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American Airlines vs Delta Air Lines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at American Airlines (AA) and Delta Air Lines (DL) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
AA
DL
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$90,000 - $200,000
$95,000 - $210,000
Captain Salary
$250,000 - $400,000+
$260,000 - $420,000+
Fleet
Boeing 737, 777, 787, Airbus A319/320/321
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, Airbus A220/320/321/330/350
Requirements Comparison
American Airlines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone permit
- US work authorization
- 4-year degree preferred
Delta Air Lines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 4-year degree preferred
- Strong leadership and CRM skills
Pros & Cons
American Airlines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Large domestic route network
Delta Air Lines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Large domestic route network
About Each Airline
American Airlines
The world's largest airline by fleet size, American Airlines is based in Fort Worth, Texas and operates an extensive domestic and international network.
Full American Airlines career guide →Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is consistently ranked as a top employer among US airlines, known for its strong company culture and competitive compensation.
Full Delta Air Lines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at American Airlines or Delta Air Lines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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