DL vs B6 · 2026 comparison
Delta vs JetBlue
Delta wins on a better on-time record and fewer cancellations; JetBlue wins on cheaper checked bags, more legroom and better Wi-Fi access. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Delta
DLWins 2 categories
- A better on-time record
- Fewer cancellations
JetBlue
B6Wins 3 categories
- Cheaper checked bags
- More legroom
- Better Wi-Fi access
Quick verdict
Delta wins on a better on-time record and fewer cancellations; JetBlue wins on cheaper checked bags, more legroom and better Wi-Fi access. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in · JetBlue: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Delta: Included on every fare · JetBlue: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Delta: $45 · JetBlue: $39–$49
- Standard economy legroom
- Delta: About 31 in · JetBlue: About 32 in
- Wi-Fi
- Delta: Free for members · JetBlue: Free for everyone
- On-time arrivals (2025)
- Delta: 79.1% · JetBlue: 72.3%
Side by side
| Delta | JetBlue | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 22 × 14 × 9 in |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | None published | None published |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 17 × 13 × 8 in |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | $45 | $39–$49 |
| Comfort | ||
| Standard economy legroom | About 31 in | About 32 in |
| Wi-Fi | Free for members | Free for everyone |
| Reliability | ||
| On-time arrivals (2025) | 79.1% | 72.3% |
| Flights cancelled (2025) | 1.1% | 1.7% |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | None |
| Loyalty program | SkyMiles | TrueBlue |
| Main hubs | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK | JFK, BOS, FLL, MCO, SJU |
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
Both airlines allow a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Neither publishes a carry-on weight limit.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Delta, and 17 × 13 × 8 in (43 × 33 × 20 cm) on JetBlue.
A first checked bag on Delta costs $45 on U.S. and short-haul international flights, and a first checked bag on JetBlue costs $39–$49 on U.S., Caribbean, Latin America and Canada flights.
Basic economy
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.
JetBlue (Main Base): Main Base (Blue Basic until July 27, 2026) includes a carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra, and changes cost a fee.
Seats and Wi-Fi
Delta gives about 31 in of legroom in standard economy and JetBlue about 32 in, an edge for JetBlue. Delta: About 31 in in Main Cabin; 34–35 in in Comfort. JetBlue: About 32 in in Core, the most of the big U.S. airlines.
Wi-Fi on Delta: Free for SkyMiles members on most flights. On JetBlue: Free Fly-Fi for everyone, no login needed.
On-time performance
In 2025, Delta landed 79.1% of its flights on time and cancelled 1.1%; JetBlue landed 72.3% on time and cancelled 1.7%. That makes Delta the more punctual of the two. The figures come from the U.S. DOT and count each airline's own flights, not regional partners.
Loyalty and where they fly
Delta is in SkyTeam and JetBlue is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: SkyMiles (Delta) and TrueBlue (JetBlue).
Delta's main hubs are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). JetBlue's are New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), San Juan (SJU). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Delta if you want…
- a better on-time record
- fewer cancellations
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP
Choose JetBlue if you want…
- cheaper checked bags
- more legroom
- better Wi-Fi access
- nonstops from JFK, BOS, FLL
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.
Delta vs JetBlue FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Delta wins on a better on-time record and fewer cancellations; JetBlue wins on cheaper checked bags, more legroom and better Wi-Fi access. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Delta Air Lines official baggage policy
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 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
- JetBlue official baggage policy
- Afar: United and JetBlue raise their checked bag fees (2026)
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
Deals on Delta, JetBlue and more
Whichever airline you prefer, we'll email you when fares from your home airports drop well below normal.
Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime