domestic · 5h 43m · 3,948 km
Portland to New York (JFK)
2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked
In economy, Delta's Main Cabin (A321neo) edges out the field with a 4.6/10.In first class, Alaska's First Class (737-900ER) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.
Quick pick
Fly Delta. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Fly Alaska. It has 2 more inches of legroom.
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 (A321neo) edges out the field with a 4.6/10.
- In first class, Alaska's First Class (737-900ER) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in first: Alaska or Delta on PDX-JFK?
First Class (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) and Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) 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: Alaska or Delta on PDX-JFK?
Main Cabin (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) and Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) score virtually the same in economy: 4.4 vs 4.6/10. The biggest gap is seat width — 18"-wide seats vs 17.5" — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
What are the best seats in Alaska First Class on PDX-JFK?
Best: Row 1 for maximum legroom. Window seats in rows 1-2 are quiet and private. Avoid: Row 4 (last row of first) may have limited meal choices due to service order. 41-inch pitch is among the best domestic first class products in the US. No seatback IFE screens; stream to personal devices via Gogo 2Ku Wi-Fi. USB-A and AC outlet under center armrest. Free for T-Mobile customers. Pre-order meals system with limited choices.
What are the best seats in Alaska Main Cabin on PDX-JFK?
Best: Exit row seats (row 15/16) offer extra legroom. Avoid: Last row (34) has limited recline and is near the lavatory. Middle seats throughout. Standard domestic economy with 31-inch pitch. USB-A and AC power at every seat. No seatback screens; entertainment streams to personal devices. Boeing Sky Interior with larger overhead bins. 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 Delta Delta First Class on PDX-JFK?
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 PDX-JFK?
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.