Phê Vé
May 7, 2026 • 3 min read
Explore the profit differences among American, Delta, and United Airlines, along with useful information for Vietnamese travelers heading to the U.S.
Overview of the Three Major U.S. Airlines
Among the three largest airlines in the United States—American, Delta, and United—there is a significant disparity in profitability. Delta has long been the leader in profit margins, while American often ranks lowest among the three. United is in a transformation phase, evolving from a carrier similar to American to one that is more competitive with Delta. Interestingly, while there are lively discussions about what Delta does right compared to American, the specific reasons behind these profit gaps are less frequently addressed.
2025 Financial Results
Looking at the financial results for the year 2025, American reported a net profit of $111 million, a staggering 87% drop from $846 million in 2024. In contrast, Delta announced a net profit of $5 billion, a 45% increase from the previous year's $3.5 billion. United also saw improvements, with a net profit of $3.4 billion, up 7% from $3.1 billion in 2024. This immediate disparity highlights the very different financial situations of these airlines.
Comparing Financial Metrics
While many believe that Delta is more efficient at transporting passengers profitably compared to American and United, the reality is not entirely straightforward. Let’s take a look at the financial metrics: PRASM (Passenger Revenue per Available Seat Mile), TRASM (Total Revenue per Available Seat Mile), and CASM (Cost per Available Seat Mile).
- American: PRASM is 16.58 cents, TRASM is 18.25 cents, CASM is 17.76 cents.
- Delta: PRASM is 17.37 cents, TRASM is 21.26 cents, CASM is 19.31 cents.
- United: PRASM is 16.18 cents, TRASM is 17.88 cents, CASM is 16.46 cents.
It’s evident that in all three airlines, PRASM is lower than CASM, indicating that relying solely on ticket sales revenue is insufficient to cover costs. United is the closest to breaking even, while Delta is further away.
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What Drives Delta's Profitability?
Despite being the most profitable airline, Delta faces numerous challenges, such as high fuel costs associated with its aging fleet. Delta incurred $679 million in interest expenses, compared to American's $1.7 billion, highlighting their struggles with debt management.
At the same time, Delta has been very successful in leveraging loyalty programs, generating $8.2 billion from SkyMiles, significantly outpacing American's revenue from AAdvantage.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
For Vietnamese travelers planning a trip to the U.S., understanding the details about these airlines is essential. Both Delta and American offer direct flights from Vietnam to the U.S., while United provides various connecting options. Ticket prices generally range from about 15 million to 30 million VND, depending on the booking time and class. Additionally, preparing the U.S. entry visa requires careful attention, as documentation and interview requirements may vary between airlines.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the profit differences among these three airlines are not simply a matter of service quality or the types of aircraft they operate. Instead, a multitude of factors—from financial management to commercial strategy—contribute to these disparities. It's crucial for travelers to conduct thorough research before choosing an airline for their journey, ensuring they have the most memorable experience possible.
Article adapted and referenced from: One Mile at a Time
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