NZ vs DL · 2026 comparison
Air NZ vs Delta
Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Air NZ
NZNo clear category wins
Delta
DLWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Quick verdict
Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Air NZ: 118 cm total · Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Air NZ: Included on every fare · Delta: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Air NZ: 1 free bag · Delta: $45
Side by side
| Air NZ | Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 118 cm total | 22 × 14 × 9 in |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | None published |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | Must fit under the seat |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | $45 |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | Airpoints | SkyMiles |
| Main hubs | AKL | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Air NZ allows a carry-on up to 118 cm total (46.5 in), and Delta up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Air NZ caps carry-ons at 7 kg (15.4 lb); Delta publishes no limit.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Air NZ, and anything that fits under the seat on Delta.
Air NZ includes one bag with Seat+Bag on flights between the U.S. and New Zealand, and a first checked bag on Delta costs $45 on U.S. and short-haul international flights.
Basic economy
Air NZ (Economy): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.
Delta (Delta Main Basic): Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.
Loyalty and where they fly
Air NZ is in Star Alliance and Delta is in SkyTeam.
Loyalty programs: Airpoints (Air NZ) and SkyMiles (Delta).
Air NZ's main hubs are Auckland (AKL). Delta's are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Air NZ if you want…
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from AKL
Choose Delta if you want…
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Air NZ vs Delta FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Air New Zealand official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Delta Air Lines official baggage policy
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 on-time performance by operating carrier (via AviationDB)
- Your Mileage May Vary: where every major U.S. airline stands on Wi-Fi (Oct 13, 2026)
- Simple Flying: how U.S. airline economy seat pitch compares in 2026
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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