domestic · 3h 15m · 2,300 km

Houston to New York (LGA)

2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked

In economy, United's Economy (737-900ER) leads the field with a 4.2/10.In first class, United's United First (737-900ER) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.

How we score → Last updated June 2026

Quick pick

Best economy:strong pick

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

If prices are similar, go with this one.

Best first class:close call

Fly United. It has a bigger screen (13" vs 9").

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

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1
United FirstUnited · Boeing 737-900ER · 2024 cabinBest on route
recliner · 2-2 · 37" pitchReliablePoints: Chase UR, Bilt
2.8
Below average
Seat 1.2·Amenity 5.1
2
Delta First ClassDelta · Boeing 737-900ER · 2015 cabin
recliner · 2-2 · 37" pitchVery reliablePoints: Amex MR
2.8
Below average
Seat 1.3·Amenity 5.0

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Data verified June 2026

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Route insights

  • In economy, United's Economy (737-900ER) leads the field with a 4.2/10.
  • In first class, United's United First (737-900ER) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.

Frequently asked

Which is better in first: United or Delta on IAH-LGA?

United First (United Airlines, 737-900ER) and Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, 737-900ER) score virtually the same in first: 2.8 vs 2.8/10. The biggest gap is entertainment — a 13" screen vs 9" screen — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.

Which is better in economy: United or Delta on IAH-LGA?

Economy (United Airlines, 737-900ER) edges out Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, 737-900ER) in economy, scoring 4.2/10 vs 3.5. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs USB-A only. Delta Air Lines fights back on seat width.

What are the best seats in United United First on IAH-LGA?

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 IAH-LGA?

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).

What are the best seats in Delta Delta First Class on IAH-LGA?

Best: Row 1 bulkhead has the most legroom. 1A and 1D for window-seat privacy. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the Comfort+ cabin. B and C seats are more exposed. Pre-retrofit 737-900ER with older recliner seats. Smaller 9-inch seatback IFE screens. AC outlet and USB-A at every seat. Delta Sync free WiFi. Same meal service as other domestic First Class.

What are the best seats in Delta Main Cabin on IAH-LGA?

Best: Comfort+ rows 10-14 (27 seats) offer 33-34 inches of pitch with complimentary beer/wine/spirits. Row 10 bulkhead for the most legroom. Avoid: Last rows near rear lavatory. Middle seats (B, E) throughout. Row 37 does not recline. 27 Comfort+ seats in rows 10-14 with 33-34-inch pitch; 133 Main Cabin seats in rows 15-37 with 30-31 inches. Older slimline seats with 9-inch seatback screens. USB-A at most seats; AC outlets inconsistent — some rows have them, others do not. Delta Sync free WiFi. Some 737-900ER sub-variants (73J, 73R) may lack seatback IFE or WiFi.