receive 7.25% back for every dollar they spend.
Delta
Delta SkyMiles members earn 5.04% back for every dollar spent.
### Credit Cards
Travelers may choose to get a co-branded credit card from their chosen airlines for hefty perks. One can earn bonus miles on airline purchases. Free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases are some of the boons for having a co-branded credit card.
JetBlue
JetBlue offers credit cards in association with Barclays. Based on the cards you purchase, you can earn Mosaic status, bonus points, and free checked bags. It has 3 credit card options.
Delta
Delta gets to make a victory lap when compared with JetBlue. Delta Airlines offers co-branded credit cards with American Express. Cardholders of the airline can access certain benefits such as unfettered checked luggage, priority boarding, bonus miles, lounge access, and more. It has a total of 7 credit card options.
### Let's Sum Up
- Delta serves more destinations and countries as it is a part of the SkyTeam alliance.
- Delta has more credit card options which make it easier for passengers to earn miles on flight purchases and align with various types of flyers.
- JetBlue is considerably good for economy class travelers.
By considering these factors, you can choose the airline that best suits your travel needs and preferences.
