I’ve flown every other week for the last three years (story of a divorced parent!). So I have a lof experience with Jetblue and Delta. Between me and the hubby, we also have 3 Jetblue credit cards, 2 Delta credit cards, we are both also Jetblue Mosaic 2’s, and Delta Platnium Medallion members….so we might know a thing or two about Jetblue vs Delta, and which one is better.
While there is much that both airlines have to offer passengers, their destinations, dependability, costs, loyalty programs, and in-flight experiences are all quite different.
We’ll weigh JetBlue’s and Delta’s various advantages and disadvantages before you plan your next trip to help you determine what matters most to you.
👉👉👉 At a glance – winner is Delta – but only if you’re ready to fork out more money since it’s more expensive. Delta wins in having the most routes and reliability (on time departure, less cancelations), whilst Jetblue wins in credit cards and better basic economy tickets. If you’re a frequent flyer, Delta also wins in their Skymiles program versus Jetblue Mosaic program.
Routes and Destinations
Whether an airline flies where you wish to go is one of the main considerations when selecting one. To reach even more places, several airlines also let you use miles for travel on partner airlines.
The Winner for Most Destinations: Delta
Because it flies to many more places and runs more flights than JetBlue, Delta wins this category. Delta is a founding member of the 19-airline SkyTeam alliance as well. Through Delta or its alliance partners, passengers can arrange travel to cities on every continent save Antarctica.
JetBlue
Although JetBlue flies mostly within the United States, it also serves the Caribbean and Central and South America. It has lately added flights to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Paris, Amsterdam, and Vancouver, British Columbia. JetBlue flies to over 110 locations across 33 countries.
Delta
At the moment, Delta flies to over 300 locations spread across 57 countries. Further airline possibilities are added by its membership in the SkyTeam alliance, which might be a fantastic value if you want to use some SkyMiles. Over a thousand locations throughout 166 countries are served by SkyTeam aircraft.
Reliability
One other factor to think about when selecting an airline is the likelihood that you will have delays, cancellations, or misplaced luggage. Travelers naturally expect flights to arrive on schedule and airlines to not misplace their luggage.
The Winner for Best Airline Reliability: Delta
Of the nine carriers we examined, Delta had the best reliability score—a five-star rating—from July 2022 to May 2023. Conversely, JetBlue was rated the second lowest, at 1.7 out of 5.
JetBlue
JetBlue did badly on every metric we monitored. It completed 68.44% of its flights on schedule, and 1.88% of them were canceled. Its 0.54 flights out of every 1,000 that sat on the runway before takeoff gave it the second-highest tarmac delay score of any airline.
👧👧👧My personal experience – For two years straight my partner in crime and I fly back and forth between MA and FL alot, especially since we had just bought some short term rentals in the area – we flew Jetblue almost exclusively. I unfortunately have to agree that this statement couldn’t be truer. Jetblue almost never boards on time. The terminals are usually crowded with Mosaics, Group A, and other groups hovering the line to enter.
It never leaves on time, but it actually lands quite on time – I believe the pilot tries to make up for time loss. We land early frequently, as well. It is stressful at the terminal and things do seem a little hectic and inorganized often. Delta definitely wins in this category.
JetBlue ranked middle of the pack for mishandled bags with 0.66% of their checked bags being delayed or missing. We don’t check bags so I don’t have much experience with this part but this is what I’ve researched.
Delta
By far, the greatest airline for timely departures was Delta. Eighty-three percent of the time, its aircraft recorded prompt departures; 1.38% of its flights were canceled. The carrier scored marginally higher than JetBlue with 0.46 tarmac delays out of every 1,000 flights.
With 0.51% of bags arriving late or not at all, it had a mediocre performance for mishandled baggage. On the plus side, you can earn 2,500 SkyMiles if your checked luggage on a domestic Delta aircraft doesn’t show up at the carousel 20 minutes after arrival.
👧👧👧 My personal experience – it always amazes me how “on time” boarding always is. If your boarding pass says you’re boarding at 1:13pm, you’re boarding at 1:13pm. Also, at this terminal there is less “hovering” – mostly just the first class people are hovering while the rest keep a distance. I also believe it seems less hectic because Delta terminals seem larger and more spacious than JetBlue. Also, the planes have taller overhead compartments so carry-ons can fit like a book, on its side. It therefore fits MORE carry-ons at each seat. Travelers feel less needed to “get on as fast as possible” to find a spot near their seat.
Fees
Finding a cheap ticket can be simple, but additional charges can soon drive up the cost of your trip. It’s critical to know what kinds of fees an airline levies and how they could impact the overall cost of your vacation.
