How does Delta Airlines compare to Alaska Airlines?

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Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines are two of the largest air carriers in the United States. Both these airlines hold great reputations for customer services, good routes, and fantastic flying experiences. However, they are like apples and oranges-what one airline might offer is miles apart in comparison to its competitor. Differences range from their loyalty program to routes flown, in-flight services, and overall flying experience. Through this blog, we hope to compare Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines for you.

Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines: Overview

Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines are among the best operators in the U.S., boasting exceptional strength in domestic as well as international networks. Depending on what type of traveling experience you’re looking for, either can provide a different benefit. Here’s how these two compare with regard to key differences.

Delta Airline– With extensive destinations over different continents; both domestic and international, with over 5,000 daily flights to more than 300 destinations spread all around in more than 50 countries around the globe; a SkyTeam founding member, considered among the world’s greatest global airlines.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines flies to all states in the U.S. as well as Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. They have excellent service and are part of the Oneworld Alliance, meaning they have great partnerships with other global carriers.

Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines -Routes and Network

The route network is one of the major consideration factors in deciding which carrier to use between Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines. To begin with, Delta operates many more flights to the international destinations than Alaska; therefore, it is most preferred for the long haul traveler. It serves cities worldwide and offers direct fights to major international hubs around Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Alaska Airlines, on the other hand, excels at regional routes along the West Coast and offers limited international destinations. It is a great option for travelers based in the Pacific Northwest, California, or Alaska, as the airline has a robust presence in these areas. If you’re planning to fly domestically on the West Coast or to Mexico and Canada, Alaska Airlines is an excellent choice.

Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines- In-Flight Experience

The other major thing to compare would be in-flight experience among Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Both of the airlines are offering cabin comfort, but still, there’s a difference between them as far as the amenities and onboard services are concerned.

• Delta Airlines: Delta offers many in-flight amenities, such as free entertainment, Wi-Fi (for a fee), and a variety of snacks and drinks. Those flying in the premium cabins of Delta Airlines, such as Delta One (business class) or First Class, receive wider seats, better meals, and priority service. Additionally, Delta has planes that offer more space on long-haul flights.
• Alaska Airlines: Alaska is a similar smooth-flight experience that has free streaming entertainment and Wi-Fi (toll), plus free snack and drink service in first class. The airline also sells many of its snacks in the main cabin to passengers. Alaska’s premium cabins get very good reviews, but this carrier does not frequently offer anything on par with what Delta brings, particularly to some of its shorter regional flights.

Customer Service and Loyalty Programs

Delta and Alaska are highly known for offering great customer service and loyalty programs, although their frequent flyer programs are not alike.

• Delta Airlines: SkyMiles of Delta arguably features some of the most widely rewarded, although perhaps one of the weakest in terms of distance-earned mileage relative to amount paid for ticket awards- program. As compared with such other programs where distance flown is considered and accrues mileage, here a percentage of the fare on that ticket is the ground or mileage. In addition, it also has elite levels or tiers Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion-features like priority boarding privilege, free upgrade facility besides free baggage allowance.
• Alaska Airlines: Alaska Mileage Plan is also among one of the best programs in this industry with great credibility. Alaska Airlines has its peculiar mileage awarding system through which the flyers get mileage for flown miles. It offers some good benefits on free upgrades and priority boardings to the elite members. Another reason for which Alaska is also in high demand is that of its broad partnerships with other airlines like American Airlines and British Airways. It means that its members will earn miles on those airlines as well.

Baggage Policy: Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines

Another aspect that arises while making a decision between Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines is the baggage policy. Even though both charge standard fees for checked bags, neither has a baggage policy that really compares neck and neck with each other.

Delta Airlines: For all passengers, Delta allows one free carry-on bag and one personal item. Checked bags incur a fee, except in cases where the passenger holds a premium ticket or has SkyMiles status. The free checked bag policy for Medallion members and those sitting in premium cabins is incredibly liberal. First checked bag generally around $30 USD on domestic flights.

Alaska Air offers free carry on and free personal item for all clients. The other baggage charges are almost level up with Delta. First free checked bag starts at around $30 US dollar price for Delta, however; with Alaska Air the numbers of free checked bag that tends to be generous for elites through its Mileage Plan.

Delta Airlines vs Alaska Air: Price

The price comparison of flight between Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines is different, depending on your route and when you book.

Delta Airlines

Delta is a huge carrier with more international routes than Alaska; therefore, they tend to be more costly, especially long-haul international flights. However, Delta usually holds sales, and they offer flexible ticket options, so it could be possible to find low fares with some planning in advance.

Alaska Airlines:

Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines ; Alaska generally is cheaper. The great majority of its routes inside their home market are in that lower category. In general, however, it is a great value flying up and down the West Coast. Because that network isn’t as large, for most of that airline’s network prices are reduced simply due to a lack of competition which exists elsewhere.

Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines: Which is Better?

Between Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines, the choice would depend upon the requirements of your travels. If you’re traveling over continents or need many routes, then it would become fairly obvious that your best bet would be with Delta Airlines. If you are flying out of the West Coast or simply need an absolute stellar value on regional flights, of course, there’s Alaska Airlines. And, if reward programs and customer service are on your mind, then both airlines excel in that regard, although Alaska’s Mileage Plan is often considered one of the most rewarding programs in the business.

Fly Travel Board Assistance

Still, not sure which airline you’ll be flying with or just need some assistance in booking that next flight? Just dial us at Fly Travel Board on +1 (844) 539-5787. Our travel experts would love to help you with what best options are out there when you’re flying either on Delta or Alaska Airlines.

Related FAQs:

1. Which is better, Delta Airlines compared to Alaska Airlines?

It depends on your travel preferences.Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines;  Delta has a bigger global network, while Alaska Airlines offers great value for domestic and regional flights.

2. Which airline has the best loyalty program, Delta or Alaska?

Alaska’s Mileage Plan is often considered one of the best loyalty programs, especially for frequent flyers. Delta’s SkyMiles program is also robust, offering benefits for higher-paying passengers.

3. How much does it cost to check bags on Delta Airlines?

BOTH run about $30. for the first checked bag of luggage, domestic flight BOTH offer free checked bags and also on all flights from check bags on elite members participating in loyalty programs.

4. Which airline has wonderful customer service, Delta Airlines vs Alaska Airlines?

Both; however, customer satisfaction surveys show Alaska Airlines always rating above Delta and more so by customers accessing the website and other ways of communication

5. Which is cheaper, Delta or Alaska Airlines to fly in?

Alaska Airlines usually cheaper compared to Delta than on most routes, very cheap compared to regional flights. However, Delta maybe better placed compared to International routes.