Key Points

• Southwest excels for domestic travelers with free bags, no change fees, and the Companion Pass.
• Delta offers superior international routes, premium cabin options, and SkyTeam alliance benefits.
• Your home airport and typical destinations matter more than abstract airline rankings.

Introduction

Choosing between Southwest and Delta isn't about finding the "best" airline—it's about finding the right airline for how you actually travel. Southwest built its reputation on no-frills domestic service with genuinely traveler-friendly policies. Delta positioned itself as the premium full-service carrier with global reach and luxury options.

Here's what matters: Southwest and Delta operate fundamentally different business models. Understanding these differences helps you pick the airline that matches your travel patterns, saves you money, and earns rewards you'll actually use. Whether you're comparing the best travel credit cards or planning your first international trip, the airline you choose affects both your experience and your points strategy. Let's break down exactly how these airlines compare across the factors that affect your wallet and travel experience.

Quick Answer

Choose Southwest if: You fly primarily domestic routes, value flexibility with free changes and cancellations, want to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, or your home airport is a Southwest hub (Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Chicago Midway, Baltimore).

Choose Delta if: You need international flight options, want premium cabin experiences, prefer assigned seating with seat selection, fly through Delta hubs (Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Seattle, New York JFK), or value airline alliance benefits through SkyTeam.

Route Networks: Where Each Airline Actually Flies

Southwest's Domestic Focus

Southwest operates the largest domestic network in the United States with over 120 destinations. The airline dominates point-to-point routes and built fortress hubs in cities other carriers underserve.

Southwest's strongest markets:

• Denver (hub with 200+ daily departures)
• Dallas Love Field (headquarters hub)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor
• Las Vegas McCarran
• Chicago Midway
• Baltimore/Washington
• Houston Hobby

Southwest doesn't fly internationally beyond Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. If your typical trips include Boston to Fort Lauderdale, Denver to Phoenix, or Chicago to Nashville, Southwest likely offers multiple convenient daily flights. The airline excels at connecting medium-sized cities without forcing connections through mega-hubs.

Delta's Global Network

Delta operates one of the world's largest route networks with over 300 destinations across six continents. The carrier maintains fortress hubs that funnel traffic to international destinations.

Delta's strongest markets:

• Atlanta (world's busiest airport, Delta's mega-hub)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Detroit Metropolitan
• Seattle-Tacoma
• New York JFK
• Los Angeles
• Salt Lake City

Delta's real advantage emerges on international routes. Need to fly to Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, or São Paulo? Delta offers direct flights from major U.S. cities plus seamless connections through SkyTeam alliance partners like Air France-KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic.

Route Network Reality Check

Your home airport determines airline convenience more than any other factor. Living in Atlanta makes Delta the obvious choice with hundreds of daily flights. Based in Phoenix? Southwest's extensive network likely wins. Check which airline offers more direct flights from your home airport to the destinations you visit most frequently.

Baggage Policies: The Southwest Advantage

Southwest's Industry-Leading Baggage Policy

Southwest remains the only major U.S. carrier offering two free checked bags per passenger. This policy saves families and extended trip travelers hundreds of dollars annually.

Southwest baggage allowance:

• First checked bag: Free (up to 50 lbs)
• Second checked bag: Free (up to 50 lbs)
• Carry-on bag: Free (standard size)
• Personal item: Free

A family of four flying roundtrip saves $240 in baggage fees compared to Delta's standard rates. Business travelers checking golf clubs or ski equipment save $70-140 per roundtrip.

Delta's Standard Baggage Fees

Delta follows the industry-standard baggage fee structure with charges varying by route, fare class, and elite status.

Delta baggage fees (Main Cabin):

• First checked bag: $35 (domestic), $0 (international)
• Second checked bag: $45 (domestic), $100 (international)
• Carry-on bag: Free (standard size)
• Personal item: Free

Delta SkyMiles credit cardholders receive one free checked bag on domestic flights, reducing this cost advantage for frequent Delta travelers. Elite status members also receive free checked bags based on their tier.

Change and Cancellation Policies

Southwest's No-Change-Fee Philosophy

Southwest eliminated change fees long before the pandemic forced other airlines to follow. The airline's flexibility remains unmatched for travelers with uncertain schedules.

