As someone who flies regularly, coast to coast, regionally, and internationally, I’ve had the opportunity to compare Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines more times than I can count. Whether I’m headed to a West Coast meeting or connecting through a hub to Europe, the question often comes up: Which airline is better for this route? And the truth is, it depends.
Delta is a legacy carrier with global muscle, premium partnerships, and a polished product that rarely disappoints. Alaska, on the other hand, is leaner, friendlier, and often more affordable, especially if you’re flying anywhere along the West Coast. But when it comes to real-world differences, things get nuanced.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how these two airlines compare across three major categories that matter to most travelers: price, comfort, and loyalty programs. I’ve flown both extensively, and what follows is not a superficial rundown, it’s built on direct experience, operational data, and the kinds of behind-the-scenes observations you only make when you’re boarding your hundredth flight of the year.
Which Airline Is More Affordable? Price Differences in 2025
Let’s start with what most people notice first: price.
In general, Alaska Airlines tends to offer lower base fares, particularly on short-haul domestic routes. If you’re flying from Seattle to San Francisco, or Los Angeles to Portland, Alaska often undercuts Delta by anywhere from $30 to $80 depending on demand. Their Saver Fares (Alaska’s version of basic economy) come with standard restrictions like no seat selection and back-of-the-plane boarding, but you still earn Mileage Plan miles.
Delta, by contrast, prices more aggressively on premium routes. I’ve noticed their Basic Economy fares are often comparable to Alaska’s Saver fares, but once you start selecting seats or adding bags, Delta becomes more expensive. They’ve also shifted more routes into dynamic pricing models, which means that flight costs can jump quickly based on booking window and demand.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly tickets without sacrificing customer service, Alaska is generally more wallet-friendly. But price isn’t everything, especially when you care about in-flight experience.
In-Flight Comfort: Who Offers a Better Cabin Experience?
I’ve flown in just about every cabin configuration both airlines offer, and this is where Delta consistently pulls ahead in my experience.
Cabin Design and Seat Comfort
Delta’s newer aircraft, especially the A321neo, A220, and 767 retrofits, offer a noticeably smoother experience. Seat ergonomics are better. Cabin lighting feels more modern. Even in Comfort+, the legroom, recline, and access to power outlets make a difference. And yes, seatback screens are standard on almost every Delta mainline flight.
Alaska Airlines has improved its fleet in recent years, especially with the introduction of 737 MAX aircraft and newly refurbished cabins. Their Recaro slimline seats are functional and clean, but if you’re on an older 737-800, you’ll feel the age. There are no seatback screens, and everything is streamed via Wi-Fi. If you’re not prepared with your own device, or your battery’s low, it’s a limited experience.
Wi-Fi and Entertainment
Delta now offers free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights for SkyMiles members. And in my testing, it actually works for web browsing, Slack, and even video calls in a pinch. Their seatback screens offer live TV, movies, and real-time flight tracking. You never need your own device unless you prefer it.
Alaska’s Wi-Fi is paid but fast, and their Alaska Beyond™ platform allows you to stream movies and TV on your personal device. It’s effective, but it requires a bit more setup and battery life on your part.
Food and Drink
Both offer complimentary soft drinks and snacks in economy, but Delta’s snacks and presentation are just a little more polished. On longer flights, Delta provides a premium snack basket in Comfort+ and meal service in First. Alaska offers fresh, paid meals on flights over 1,100 miles, and the quality is solid, often better than Delta’s domestic meal trays, but you have to order early, and it’s not included in economy.
Loyalty Programs: SkyMiles vs Mileage Plan
This is where I see the biggest philosophical split between the two carriers. One rewards you for how far you fly; the other only cares how much you spend.
Delta SkyMiles (2025)
Delta has fully committed to a revenue-based elite system. You earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to achieve elite status, no credit for distance or segments flown. Status tiers in 2025 look like this:
- Silver Medallion: $6,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion: $12,000 MQDs
- Platinum: $18,000 MQDs
- Diamond: $28,000 MQDs
There are no waivers via credit card spend anymore, making it significantly harder for non-corporate travelers to maintain high-tier status.
Award redemption is also dynamically priced, which means that a one-way domestic ticket can be 7,500 miles or 47,000 miles, depending on demand.
That said, Delta elite benefits are solid: unlimited upgrades, same-day confirmed changes, Sky Club access for Delta One and Amex Platinum cardholders, and priority boarding across all cabins.
Alaska Mileage Plan (2025)
Alaska’s loyalty program is still based on miles flown, which makes it incredibly rewarding for anyone flying long distances on lower-cost fares.
Status tiers:
- MVP: 20,000 miles
- MVP Gold: 40,000 miles
- Gold 75K: 75,000 miles
- Gold 100K: 100,000 miles
You earn miles based on actual distance flown, not ticket cost, and the upgrades are frequent, even for low fares, as long as you have elite status.
Redemptions on partners (British Airways, JAL, Qantas, etc.) still use fixed award charts in many cases, offering better transparency and often better value than Delta’s dynamic prices.
Route Network and Connectivity
If you’re booking a short-haul West Coast trip, you’ll find Alaska’s network hard to beat. They dominate routes from Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and Los Angeles, and serve dozens of smaller cities like Medford, Boise, and Santa Rosa with great frequency.
Delta, of course, plays on a much larger stage. With global hubs in Atlanta, New York-JFK, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Seattle, Delta offers seamless international connectivity, especially to Europe, Asia, and South America via SkyTeam.
If you’re flying long-haul or international, Delta is the obvious choice. If you’re focused on domestic or West Coast business travel, Alaska is more efficient and often more direct.
Customer Service and Ground Experience
This is where I give a strong nod to Alaska. Their frontline staff, gate agents, and phone support have consistently been faster, friendlier, and more accommodating in my experience.
Alaska rebooked me proactively during a weather disruption, upgraded me without asking when a flight was oversold, and generally delivers better real-time communication during irregular operations.
Delta has become more structured, efficient, yes, but also a bit less personal. They manage disruptions well through the Fly Delta app, and the operation is tight. But when things go wrong, it can be harder to get a real person quickly.
Which Airline Should You Choose in 2025?
If your travel leans toward domestic, especially West Coast, and you value lower fares, distance-based rewards, and warm customer service, Alaska Airlines is hard to beat.
If you need international access, premium cabins, superior in-flight entertainment, and stronger lounge access, Delta is the better choice.
Here’s how I break it down from experience:
| Category | Winner |
| Price | Alaska |
| In-Flight Comfort | Delta |
| Wi-Fi and Entertainment | Delta |
| Loyalty Program Value | Alaska |
| Global Reach | Delta |
| West Coast Efficiency | Alaska |
| Customer Service | Alaska |
| Lounge Network | Delta |
FAQs – Delta vs Alaska Airlines (2025)
Which is cheaper?
Alaska usually offers lower base fares on domestic routes.
Which has better Wi-Fi and entertainment?
Delta. Most aircraft have seatback screens and free Wi-Fi.
Which loyalty program gives better value?
Alaska’s Mileage Plan rewards miles flown and has generous partner awards.
Does Alaska fly internationally?
Not directly long-haul, but offers excellent oneworld partner redemptions.
Which is better for elite status upgrades?
Alaska. Upgrades are more common for elites, even on Saver fares.