Business Insider's reporter flew in basic economy with United and Delta.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spent $205 on a basic economy flight with United Airlines from New York City to Denver.
A few days later, I took a $175 basic economy flight with Delta from Salt Lake City to NYC.
Both flights were 4 ½ hours, but they felt like different classes.
As a traveler on a budget, I typically fly in basic economy. The no-frills class helps me stretch my money as far as possible, allowing me to spend more on accommodations and experiences in my destination.
But booking the lowest tier of airfare on various airlines has taught me that basic economy experiences vary depending on who you fly with.
I arrived at the airport about an hour before 10 a.m. takeoff and got my seat assignment when I checked in.
I boarded the Boeing 737-800 and headed to my seat toward the back of the plane.Passengers boarding the United flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The flight had 166 seats and in-seat power for rows one through 21, but I couldn't access an outlet since I was seated closer toward the back.
While my flight back was on Delta's Airbus A321neo, the airline says its Boeing 737-800 fleet has 160 seats, all with power outlets.
I squeezed into a middle seat.The reporter's seat on the United flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My seat was between 16 and 17 inches wide with a 30-inch seat pitch. With passengers on either side of me, I felt cramped in the small space, and even at 5-foot-3, there wasn't enough leg room for comfort.
The seats on Delta's Boeing 737-800 are slightly larger, with an inch wider seat pitch.
United Airlines told Business Insider that a new aircraft with upgraded interiors and more overhead bin space was coming soon as part of the United Next initiative.
The entertainment system left much to be desired.The seat-back entertainment system on the United flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There was a seat-back entertainment screen in front of me with access to DirecTV. I could have used my phone to access a library of shows and movies with the United app, but I didn't want to watch on a small screen.
I sampled the cable offerings, but there wasn't much to watch. The remote on my armrest was sticky, and I found it tough to push the buttons — especially when the passenger next to me was resting their arm on it.
United told BI that the upgraded United Next interiors would have touchscreen entertainment systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and power outlets at every seat.
The bathroom on my United flight was clean.Inside the bathroom on the United flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It had a modern faucet, too.
A few days later, I flew from Salt Lake City to NYC with Delta.A Delta flight parked at the airport in Salt Lake City.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I booked my basic economy flight from Salt Lake City to NYC with Delta. The $175 ticket included one carry-on bag but no seat assignment.
I switched flights minutes before boarding.People waiting to board the reporter's Delta flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport about an hour before my original 5:35 p.m. flight to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. When I checked in, I learned I'd get my seat assignment at the gate.
Once past security, I stood in line at the gate for my seat assignment. I overheard the attendant on the phone saying the flight was overbooked and another flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport was leaving 10 minutes later with plenty of empty seats.
JFK is much closer to my NYC apartment than Newark, so I told the attendant I'd be happy to switch flights. She thanked me and gave me a new boarding pass for the 5:45 p.m. flight.
I boarded the Airbus A321neo and made my way to the otherwise empty row.Inside the Delta aircraft.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The plane, which could seat 194 passengers, had many empty seats, and I was lucky enough to land a row to myself.
I immediately noticed the seats were more comfortable than on the United flight.The author's seat on the Delta flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The seats were 1 inch wider and felt cushier than the ones on United. I was also surprised that a 1-inch wider seat pitch made a huge difference in legroom.
United's Airbus A321neo has a couple more rows of seats than Delta's, and the seats are a bit smaller and have one less inch of legroom.
I relaxed in my seat and enjoyed the touchscreen entertainment system.The reporter's views from her seat on the Delta flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The entertainment screen in front of me showed hundreds of movies and TV shows, from Blockbuster hits to independent films. I also had access to a power outlet to charge my phone.
Like on the United flight, the bathroom was clean.Inside the bathroom on the Delta flight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The fixtures looked slightly less modern than those on the United flight.
Delta's basic economy ultimately felt a class above United's for a lower price point.The reporter preferred the Delta flight.
Joey Hadden/Insider
From the included carry-on bag to the more comfortable seats with additional entertainment and amenities, Delta's basic economy felt much more comfortable for $30 less.
Валиева увидела подвиг армейцев, белоруса выкинули со льда, Шипачев рассмешил вратаря. ЦСКА — «Динамо» Минск: фото
Симоньян: россияне начали гордиться страной, когда Путин стал президентом
"КИБЕР КОРОЛЬ, БЕЛЫЙ БРАТ, ВОЖДЬ КРАСНОКОЖИХ" ЛИБО "СВЯТОЙ ЛЕНИН" МЕССИЯ? СЕНСАЦИЯ! Дональд Трамп, В.В. Путин. Новости. Россия, США, Европа могут улучшить отношения и здоровье общества?!