The Winner for Lowest Fees: JetBlue
When nine American airlines were compared for the average cost of a checked bag and seat selection, Delta and JetBlue came in the top half. JetBlue prevails in this round, nevertheless, as it waives the seat selection fee, while a checked bag costs a little more than it does with Delta.
JetBlue
If you wish to check a bag, JetBlue might not be the best option even if it doesn’t charge for seat selection (apart from basic economy). Only if you add a bag to your reservation at least 24 hours before departure does the airline charge one of the highest rates for checked bags—$35 for the first bag on a domestic flight and $50 for the second. And within 24 hours of departure, bags added cost $45 for the first and $60 for the second.
If you have an airline co-branded credit card, JetBlue Mosaic elite status, a Blue Plus (first bag only), or a Mint ticket, these costs are eliminated.
Except for travelers in basic economy, those on international routes between the United States and the United Kingdom or Europe get one complimentary checked bag.
Delta
Regarding fees, Delta falls between its rivals. For those with Medallion elite status, most co-branded credit cards, and several premium ticket classes, the $35 first checked bag price is waived. We determined that, when flying Delta, the average seat selection fee was $14.17, including an average cost of $28.33 for a Main Cabin seat up front, compared to JetBlue, which does not charge for seat assignments.
Basic Economy
Although basic economy fares have the lowest prices, the savings are frequently accompanied with restrictions. Usually, these tickets don’t let you choose a seat in advance, and you board the plane last. Free checked or carry-on bags, upgrades, and partial or no miles earned may all be additional restrictions. Also, as of 2024 if you booked a basic economy ticket you cannot access Delta Sky Club – no matter what credit card you have, not even the Delta Reserve.
The Winner for Best Basic Economy Tickets: JetBlue
Both comes with restrictions but Jetblue is a little better since you are able to make changes (for a fee) and you still earn Jetblue miles when you book this ticket – you can do neither with Delta.
JetBlue
JetBlue limits a lot of things on their Blue Basic fares. Except for flights between the United States and the United Kingdom or England, passengers are not allowed to have a carry-on bag and are charged for bag checks.
Changes and cancellations are permitted for a charge that varies from $75 to $200. While they board the aircraft last, Blue Basic passengers receive one TrueBlue point for every dollar they spend.
Delta
A personal item and carry-on luggage are allowed for basic economy passengers of Delta. However, they board last as well, so there might not be enough room in the overhead bins. Basic economy tickets can be canceled (without a cancellation fee), but they cannot be modified. Neither elite status credits nor SkyMiles are earned with these tickets. If you are a frequent flier, this is a huge issue!
Loyalty Program
Flying frequently is rewarded by an airline’s loyalty program. Travelers receive elite status credits for more rewards and miles for future travel. Credit cards with co-branding enable travelers to accumulate miles more quickly and more simply to obtain elite status.
👉👉👉 Skip ahead to Credit Cards if you aren’t planning on flying frequently
Rewards Rate
How many miles you earn and the value of those miles depend on the rewards rate and the amount of money you spend with the airline. This category reflects the dollar value you receive back from using the airline.
The Winner for the Highest Rewards Rate: JetBlue
JetBlue
Using TrueBlue points for award travel will typically get you 1.5 cents per point. Those who pay with a JetBlue credit card, book directly with the airline, and maintain elite status usually receive 3x points on the base rate plus extras. You can also get up to fifteen points for every dollar spent, depending on the fare.
Delta
Members of the Delta SkyMiles program get 1.2 cents on average for each SkyMile. While members can reserve award travel in any price class, partner carriers’ international flights usually provide the best value. Every dollar spent on Main Cabin flights and above earns 5 SkyMiles; elite status and using a Delta credit card earn more points.
Credit Cards
For even more benefits, travelers might choose to obtain a co-branded credit card from their preferred airline. Bonus miles are normally earned on airline purchases and in certain bonus categories toward free flights. Extra perks from these cards when flying with the airline include free checked bags, early boarding, and savings on in-flight purchases.
The Winner for Best Credit Card: Delta
When comparing Delta and JetBlue, the former offers superior airline credit cards. Delta has a wider selection of cards to choose from and usually has stronger benefits. Jetblue’s credit cards are issued by Barclay while Delta credit cards are issued by American Express. It’s just hard to beat American Express!
JetBlue
Two personal and one business co-branded credit cards are available from JetBlue. From a personal standpoint, the JetBlue Card costs nothing yearly, while the JetBlue Plus Card does.
Both cards save 50% on in-flight purchases and waive international transaction fees; the JetBlue Plus Card offers an annual point bonus and one complimentary checked bag for the cardholder and up to three travel companions.
The Jetblue Plus card does help with achieving Mosaic status faster – you receive 1 tile for every $1000 spent (Delta Reserve credit card does the same but Delta’s card is much more expensive in terms of annual fee).
