Airline Co-branded Credit Card Comparison: United Explorer and Gold Delta SkyMiles (2)

Regarding the United Airlines boarding sequence: first, pre-boarding including disabled passengers / active military personnel / United Airlines Global Service members / children two years and under and their guardians / United Airlines 1K members; then Group 1. Including United Gold and Platinum card members / First and Business class passengers / Co-branded Star Silver card members; It is then the turn of Group 2 passengers to embark, including users of the co-branded United Airlines card / United Silver Members cards / Star Alliance Silver Members / Passengers who have purchased Premier access (a unique service similar to priority boarding).

Likewise, Delta Air Lines also has a series of boarding sequences, but judging by the boarding queues of both airlines, Delta Air Lines appears to have more passengers before main cabin 1 than United Airlines. Group 2. Group 2 airlines boarding will likely be better than Delta Main Cabin 1 boarding, although the difference is not particularly large.

The last is the well-being of accompanying persons. The Delta Gold Delta Card only allows a maximum of one person in the same group to enjoy this benefit, while the United Explorer Card does not specify a specific number of people, assuming there should be no limit.

6. Rights of VIP airport lounges

United Explorer Card:

• From the time of card issuance, 2 United Airlines lounge vouchers (initial price 59 USD / person) can be obtained for each card year

• Each voucher is limited to one person for one use only and each accompanying person must consume one voucher to use the United Airlines lounge.

Delta Gold Delta Card:

• Each time you use the Delta Air Lines lounge, enjoy a reduced price of $ 29 / person (original price of $ 59 / person)

• Up to 2 companions can take advantage of this preferential price

In my personal experience, Delta Air Lines, Delta Skyclub VIP lounges can often provide more amenities, and most Delta VIP lounges have shower service, which is slightly better in terms of dining options. The United Airlines VIP lounge is the United Club, which varies widely by region. The United Club in the US has only offered soft drinks and fruit and vegetables for a long time, and has virtually no shower service; while in international areas, such as the United Club at HKG Airport, it offers a series of hot meals and a rain room with plenty of space.

Maybe that's why the Delta Gold Delta Card doesn't provide free VIP room coupons, but the reduced price of $ 29 / person is really a steal. While there are coupons for the United Explorer Card, there are only 2 coupons per year, which can be used for a round trip, and there is no preferential purchase price for use later.

7. Cash back for consumption on board

United Explorer Card:

• When you take a United flight, you can enjoy a 25% discount on in-flight purchases with your United Explorer card

• Including meals and Wi-Fi

Delta Gold Delta Card:

• When taking a Delta flight, use the Delta Gold Delta Card for 20% cash back on in-flight purchases

• Including the cost of food and drink and the cost of purchasing headphones

• Wi-Fi connection fees are not included

The United Airlines United Explorer Card offers higher cashback for in-flight purchases, including WiFi cashback.

While the Delta Gold Delta Card does not provide reimbursement for in-flight WiFi consumption, in-flight WiFi on Delta Air Lines can be used for free for iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp, which is enough for many passengers to cover their costs. communication needs.

Conclusion

Priority boarding and free shipping have long been the privileges of senior airline members. For most passengers, a range of airline benefits can still be obtained through the airline's co-branded card. The United Explorer Card and the Delta Gold Delta Card are excellent co-branded cards from midsize airlines, which can essentially meet the needs of air travel.

The United Explorer Card and the Delta Gold Delta Card have similar overall benefits, but each has their own benefits in the details. It is recommended that you choose the most suitable co-branded card according to your own travel habits and take full advantage of its benefits.