Southwest change policy:

• No change fees on any fare
• Cancel up to 10 minutes before departure
• Wanna Get Away fares: Travel funds valid 12 months
• Anytime/Business Select fares: Fully refundable
• Rebook to cheaper flight: Receive credit for difference

This policy proves invaluable for business travelers with shifting schedules or leisure travelers booking far in advance. You risk nothing booking Southwest six months early, even on the cheapest fare.

Delta's Improved Flexibility

Delta permanently eliminated change fees on domestic flights in 2020, matching Southwest's long-standing policy. However, restrictions still apply to Basic Economy fares.

Delta change policy:

• No change fees on Main Cabin and above (domestic)
• Basic Economy: No changes allowed (except within 24 hours)
• International flights: Change fees may apply depending on fare rules
• Same-day confirmed changes: $75 (waived for elite status)

Delta's improvement closed most of the flexibility gap with Southwest, but Basic Economy fares remain restrictive. Southwest doesn't operate a Basic Economy equivalent, so even the cheapest Southwest fare allows changes.

Seat Selection and Boarding

Southwest's Open Seating System

Southwest's boarding process divides passengers into groups (A, B, C) with positions 1-60 in each group. Earlier check-in (exactly 24 hours before departure) or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In ($15-25 per flight) improves boarding position.

Southwest boarding advantages:

• Families can sit together by boarding early
• Free to choose any available seat
• Window/aisle preference available day-of
• Business Select fares include priority boarding (A1-15)

Southwest boarding disadvantages:

• Must check in exactly at 24 hours for good position
• No advance seat selection
• Anxiety about getting stuck in middle seats
• Families with young children board after A group

Delta's Assigned Seating

Delta assigns seats at booking with options to select preferred seats for a fee or free seats toward the back. Elite status members and premium cabin passengers receive complimentary seat selection.

Delta seat selection advantages:

• Know your seat assignment weeks in advance
• Pay for preferred seats (extra legroom, forward cabin)
• Elite status includes free Preferred seats
• Main Cabin passengers can select free seats at booking

Delta seat selection disadvantages:

• Good free seats disappear quickly
• Preferred seat fees: $15-79 per segment
• Basic Economy: Seat assigned at check-in
• Families may get separated on Basic Economy

Personal preference determines which system works better. Some travelers love Southwest's flexibility and gamification. Others prefer Delta's certainty of knowing exactly where they'll sit.

Loyalty Programs: Points Value and Earning

Southwest Rapid Rewards

Southwest Rapid Rewards operates on a revenue-based system where points earned and required for flights directly correlate with ticket prices.

Earning Rapid Rewards points:

• 6 points per dollar on Business Select fares
• 10 points per dollar on Anytime fares
• 12 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away Plus fares
• Credit card spending: 2-3 points per dollar (depending on card)

Rapid Rewards redemption value:

• Points value: Approximately 1.3-1.5 cents each
• No blackout dates
• Award seats available when cash seats exist
• Companion Pass: Best perk in airline loyalty programs

The Companion Pass stands out as Southwest's signature benefit. Earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, and a designated companion flies free (except taxes) on all Southwest flights for the remainder of that year plus the entire next calendar year. For couples or families, this essentially provides 2-for-1 flights for up to two years. Our complete Southwest Companion Pass guide breaks down the fastest strategies to earn this remarkable perk.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles transitioned to dynamic pricing years ago, making award redemptions highly variable based on demand, route, and timing.

Earning SkyMiles:

• 5 miles per dollar on Delta flights (basic economy through main cabin)
• 10 miles per dollar on First Class and Delta One
• Medallion members earn bonus miles (up to 11 miles per dollar)
• Credit card spending: 1-3 miles per dollar (depending on card)

SkyMiles redemption value:

• Points value: Highly variable (0.8-1.4 cents on average)
• Domestic economy: Often requires 8,000-30,000+ miles
• International economy: Can range 25,000-150,000+ miles
• Premium cabins: Better value (1.5-2+ cents per mile)
• SkyTeam partners: Book with miles on Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic

Delta's dynamic pricing means award flights can represent excellent or terrible value. International premium cabin redemptions to Europe or Asia often deliver the best value at 1.5-2+ cents per mile. Domestic economy awards frequently disappoint with valuations under 1 cent per mile. Understanding how to maximize Delta SkyMiles helps you identify the redemptions worth booking versus paying cash.

