domestic · 1h 10m · 382 km
Detroit to Chicago
2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked
In economy, Delta's Main Cabin (A220-300) leads the field with a 5.2/10.In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (A220-300) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.
Quick pick
Fly Delta. It has a wider seat (18.6" vs 17").
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Fly Delta. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified June 2026
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Route insights
- In economy, Delta's Main Cabin (A220-300) leads the field with a 5.2/10.
- In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (A220-300) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in first: Delta or United on DTW-ORD?
Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, A220-300) and United First (United Airlines, 737-900ER) score virtually the same in first: 2.8 vs 2.8/10. The biggest gap is seat type — recliner vs recliner — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: Delta or United on DTW-ORD?
Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A220-300) beats Economy (United Airlines, 737-900ER) in economy, scoring 5.2/10 vs 4.2. The deciding factor: 18.6"-wide seats vs 17".
What are the best seats in Delta Delta First Class on DTW-ORD?
Best: Row 1 for maximum legroom as a bulkhead. Seats 1A and 1F offer window views with extra privacy. The 2-2 layout means no middle seats. Avoid: Row 3 is closest to the forward galley and lavatory. Bulkhead rows lack under-seat storage during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The A220 has one of the widest domestic first class seats at 20.5 inches. Collins MiQ recliners with individual AC power and USB-A. 13.3-inch seatback HD screens with live TV and 300+ on-demand titles. Delta Sync WiFi free for SkyMiles members. Complimentary meal service on flights over 900 miles; snack basket on shorter flights.
What are the best seats in Delta Main Cabin on DTW-ORD?
Best: The 2-seat side (A-B) avoids the middle seat entirely. Exit row seats offer extra legroom. Comfort+ seats in rows 10-18 have 34-inch pitch. Avoid: Last rows (32-33) have limited recline and are near the rear lavatory. Middle seat E in the 3-seat section is the tightest spot. The A220 economy is the widest in Delta's narrowbody fleet at 18.6 inches — 1.5 inches wider than the 737. The 2-3 asymmetric layout means only one middle seat per row instead of two. 10.1-inch seatback screens with live TV. Delta Sync WiFi free for SkyMiles members. USB-A at every seat, AC outlets shared between pairs (left side) or trios (right side). 30 Comfort+ seats have 34-inch pitch; 88 Main Cabin seats have 30-32 inches.
What are the best seats in United United First on DTW-ORD?
Best: Row 1 has the most legroom as a bulkhead. 1A and 1F offer the most privacy with the wall on one side. Row 2 is the sweet spot between legroom and storage (bulkhead rows lack under-seat storage). Avoid: Row 5 seats 5A/5B do not recline; 5E/5F have roughly half the recline of other First rows. This is the biggest seat trap on the 737-900ER. Signature Interior with Collins Aerospace Pinnacle seats, 13-inch HD seatback touchscreens with Bluetooth audio, USB-A and USB-C at every seat plus AC outlet. Complimentary meal service on flights over 800 miles; snack basket on shorter flights. ViaSat Ka-band WiFi free for MileagePlus members. Starlink awaiting FAA certification for 737-900ER, expected during 2026. Majority of fleet retrofitted to Signature Interior; some older aircraft remain.
What are the best seats in United Economy on DTW-ORD?
Best: Exit row 21 has 38.8 inches of pitch — more than First Class. The 2-seat side rows 20-21 are the best economy seats on the plane. Rows 7-14 are Economy Plus with 33-34-inch pitch. Avoid: Last row (row 33) has severely limited or no recline due to the rear lavatory wall. Rows 32-33 experience galley noise and lavatory traffic. Middle seats (B, E) in any row are the tightest at 30-inch pitch. Signature Interior with 10-inch HD seatback touchscreens and Bluetooth audio. USB-A and USB-C at every seat plus shared AC outlets. ViaSat Ka-band WiFi free for MileagePlus members. 42 Economy Plus seats in rows 7-14 have 33-34-inch pitch; 117 standard Economy seats have 30-inch pitch. Three sub-variants exist (39/42/45 Economy Plus seats); Version 2 with 42 E+ is most common (~84 of ~99 aircraft).