I recently completed a round trip to London on United, about two weeks after the same flight on Delta. On both trips, I was in Economy (Plus/Comfort). The differences between United and Delta are night and day in the back.

The over water flights on United and Delta were all on 767-300 aircraft. In economy, this is the most-comfortable ride (in my opinion). The interiors were roughly the same (United has cloth, not leather), the legroom comparable, the flights were all on time, and the stage lengths comparable (ORD vs DTW). That is where the similarities ended.

United provides no eye shades in economy, nor does it provide ear plugs in back. United charge for alcohol. I could have opted for complimentary wine and beer, but my beloved vodka soda was $8. The flight attendants on United also took dinner drink orders with initial beverage service, not to bring it back later, but to leave 3-4 cups on the tray at once. The food on United was pathetic. Honestly, just a few bites in size, with only a small grain-based "salad" as a side with a packaged roll. They did come through with ice cream for dessert. Delta had an amazing dinner for coach as can be seen in the meal thread. Much-more appetizing, and much-more filling. I was hungry at the end of the UA meal. Ambien in, off to sleep. Breakfast was comparable on both - cold, small.

As for entertainment, UA had looped video on small screens in the seat in front. There was an on-demand streaming service on the plane, but there were no power outlets outside of the First and Business Class cabins. Didn't really bother me going as I slept, but coming home westbound, would have been nice to had the option to power my phone to take advantage of the broader entertainment streaming. Delta beats United HANDS DOWN for electronic/entertainment convenience.

Same story on the way back. Both breakfast flights, both starkly different in quantity and quality.

As much as folks like to complain about Delta, they have done an amazing job catering to passengers in all cabins. So many get caught up in minor inconveniences to realize how good we really have it.