Credit Card Ecosystems

Southwest Credit Cards

Southwest offers three personal credit cards through Chase, all earning Rapid Rewards points that count toward Companion Pass qualification.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus ($69 annual fee after first year):

• 50,000 points after $1,000 spend
• 2 points per dollar on Southwest and Rapid Rewards partners
• 4 anniversary points per year
• Early Bird Check-In credits

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier ($99 annual fee):

• 60,000 points after $2,000 spend
• 2 points per dollar on Southwest and Rapid Rewards partners
• 6,000 anniversary points
• Upgraded boarding and anniversary bonus

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority ($149 annual fee):

• 50,000 points after $1,000 spend
• 2 points per dollar on Southwest and Rapid Rewards partners
• 7,500 anniversary points
• 4 upgraded boardings per year
• $75 annual Southwest travel credit

The strategy most Southwest enthusiasts use: Open two personal Southwest cards in one year (Plus and Premier or Premier and Priority) to earn 110,000+ points toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold. Combined with regular spending and one or two Southwest flights, reaching Companion Pass becomes achievable in 3-4 months.

Delta Credit Cards

Delta partners with American Express for its credit card portfolio, offering cards for various traveler types.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Card ($0 first year, $150 after):

• 60,000 miles after $2,000 spend
• 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
• First checked bag free
• Priority boarding

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card ($350 annual fee):

• 80,000 miles after $5,000 spend
• 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
• Companion Certificate (annual, $75 fare + taxes)
• Domestic Main Cabin upgrades
• First checked bag free
• Priority boarding

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card ($650 annual fee):

• 90,000 miles after $6,000 spend
• 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
• Companion Certificate (annual, $75 fare + taxes)
• Domestic First Class and Delta Comfort+ upgrades
• Sky Club access (cardholder + 2 guests)
• First checked bag free

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve delivers strong value for frequent Delta travelers through Sky Club access alone ($39 per visit × 10+ visits = $390+ value). The Platinum and Reserve Companion Certificates require paying $75 plus taxes/fees, making them less valuable than Southwest's Companion Pass but still useful for expensive routes. Our complete guide to Delta credit cards compares all options to help you choose the right card for your travel patterns.

Premium Cabin Experiences

Southwest: One Class Only

Southwest operates a single-class configuration on all aircraft. Business Select fares include priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards points, and free premium drinks, but everyone sits in the same seats.

This simplicity appeals to leisure travelers and budget-conscious business travelers who prioritize low fares over premium amenities. You won't find lie-flat seats, individual entertainment screens, or multi-course meals on Southwest.

Delta: Multiple Premium Options

Delta invested heavily in premium cabin products to compete with international carriers.

Delta Comfort+: Extra legroom (up to 3 additional inches), priority boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, complimentary beer and wine, premium snacks. Available for upgrade or purchase on all flights.

First Class (domestic): Wider leather seats with 36+ inches of pitch, complimentary food and beverages, priority boarding, checked bag priority. Available on domestic narrowbody aircraft.

Delta One (international and select transcontinental): Lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, premium bedding, multi-course dining, amenity kits, premium entertainment system, dedicated flight attendants. Available on widebody international aircraft and select transcon routes.

For travelers valuing comfort on long flights, Delta's premium options justify higher fares. A lie-flat Delta One seat to Europe transforms an overnight redeye from endurance test to restful sleep. Southwest's single-class configuration can't compete for premium travelers willing to pay for enhanced comfort. If you're considering the best credit cards for flying business class, Delta's premium cabins represent the type of experience those points can unlock.

Elite Status Programs

Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred

Southwest's elite status tiers provide meaningful benefits without overwhelming complexity.

A-List (25 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points):

• Priority boarding (guaranteed A1-15)
• 25% earning bonus
• Same-day standby and confirmed flight changes (free)

A-List Preferred (50 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points):

• Priority boarding (guaranteed A1-15)
• 100% earning bonus
• Same-day standby and confirmed flight changes (free)
• Free inflight WiFi

Southwest's elite status focuses on essentials: better boarding position, earning bonuses, and flight flexibility. The lack of upgrade benefits reflects the single-class configuration.

