domestic · 4h 30m · 3,115 km

Atlanta to Los Angeles

4 airlines · 4 aircraft ranked

In economy, Delta's Main Cabin (A321neo) leads the field with a 4.6/10.In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (A321neo) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.

How we score → Last updated June 2026

Quick pick

Best economy:strong pick

Fly Delta. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.

If prices are similar, go with this one.

Best first class:close call

Fly Delta. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

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Tap any two to compare head-to-head
1
Delta First ClassDelta · Airbus A321neo · 2022 cabinBest on route
recliner · 2-2 · 38" pitchVery reliablePoints: Amex MR
Better IFE
2.8
Below average
Seat 1.3·Amenity 5.1
2
First ClassAmerican · Airbus A321neo · 2023 cabin
recliner · 2-2 · 37" pitchAvg. reliabilityPoints: Citi TYP
2.5
Below average
Seat 1.3·Amenity 4.4

Select two airlines to compare head-to-head

Data verified June 2026

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New routes and airlines added regularly. One short email when we do.

Flying with family

  • Seatback screens on Delta. American, Southwest, Frontier: bring your own device.
  • Most legroom: Southwest (32"). Least: Frontier (28"). That 4" difference matters with kids.

Route insights

  • In economy, Delta's Main Cabin (A321neo) leads the field with a 4.6/10.
  • In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (A321neo) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.

Frequently asked

Which is better in first: Delta or American on ATL-LAX?

Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) and First Class (American Airlines, A321neo) score virtually the same in first: 2.8 vs 2.5/10. The biggest gap is entertainment — a 13.3" screen vs app_only — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.

Which is better in economy: Delta or American on ATL-LAX?

Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) edges out Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) in economy, scoring 4.6/10 vs 3.7. The deciding factor: a 10" screen vs app_only.

Which is better in economy: Delta or Southwest on ATL-LAX?

Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) edges out Economy (open seating) (Southwest Airlines, 737-800) in economy, scoring 4.6/10 vs 3.9. The deciding factor: a 10" screen vs app_only. Southwest Airlines fights back on legroom.

Which is better in economy: Delta or Frontier on ATL-LAX?

Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) dominates Economy (Frontier Airlines, A320neo) in economy, scoring 4.6/10 vs 2.2. The deciding factor: 31" of pitch vs 28".

Which is better in economy: American or Southwest on ATL-LAX?

Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) and Economy (open seating) (Southwest Airlines, 737-800) score virtually the same in economy: 3.7 vs 3.9/10. The biggest gap is legroom — 32" of pitch vs 30" — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.

Which is better in economy: American or Frontier on ATL-LAX?

Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) beats Economy (Frontier Airlines, A320neo) in economy, scoring 3.7/10 vs 2.2. The deciding factor: 30" of pitch vs 28".

Which is better in economy: Southwest or Frontier on ATL-LAX?

Economy (open seating) (Southwest Airlines, 737-800) beats Economy (Frontier Airlines, A320neo) in economy, scoring 3.9/10 vs 2.2. The deciding factor: 32" of pitch vs 28". Frontier Airlines fights back on seat width.

What are the best seats in Delta Delta First Class on ATL-LAX?

Best: Row 1 has the most legroom as a bulkhead. 1A and 1D are window seats with the most privacy. All first class seats have memory foam cushioning. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the Delta Comfort+ cabin and the forward galley/lavatory. Seat 5B and 5C are more exposed to foot traffic. Recaro CL4710 recliner seats with winged headrests for privacy. 13-inch HD touchscreen seatback IFE at every seat. USB and AC power at every seat. Exclusive forward lavatory for first class. Complimentary drinks and snacks, upgraded meal service on longer flights.

What are the best seats in Delta Main Cabin on ATL-LAX?

Best: Delta Comfort+ rows (approximately 10-19, 60 seats) offer 33-34 inches of pitch with priority boarding, dedicated overhead bins, and complimentary premium snacks/drinks. Row 10 bulkhead has the most legroom. Avoid: Rows near the mid-cabin lavatory area (around rows 10-12) may experience traffic and noise. Last 2 rows near rear lavatories. Middle seats (B and E) throughout. 60 of the 174 economy seats are Delta Comfort+ with 33-34 inches of pitch. Remaining 114 Main Cabin seats have 31 inches of pitch. 10-inch seatback IFE at every seat. Collins Aerospace Meridian slimline seats. Delta Sync free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.

What are the best seats in American First Class on ATL-LAX?

Best: Row 1A and 1L are farthest from the galley and offer the most privacy. All seats have direct aisle access in the 1-1 layout. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the business class cabin and may experience some noise from the galley area between cabins. Only 10 suites total on this narrowbody. The 1-1 configuration is unique for a single-aisle aircraft. Sliding doors on all suites. This fleet is being phased out as the A321XLR enters service.

What are the best seats in American Main Cabin on ATL-LAX?

Best: Rows 11-16 are designated Main Cabin Extra with 35 inches of pitch. Row 11 bulkhead has the most legroom. Exit row offers additional space. Avoid: Last row (22) has limited recline and is near the rear lavatory. Middle seats (B and E) are least desirable. Half of the economy cabin (36 seats) is Main Cabin Extra with additional pitch. Seatback IFE screens with live TV in all economy seats. Only 72 economy seats total, making this a very premium-heavy narrowbody configuration. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.

What are the best seats in Southwest Economy (open seating) on ATL-LAX?

Best: 16A and 16F have the most legroom (no seat in front, behind exit row). Row 12 exit row seats also have extra legroom. Avoid: Last row (row 29) is narrower, restricted recline, near galley/lavatory noise. Seats 10A, 11A, 11F lack windows. Single-class cabin. Assigned seating launched Jan 2026. Extra legroom rows at front have ~34 inch pitch. Older 737-800s lack power outlets; newer retrofits have USB-A and USB-C in seatbacks. Streaming entertainment via personal devices only. Exit row seats on the 737 offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.

What are the best seats in Frontier Economy on ATL-LAX?

Best: Exit row seats for extra legroom without paying for Stretch. Avoid: Last row has no recline and lavatory proximity. All middle seats are uncomfortable at 28-inch pitch. 28-inch pitch ties Spirit for the tightest in the US industry. No wifi, no power outlets, no seatback screens, no streaming entertainment. Tray tables are approximately 50% smaller than standard. All food and beverages are buy-on-board. Individual air nozzles and overhead reading lights are available. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.