JetBlue vs Delta: Which Airline is Best?

About
Latest Posts

Jodie is an avid traveler who loves camping and hiking. With over 10 years experience tackling some of the best mountain ranges in Europe and North America, she has now got her sight set on conquering Asia. Over the years, Jodie has worn and used her fair share of travel gear, giving her valuable insights as to what is worth taking when backpacking.

The Main Differences Between JetBlue and Delta Air Lines

The best way to decide which airline is best between JetBlue and Delta Air Lines is by comparing the two main differences side by side.

We’ve captured some of the key contrasting features so you can easily see which one might work for you at a glance.

Traveling with a pet costs $100 with JetBlue, whereas on Delta Air Lines you can take your small pet on board for free.
There are 6 different fare options on a Delta Air Lines flight; Basic Economy, Main Cabin Economy, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One and First Class. On a JetBlue flight there are 4; Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Flex and Mint.
Wifi is free on most JetBlue flights, while it’s generally an additional purchase on Delta Air Lines flights.
Delta has better international partner airlines, whereas Jetblue is more limited

JetBlue and Delta Air Lines – Which airline should you use?

If you’ve never used JetBlue or Delta Air Lines before, or want to find out more information so you can understand more about each one, we’re about to go in-depth with the pros, cons and key features of both airlines. Each review will take an unbiased look at what each airline offers, as well as taking a look at what real-life customers think from their own personal experience.

JetBlue

JetBlue started at JFK (New York) in 1999, and has now grown to include a fleet of 230 aircraft of various A321s, A320s and E190s.

While they don’t run a Boeing aircraft fleet, they fly to over 90 destinations worldwide and have a huge database of followers that trust them to get JetBlue to their chosen destination. There are also four main far options to choose from; Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Flex and Mint.

Blue: This is their basic economy fare. Checked bags aren’t included for free, but you can take 1 carry-on bag and personal item on-board as part of your ticket. You also get plenty of legroom, plus free snacks and soft drinks as well as in-flight entertainment.

Blue Plus: With this option, you can take 1 checked item on your flight for free – the second bag will cost $40. You’ll also enjoy a seat with up to 7” of legroom, free snacks and soft drinks, plus Fly-Fli – complimentary in-flight wifi.

Blue Flex: Pushing a more premium service, take 2 checked bags for free as well as your carry-one bag and personal item with Blue Flex. You can also take advantage of their Trueblue online booking bonus and any same-day changes you need to make to your flight will be included in your flight price – costing you nothing.

As all other flights, snacks, drinks, wifi and in-flight entertainment is included as standard.

Mint: As well as receiving almost all the same benefits as a Blue Flex fare, the added bonus with a Mint flight is you’ll get a lie-flat seat so you can fly in premium comfort.

When it comes to JetBlue seats, you’ll get more legroom in coach based on an average fleet-wide seat pitch of US airlines, making it one of the most comfortable seating experiences when compared to JetBlue’s competitors.

There are also ergonomic seat supports and adjustable head and arm rests to help you find the right fit for your enjoyment and relaxation.

There are a range of various charges to know about, too. If you’re traveling with pets, it’ll cost you $100 but you can choose whether to take them in the cabin or place them in the hold.

You can also travel with surfboards, kitesurf and windsurf boards for a fee of $50. You can also pay for boxed meals an alcoholic drinks on your flight from $6, but snacks and soft drinks come as part of the flight package for free.

JetBlue Selling Points

JetBlue has a fleet of 230 aircrafts, including 57 A321s, 130 A320s and 60 E190s.
There are flights available to over 90 destinations in the US and beyond.
JetBlue offers Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Flex and Mint; their 4 main fare options.
Passengers are treated to complimentary wifi, snacks and soft drinks on all flights.
JetBlue utilizes TVs on the back of every seat offering in-flight entertainment (films and TV shows).
There is plenty of legroom available with their seats – up to 7” more than competitors.
If you’re a veteran or are in the military, you can receive a discount on your flight.

Pros

JetBlue offers a large amount of legroom on their seats when compared to their competitors.
There is high quality in-flight entertainment available to make your journey more comfortable, all available on the seat’s TV screen (seatback screens).
Free wifi is available on most flights.
Their loyalty scheme offers many benefits, allowing you to gain points as you travel.
The fare prices are very affordable.
Their first class offering Mint is affordable compared to competitors and offers plenty of benefits.

Cons

Traveling with a pet is expensive, costing $100.
Discounts aren’t available for customers paying for checked baggage before traveling to the airport.
If you need to travel to larger US cities, another airline might be better as JetBlue is geared up to travel for smaller places.

Travellers’ popular opinion on JetBlue

If you’re looking for real-life reviews from passengers who have already experienced a flight with JetBlue, take a look at our round-up below for an overview of how they found it.