Delta Medallion Status

Delta operates four elite tiers with increasingly valuable benefits.

Silver Medallion (25,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles + 3,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars):

• Priority boarding
• Free checked bags
• Complimentary upgrades (domestic, when available)
• 7-mile earning bonus

Gold Medallion (50,000 MQMs + $6,000 MQDs):

• Priority boarding, security, and check-in
• Free checked bags
• Complimentary upgrades (domestic and select international)
• 8-mile earning bonus
• SkyMiles Rollover

Platinum Medallion (75,000 MQMs + $9,000 MQDs):

• All Gold benefits plus:
• Enhanced upgrade priority
• Choice Benefits (Regional Upgrade Certificates, Global Upgrade Certificates, or SkyMiles)
• 9-mile earning bonus
• Waived same-day flight change fees

Diamond Medallion (125,000 MQMs + $15,000 MQDs):

• All Platinum benefits plus:
• Highest upgrade priority
• Complimentary Delta Sky Club access
• 11-mile earning bonus
• Dedicated Diamond phone line

Delta's elite program delivers substantial value for frequent flyers, particularly complimentary upgrades to First Class on domestic flights and Sky Club access at Diamond level. The Medallion Qualifying Dollar requirement means you must spend significant money on Delta flights—credit card spending alone won't earn status.

Airport Experience and Lounges

Southwest: Limited Airport Amenities

Southwest doesn't operate airport lounges. The airline's low-cost model excludes premium airport experiences.

Business Select passengers receive priority boarding and access to faster security lines (where available), but no lounge access comes with any Southwest fare or status level. Some credit cards offering Priority Pass membership provide lounge access regardless of airline, but Southwest itself provides no proprietary lounge product.

Delta Sky Club Network

Delta operates over 50 Sky Clubs across North America and partners with international lounges worldwide.

Sky Club access methods:

• Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card (cardholder + 2 guests)
• Delta One ticket (first class long-haul international)
• Diamond Medallion status (member + 2 guests)
• Pay per visit ($39 per person)
• Annual membership ($695 per year)

Sky Clubs vary in quality from basic domestic clubs to flagship locations like JFK Terminal 4 and Atlanta's Concourse F with premium dining, full bars, shower suites, and quiet workspaces. For frequent travelers spending significant time in airports, Sky Club access represents substantial value in comfort, productivity, and stress reduction.

Which Airline Wins for Different Traveler Types

Budget-Conscious Leisure Travelers

Winner: Southwest

Free checked bags, no change fees, and transparent pricing save money on typical leisure travel. The Southwest Companion Pass dramatically reduces costs for couples and families. Southwest's point-to-point network efficiently connects popular vacation destinations without expensive hub connections.

Frequent Domestic Business Travelers

Winner: Depends on home airport

If your home airport is a Southwest hub and your destinations align with Southwest's network, the combination of flexibility, frequent flights, and A-List priority boarding works perfectly. However, business travelers based in Atlanta, Minneapolis, or Detroit find Delta's frequency and upgrade opportunities more valuable.

International Travelers

Winner: Delta

Southwest's limited international network makes this comparison straightforward. Delta's extensive international route network, SkyTeam alliance partnerships, and premium cabin options provide the tools international travelers need. Delta One lie-flat seats transform long-haul flying from ordeal to rest opportunity. Check out our guides on the best credit cards for flights to Europe and flights to Asia to maximize value on these routes.

Families with Young Children

Winner: Southwest

Free checked bags for the entire family (8 free bags for a family of four roundtrip) saves $240+ per trip. Southwest's family boarding allows families with children six and under to board after A group, ensuring you sit together. The Companion Pass means one parent flies free when traveling with one child.

Premium Cabin Enthusiasts

Winner: Delta

Southwest's single-class configuration can't compete with Delta's First Class, Delta Comfort+, and Delta One products. Travelers willing to pay for premium comfort or using miles for upgrades find far superior options on Delta.