Delta
Four personal and three business credit cards are available from Delta from American Express, and the fees range from $0 to $650. Frequently traveling Delta passengers can select the card that best fits their spending and travel habits from a range of price points and benefits.
All of its cards come with priority boarding, in-flight savings, and one free checked bag, save the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Plus, the number of miles needed to reserve award travel is discounted by 15% with qualifying Delta credit cards.
An annual companion ticket is included with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, which also offers free admission to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges when flying Delta (with limitations, see article Delta Reserve Credit Card for more information on this)
Related Article: Discover which card offers the features that best suit your travel needs by checking out our detailed reviews of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex and Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex.
Elite Status Program
As a means of rewarding people who fly with an airline the most, elite membership offers passengers extra advantages and recognition when traveling. Extra points, free upgrades, and special benefits are common benefits.
The Winner for Best Elite Status Program: Delta
👧👧👧Jetblue Mosaic vs. Delta Medallion – which reigns supreme? We are Jetblue Mosaic Level 2 and Delta Platinum members – and here’s our quick on-the-spot answer for which one is better: Delta.
Why? You can literally book main cabin (1 tier above basic economy) and end up in first class. I recently spent $189 on a ticket that got bumped to first class. (In case you didn’t know, Jetblue has “Mint” – which is a lie-flat experience – but on very limited planes and flights – Jetblue does not have First Class or Business Class. It’s either regular, or extra-space seats on most trips.
How did I get first class for $189?
Step 1 – I booked main cabin
Step 2 – 👉 as a Platinum Medallion we got free bump to Comfort Plus
Step 3 – 👉 as a Platinum member, 5 days before flight we are automatically in the lineup for their first class free upgrades. This notification on my phone, is literally the best notification I can ever get!!!
Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion also have complimentary upgrades as well, but they are behind in the line. As Platinum members, we only get upgraded half the time we fly, so I can only imagine how infrequent it is for the other Medallions behind us. Also, having the Delta Reserve credit card puts me ahead of anyone else who’s also a Platinum member without the credit card, so that’s another reason to have it.
JetBlue
To thank its most frequent flyers, JetBlue recently added more ranks to its Mosaic elite status program. Mosaic status currently has four tiers, with Level 1 awarded after 50 tiles—which are obtained by using JetBlue credit cards, flights, and vacations.
Benefits at every level start with free checked baggage, seat upgrades, and priority boarding. As they advance in rank, members can select extra perks including pet charge waivers, priority access to Mint Suites, and tile or point bonuses.
Delta
To become elite in Delta’s Medallion program, members no longer have to travel a specific amount of miles or trips. Status is obtained, instead, by member spending. Most airlines have switched to this calculation as of 2024. Using a co-branded credit card is often the quickest way to achieve elite status.
There are four elite status tiers, from Silver to Diamond, much as with JetBlue. Travelers must spend 5,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars on Delta flights, vacations, and co-branded credit cards to qualify for Silver.
Benefits for elite Delta Medallion members include free upgrades, no baggage fees, and early boarding. Top earners can select from benefits including presents of elite status, Delta travel vouchers, and membership in Delta Sky Club.
First Class
What’s the difference between First Class and Business Class? Business Class usually refer to lie-flat seats, so for these airlines they are known as Jetblue Mint and Delta One. These seats are usually only present on trips that are 5.5 hours or longer. If you fly short trips you won’t be on an airplane that even has it. On shorter trips Delta has “first class” whereas Jetblue does not.
Business Class
Traveling internationally or transcontinentally, business class tickets provide a better flying experience. Many times, these tickets come with lie-flat seating, better food and drink, and greater privacy around your seat.
The Winner for Best Business Class Experience: Tie
Select flights on JetBlue and Delta both provide first-rate business class experiences. Because of its extensive route network, which gives more chances to book Delta One service, Delta has a little edge.
JetBlue
On all transatlantic flights, as well as some domestic flights, JetBlue Mint offers a completely lie-flat seat. Some aircraft have Mint Suites and Mint Studios, which have sliding doors for more seclusion.
Delta
On long-haul international and some transcontinental flights, Delta One offers business class guests fully lie-flat chairs and priority services at the airport. They also get free access to the Delta Sky Club lounges on the day of departure.
There are suites on some Delta One flights with privacy doors and seat dividers. Every domestic Delta One passenger is assigned a flight attendant to make sure they have a comfortable trip.
JetBlue vs Delta Recapped
JetBlue loses out overall to Delta. Flying to more places than JetBlue, Delta offers even more choices through its SkyTeam partners. With fewer cancellations and tarmac delays than JetBlue, Delta flights are more dependable for timely departures.
The airline also provides a large range of co-branded credit cards, including premium ones that let passengers get free upgrades and companion certificates in addition to earning miles toward elite status.