domestic · 1h 45m · 750 km
Raleigh to New York (JFK)
3 airlines · 3 aircraft ranked
In economy, JetBlue's Core (A220-300) edges out the field with a 5.5/10.In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (A220-300) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.
Quick pick
Fly JetBlue. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
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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Airlines on this route
Flying with family
- Seatback screens on Delta, JetBlue. American: bring your own device.
- Most legroom: JetBlue (32"). Least: American (30"). That 2" difference matters with kids.
Route insights
- In economy, JetBlue's Core (A220-300) edges out the field with a 5.5/10.
- 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: American or Delta on RDU-JFK?
First Class (American Airlines, A321neo) and Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, A220-300) score virtually the same in first: 2.5 vs 2.8/10. The biggest gap is entertainment — a 13.3" screen vs app_only — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: American or Delta on RDU-JFK?
Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A220-300) beats Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) in economy, scoring 5.2/10 vs 3.7. The deciding factor: a 10.1" screen vs app_only.
Which is better in economy: American or JetBlue on RDU-JFK?
Core (JetBlue Airways, A220-300) beats Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) in economy, scoring 5.5/10 vs 3.7. The deciding factor: 32" of pitch vs 30".
Which is better in economy: Delta or JetBlue on RDU-JFK?
Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A220-300) and Core (JetBlue Airways, A220-300) score virtually the same in economy: 5.2 vs 5.5/10. The biggest gap is legroom — 32" of pitch vs 31" — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
What are the best seats in American First Class on RDU-JFK?
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 RDU-JFK?
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 Delta Delta First Class on RDU-JFK?
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 RDU-JFK?
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 JetBlue Core on RDU-JFK?
Best: Even More Space rows 1-4 and 12-13 offer 35-38 inches of pitch for an upcharge. Row 12 exit row has the most legroom at 38 inches. A and C seats (2-seat side) avoid the triple block entirely. Avoid: Seat E (center of the 3-seat side) in any row. Row 11 and row 28 do not recline. No Mint on the A220 — this is JetBlue's domestic workhorse replacing the E190 fleet. All 140 seats are the same Collins Meridian product in a unique 2-3 asymmetric layout (no B column). 30 Even More Space seats in rows 1-4 and 12-13 have 35-38 inches of pitch; remaining 110 Core seats have 32 inches. 10.1-inch 1080p seatback screens with 30 live DirecTV channels, HBO, and Showtime. Viasat Fly-Fi free WiFi. USB-A at the screen, USB-C (15W) beneath the seat, and AC outlets (shared). Three mesh seatback pockets per seat for storage.