Points and Miles Maximizers

Winner: Southwest (for domestic), Delta (for international premium)

Southwest's Companion Pass represents the single most valuable perk in U.S. airline loyalty programs. Two years of companion-flies-free status beats almost any other benefit for couples or those who designate a frequent travel companion. However, Delta's SkyMiles excel at premium international redemptions to Europe and Asia, often delivering 1.5-2+ cents per mile value in Delta One. Our analysis of the best airline credit cards shows how to combine both programs strategically.

Making Your Decision

Choosing between Southwest and Delta requires honest assessment of your actual travel patterns:

Choose Southwest if you answer yes to these questions:

• Do you primarily fly domestic routes within the U.S.?
• Is your home airport a Southwest hub or strong market?
• Do you regularly travel with a companion or family?
• Do you value flexibility to change flights without penalty?
• Do you prefer free checked bags over assigned seating?
• Are you willing to check in exactly 24 hours before departure?

Choose Delta if you answer yes to these questions:

• Do you fly internationally or aspire to international travel?
• Is your home airport a Delta hub?
• Do you value premium cabin experiences?
• Do you want confirmed seat assignments at booking?
• Are you willing to pay for preferred seats or upgrades?
• Do you travel frequently enough to earn elite status?

The truth is, most travelers don't choose one airline exclusively. Focus Southwest flights on domestic routes where they offer better schedules or prices, particularly when checking bags or traveling with a companion. Use Delta for international trips, premium cabin desires, or when Delta operates a fortress hub at your home airport.

Building some loyalty with one carrier accelerates elite status benefits and makes credit card rewards more valuable, but flexibility in airline choice often saves more money than rigid loyalty costs. Our complete guide to airline credit cards explains how to build a strategic portfolio that maximizes benefits across multiple carriers. Choose based on each specific trip's requirements rather than pledging allegiance to one carrier's colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airline is cheaper, Southwest or Delta?

Southwest often offers lower base fares on domestic routes, especially when you factor in two free checked bags. However, Delta's Basic Economy fares sometimes undercut Southwest's prices, though without flexibility or baggage benefits. Compare total trip costs (fare + bags + any fees) rather than just the base ticket price.

Can I use Southwest points on Delta flights or vice versa?

No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points only work on Southwest flights. Delta SkyMiles only work on Delta flights and SkyTeam partner airlines (like Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic). The programs don't partner with each other, and points cannot transfer between them.

Does Southwest fly to Europe?

No. Southwest's international network covers only Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean destinations. Delta flies to over 50 international destinations in Europe with multiple daily flights to major cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Which airline has better on-time performance?

Both airlines typically rank in the top five U.S. carriers for on-time performance. Delta historically edges ahead slightly (80-85% on-time) versus Southwest (75-80%), but performance varies by route and season. Both airlines handle irregular operations reasonably well, though Southwest's operational challenges in December 2022 highlighted vulnerabilities in their outdated technology systems.

Can I earn elite status with credit card spending?

Southwest allows credit card spending to count toward Companion Pass qualification (135,000 points), and the points earned from credit cards count toward that threshold. Delta requires Medallion Qualifying Miles (from flights) AND Medallion Qualifying Dollars (from flight spending) for elite status—credit card spending alone won't get you there, though some Delta cards offer MQM boosts. Learn more about earning the Southwest Companion Pass with credit cards in our dedicated guide.

Conclusion

Southwest and Delta excel at different types of travel. Southwest dominates domestic point-to-point routes with unmatched flexibility, free bags, and the incomparable Companion Pass. Delta delivers international reach, premium cabins, and elite status benefits that frequent travelers crave.

The smartest strategy? Use both airlines strategically based on each trip's specific needs. Book Southwest for domestic travel when you're checking bags or value flexibility. Choose Delta when flying internationally or when premium comfort matters. Build enough loyalty with one carrier to unlock meaningful benefits, but don't let loyalty points cost you hundreds of dollars in inferior routings or higher fares.

Start by analyzing your past year of travel: Where did you actually fly? Which airline served those routes better? The answer to "Southwest vs Delta" isn't about which airline wins—it's about which airline fits your real travel patterns. Review our recommendations for the best Southwest credit cards and the best Delta credit cards to maximize your chosen strategy.

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