Is Southwest or Delta better?

It depends on your priorities. Delta is better for reliability (79.26% on-time, best in US), international travel (128 destinations), and premium cabins. Southwest is better for flexibility (no change fees), families (family boarding, competitive UM pricing), and domestic point-to-point routes.

Does Southwest still have free bags?

No. Southwest ended free checked bags on May 28, 2025 after 53 years. Fees increased to $45/$55 in April 2026 — the same as Delta's $45/$55. The Rapid Rewards Priority card ($149/year) still includes free bags for cardholders.

Which is cheaper, Southwest or Delta?

Base fares are often similar on overlapping routes. Since the May 2025 fee introduction (raised to $45/$55 in April 2026), Delta and Southwest now charge the same for checked bags ($45 first bag). Southwest remains cheaper for travelers who change flights frequently (no change fees vs Delta's Basic Economy restrictions).

Is Delta more reliable than Southwest?

It depends what you mean by reliable. Delta consistently leads for on-time arrivals — it was Cirium's most on-time North American carrier in 2025. Southwest tends to cancel fewer flights. So Delta is stronger on arriving on time; Southwest is stronger on not cancelling. Check the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report for the latest carrier-by-carrier figures.

Which has better customer service?

Both rank highly. Southwest is #1 in JD Power economy satisfaction (670) while Delta is #2 (667) — a gap of just 3 points. Delta excels at disruption recovery and app experience. Southwest excels at flexibility and friendly crew culture.

Should I switch from Southwest to Delta?

Consider switching if: you check bags frequently (Delta is now $10/bag cheaper), you fly internationally, or you want premium cabin options. Stay with Southwest if: you change flights often (no fees), you have Companion Pass, or you value the open boarding system.

Southwest vs Delta: Which Airline Is Better? (2026)

Southwest vs Delta head-to-head comparison for 2026. Fees, reliability, bags, legroom, and satisfaction data. Which airline wins after Southwest's bag fee change?

Last updated: August 2026

Quick Answer

Delta wins on reliability (79.26% on-time vs 77.76%) and now charges the same bag fees ($45 first bag) after Southwest started charging in May 2025 (raised April 2026).
Southwest wins on flexibility (no change fees on any fare), cancellation rate (0.85% vs 1.36%), and economy satisfaction (JD Power 670 vs 667).
The May 2025 end of free bags eliminated Southwest's biggest historical advantage; fees rose further in April 2026 ($45/$55).
Choose Southwest for domestic flexibility; choose Delta for international travel, premium cabins, and reliability.

Southwest vs Delta: Side-by-Side Comparison

Reliability data: U.S. DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, February 2026 edition (full-year 2025 data), Tables 1C / 6B / mishandled-baggage. All figures include branded codeshare/regional partners. JD Power: 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study (May 6, 2026; survey period March 2025–March 2026; 10,914 passengers). All JD Power scores out of 1,000. Seat pitch: Upgraded Points data study (January 2026).

When to Choose Southwest

Southwest is the better choice when:

When to Choose Delta

Delta is the better choice when:

Route Network Comparison

Delta: Hub-and-spoke model centered on Atlanta (world's busiest airport), with major hubs in Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, New York-JFK, and Boston. 341 total destinations (213 domestic + 128 international). SkyTeam alliance with 18 partner airlines.

Southwest: Point-to-point model serving 121 destinations in the US and near-international. Strongest in the Sun Belt (Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago Midway, Baltimore, Houston Hobby). No alliance partnerships, but interline agreements with select carriers.

Key overlap markets: Both airlines compete heavily in Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and most major Florida airports. In these markets, compare fares directly — Southwest's base fare is often lower, but Delta's total cost (with bags) may now be competitive given Delta's $35 first-bag fee vs. Southwest's $45.

The Bag Fee Change: May 2025 End of Free Bags & April 2026 Increase

Southwest's decision to end free checked bags on May 28, 2025 (with fees raised to $45/$55 in April 2026) fundamentally changed the Southwest vs. Delta calculus. Previously, Southwest's free bags made it the clear winner for travelers checking luggage — saving $70–$140 per round trip for a family.

Now the math has flipped: Delta charges $35 for the first bag vs. Southwest's $45. For a round trip with one checked bag, Delta is $20 cheaper. For two bags, Delta saves $20 total ($45+$45=$90 vs. $45+$55=$100 on Southwest). The only scenario where Southwest still wins on bags is if you have the Rapid Rewards Priority card ($149/year) which includes free bags.

This change also narrows the JD Power satisfaction gap (currently just 3 points: Southwest 670 vs. Delta 667 in economy). Southwest's introduction of fees has historically correlated with satisfaction declines in JD Power's methodology.

Not sure which airline offers the best deal on your specific route? Camli compares fares across all carriers — including consolidator rates not available on airline websites. Search flights on Camli to see Southwest and Delta prices side-by-side with total cost including bags.

Related Airline Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Southwest or Delta better?: It depends on your priorities. Delta is better for reliability (79.26% on-time, best in US), international travel (128 destinations), and premium cabins. Southwest is better for flexibility (no change fees), families (family boarding, competitive UM pricing), and domestic point-to-point routes.
Does Southwest still have free bags?: No. Southwest ended free checked bags on May 28, 2025 after 53 years. Fees increased to $45/$55 in April 2026 — the same as Delta's $45/$55. The Rapid Rewards Priority card ($149/year) still includes free bags for cardholders.
Which is cheaper, Southwest or Delta?: Base fares are often similar on overlapping routes. Since the May 2025 fee introduction (raised to $45/$55 in April 2026), Delta and Southwest now charge the same for checked bags ($45 first bag). Southwest remains cheaper for travelers who change flights frequently (no change fees vs Delta's Basic Economy restrictions).
Is Delta more reliable than Southwest?: It depends what you mean by reliable. Delta consistently leads for on-time arrivals — it was Cirium's most on-time North American carrier in 2025. Southwest tends to cancel fewer flights. So Delta is stronger on arriving on time; Southwest is stronger on not cancelling. Check the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report for the latest carrier-by-carrier figures.
Which has better customer service?: Both rank highly. Southwest is #1 in JD Power economy satisfaction (670) while Delta is #2 (667) — a gap of just 3 points. Delta excels at disruption recovery and app experience. Southwest excels at flexibility and friendly crew culture.
Should I switch from Southwest to Delta?: Consider switching if: you check bags frequently (Delta is now $10/bag cheaper), you fly internationally, or you want premium cabin options. Stay with Southwest if: you change flights often (no fees), you have Companion Pass, or you value the open boarding system.