One passenger said that they liked JetBlue for the extra room that even the regular seats have. They also enjoyed that there was a television on every seat.
Another passenger loved the service – the JetBlue crew sorted the seating arrangements so that she sat with her family on the flight, and the flight attendants very very attentive and intuitive.
One traveler loved how clean the airport was when they checked in.
Unfortunately one passenger wasn’t happy with the flight cancellations policy, as their flight was rescheduled to a date later than when they needed it.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is one of the United States’ major airlines and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Each day, 5,400 flights are made serving 325 destinations in 52 countries on 6 continents.

The airline itself is huge – it was ranked second among the world’s largest airlines based on the number of scheduled passengers carried, revenue passenger-kilometers flown, and fleet size.

They have a huge range of aircraft carriers, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer and McDonnell Douglas, all of which fly to various destinations in the UK and around the world.

When it comes to the actual flights, there are 6 main fare options to choose from, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin Economy, Delta Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One and First Class.

Basic Economy: If you don’t mind where you sit then Delta Air Line’s Basic Economy option is designed to offer you less flexibility to save you money. When choosing this option, you won’t be able to upgrade your seats or make changes to your flights.
Main Cabin Economy: One of the cheaper options Delta Air Lines offers, enjoy complimentary entertainment and upgrade to Preferred Seats for a small fee.
Delta Comfort+: With this fare, you get up to 3” of extra legroom as well as dedicated overhead bin space for your personal belongings. You can also board early to get comfortable before anyone else.
First Class: Enjoy personalized service from a dedicated flight attendant and Sky Priority® service throughout your journey. You will also get up to 8” of space compared to a Main Cabin seat and up to a 5.4” recline. You’ll also have access to a power outlet if you need to work or use your own personal devices.
Delta Premium Select: A new, superior Delta cabin, Delta Premium Select gives you more space with a wider seat, additional recline, adjustable footrest and leg rest. You’ll also get plated meals and a specialized in-flight service from the flight attendants.
Delta One: This is one of Delta Air Lines’ most exclusive cabins, and is one of the best in the world. It’s packed with luxury details; a 180 degree flat-bed seat, aisle access and bedding. You’ll also get chef-curated meals and complimentary alcoholic drinks throughout the flight. There are also 110-volt outlets and USB ports by your seat and get access to your in-flight entertainment with a noise-cancelling headset.

Further Reading on Delta Airlines Seating Fares:

When it comes to charges, it starts from $30 for your first carry-on bag and $40 for the second on Basic, Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+.

Premium fares get to take two 70lb bags for free. If you’re traveling with an infant under 2 years old, it’s It’s free to hold an infant in your arms or in an FAA-approved travel harness on flights in the U.S. & Canada. For international flights, you’ll need to pay 10% of the cost of an adult fare.

You can travel with pets, too. Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel with you in the cabin for free. Double check the restrictions though, as it may affect your travel plans.

Delta Selling Points

Delta offers 6 fare options; Basic Economy, Main Cabin Economy, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One and First Class.
Passengers are allowed to bring 1 personal item and 1 standard carry-on bag for free. The carry on piece must not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
Premium Select and Delta One passengers can bring 2 pieces of checked luggage on-board for free.
You can travel with Delta Sky Priority®, which gets you to your destination faster using priority check-in and accelerated security, early boarding, and expedited baggage service.
Their frequent flyer program is called Delta SkyMiles, which rewards you every time you fly (and via American Express points).
Pets can travel either in the cabin with you or in the hold. If traveling in the cabin, then your pet needs to be stored in a carrier that sits under your seat and will count as your carry-bag.
All passengers will receive complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Starbucks coffee is served on Delta flights.
Wifi is available to purchase.

Pros

You get complimentary snacks and soft drinks on-board for a better in-flight experience.
Air fares are very reasonably priced compared to other airlines, especially with the economy fares.
There are TVs on the back of most seats on a Delta Air Lines flight so you can enjoy the in-flight entertainment in the air.

Cons

Wifi isn’t free on Main Cabin flights or Basic Economy flights.
Strollers are not counted towards your standard baggage allowance.

Travellers’ popular opinion on Delta Air Lines

From the good, the bad and the ugly, real-life passengers who have already used Delta Air Lines are a great way to gauge popular opinion on their experience. We’ve pulled together what some travelers are saying to give you an unbiased look.

One passenger hates flying, but was impressed with the great service and friendly staff. They liked the drinks selection and found the food delicious.
Another traveler found the seats comfortable and was impressed that the Delta flight was on time.
Another passenger said that while the cabin could have had more room, they were happy with the TV, movies and games on offer.
One passenger complained that they weren’t offered enough drinks during their flight and their food unfortunately came out cold.

The Verdict: Delta or JetBlue?

There’s no doubt that both JetBlue and Delta Air Lines are completely reliable choices when it comes to flying to your destination. However, it’s clear that both have major similarities and differences when you look at them in closer detail.

There are many points to consider in order for you to make a final decision – the overall cost, the quality of in-flight comfort and the entertainment on offer, so here are our final thoughts.

When it comes to seats, JetBlue wins hands down.

Their seats offer more legroom and space than pretty much any other US competitor, and they really are making a name for themselves when it comes to the quality of their seats. Not only do they use ergonomic padding, but there’s a cup holder and adjustable rests too so you can change the seat to suit you.

However, Delta Air Lines do have various comfort options that can be chosen through their fare packages, so while seats in Basic Economy are definitely comfortable, you get more for your money. If seat quality is important to you, this could end up being quite expensive in the long run if you need to upgrade your flight ticket.

When looking at costs, it’s a fairly close call. Both JetBlue and Delta Air Lines have different charges depending on which fare you choose, so it can be tricky to know how to compare the two. If we’re looking at both the basic fare, then both are quite evenly matched as you can bring a carry-on bag and personal item with both airlines for free.

One major difference however is that it’s free for pets to travel on a Delta Air Lines flight. With JetBlue it costs an additional $100 on top of your plane ticket.

On both airlines you get complimentary snacks and soft drinks, but wifi is completely free on a JetBlue flight. You have to purchase it separately with Delta Air Lines. In this case, we think both airlines are evenly matched.

And finally, with entertainment both JetBlue and Delta Air Lines do a great job of providing great quality films and TV shows. There are TVs on the back of seats with both airlines, but with a Delta Air Lines flight you can download their GoGo app before you fly to get access to the latest blockbusters on your own device. That means that JetBlue just edges the competition in the way of technology.

Frequently asked questions about JetBlue and Delta Air Lines

“How many bags can you take on a Delta Air Lines flight?”

You’re allowed to bring one carry-on item and one personal item. All carry-on items must be under 22” x 14” x 9”, and must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. For flights with 50 seats or less, you can carry your bag onboard without needing it tagged and stored in the cargo bin (checked bag). If the flight is particularly busy, carry-on baggage may be limited.

“Can I track a Delta Air Lines flight?”

If you need to be picked up after your flight lands or are waiting for a loved one, you can track a Delta Air Lines flight by heading to the website and clicking on the link for “Flight Status”. You can then enter the flight number and click “Check Status”. If you don’t have the flight number, click on the “From and To” tab and enter the appropriate cities. You’ll then see the flight or a list that you can choose from.

“What cities are Delta hubs?”

Atlanta is Delta Air Lines’ largest hub, but there are several others too in Cincinnati, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul. Salt Lake City, Boston, Seattle-Tacoma, LaGuardia and John.F Kennedy in New York.

“If you don’t show up for a JetBlue flight, do you pay?”

Because you won’t have used the ticket, JetBlue doesn’t require you to pay a cancellation fee. Instead, you can contact the airline to reschedule and pay for the new ticket. However, if you choose not to fly at all, you won’t be obliged to pay.

“Is JetBlue a budget airline?”

Jet Blue is considered one of the cheaper US airlines, and while there aren’t loads of premium features on a flight, you do get to enjoy complimentary snacks, soft drinks and in-flight entertainment. This gives it an edge over its competitors.

Final Thoughts on Delta vs JetBlue

Now that you’ve reached the end of our comparison guide, we hope you have a clearer idea on the pros, cons and features of both JetBlue and Delta Air Lines, and now know which airline you might wish to use for your trip.

We’d love to hear more – let us know where you’re headed and which airline you went for.

My Bottom Summary: While JetBlue offers some nice in-flight perks and fewer fees (great for in-frequent flyers or families), Delta offers a better rewards program (with more ways to accrue and keep points), making it a better long term option OR for frequent flyers (better elite status).

Cheap Flights: Compare & Book Plane Tickets | Expedia

Book cheap flights with Expedia to match your needs. Select from thousands of flights - airlines, one-way or return, departure and arrival time.

Search Flights

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

JetBlue vs Delta: Which Airline is Best?

The Main Differences Between JetBlue and Delta Air Lines

JetBlue and Delta Air Lines – Which airline should you use?

JetBlue

JetBlue Selling Points

Pros

Cons

Travellers’ popular opinion on JetBlue

Delta Air Lines

Delta Selling Points

Pros

Cons

Travellers’ popular opinion on Delta Air Lines

The Verdict: Delta or JetBlue?

Frequently asked questions about JetBlue and Delta Air Lines

“How many bags can you take on a Delta Air Lines flight?”

“Can I track a Delta Air Lines flight?”

“What cities are Delta hubs?”

“If you don’t show up for a JetBlue flight, do you pay?”

“Is JetBlue a budget airline?”

Final Thoughts on Delta vs JetBlue

Delta Compared to Other Top Airlines:

Jetblue vs Other Top Airlines