A $428 US seat versus a $305 Delta versus a $254 US berth: Travel experts pit the three major US airlines against each other in an economy class battle from New York JFK to Los Angeles

American, Delta and United. They are the three major US airlines, which together operate approximately 3,000 aircraft.

So they need to know a thing or two about flying people from A to B.

But how much they know is being put to the test by the travel site's experts The points manwho film their experiences flying economy class on American, Delta and United on perhaps the most prestigious domestic US route: New York JFK to Los Angeles.

The images are fascinating, with negatives such as doorbells going unanswered and 'sadly disappointing food' to a chair with 'nice padding' and a 'soft and warm blanket'.

Read on for the full statements.

DELTA AIRLINES

Delta Air Lines is put to the test by Large editor Nicky Kelvin, who flies a state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo for $305

Nicky told the Mail: 'Check-in was easy and smooth and once on board I found the seat to be very comfortable and supportive, with nice padding'

Plane sailing: 'The legroom [above] It was good,” Nicky said

'There was a large entertainment screen on board [above]bigger than you would expect for an economical product,” Nicky revealed

Putting Delta Air Lines to the Test is Editor at Large Nicky Kelvinwho flies a state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo for $305.

He told the Mail: 'Check-in was easy and smooth and once on board I found the seat to be very comfortable and supportive, with nice padding.

'Legroom was good and there was a large entertainment screen on board, larger than you would expect from a budget product.'

When the flight was underway, Nicky was given a blanket 'that was soft and warm'

Above is Nicky's $12 snack box, which 'provided a hearty little meal'

Is there anything else on the 'first impressions' list?

“There were multiple charging ports,” Nicky added.

Once the flight was underway, Nicky was given a blanket “which was soft and warm” and headphones, although he recommends a Bluetooth dongle so you can use your own.

There was a wide selection of complimentary drinks available, Nicky explained: water, tea, coffee and fruit juices, along with spirits and beer

Overall, Nicky was 'very impressed' with his A330-900neo flight

He continued: 'There was a wide choice of complimentary drinks available – water, tea, coffee and fruit juices – along with spirits and beer. I also got a free snack. There was no substantial free food available during the flight, so I went for a snack box for $12 [£9.50]which made for a hearty little meal.”

Final verdict? Nicky approved Delta's economy offer.

He said: 'Overall I was very impressed with the flight, especially the range of free drinks and snacks, as well as full size drinks. The meals you could buy on board were also fresh and tasty.'

UNITED AIRLINES

Mark Ramos (above) was assigned to put United Airlines to the test

Mark paid $254 for his Boeing 777 ticket to the City of Angels. Above – economy on the United 777

Mark Ramos was assigned to put United Airlines to the test.

He paid $254 for his Boeing 777 ticket to the City of Angels.

His experience? A bit of a mixed bag.

He told the Mail he checked in via the United app, 'which saved a lot of time at the airport', and then got into trouble.

Mark revealed: 'I boarded a full flight and sat between two people. It was pretty tight.” Entertainment screen? Just a tablet/phone holder, Mark noted

On the nutritional front, Mark received a free coffee and speculoos cookie

The seat had no leg room or extra room to stretch your legs, Mark complained

Mark's experience with the United 777 was a mixed bag

There were no serious complaints about the service, but when Mark rang the bell it went unanswered

He revealed: 'I boarded a full flight and sat between two people. It was quite tight. The seat had no leg room or extra room to stretch your legs. During the flight I was given a blanket, but no pillow.'

Entertainment screen? Only a tablet/phone holder and two charging ports, Mark noted – but no USB port.

“On the whole, very basic accommodation,” he said.

On the food front, Mark received a free coffee and speculoos biscuit, noting that 'United also offers edibles, from snack boxes to hot dishes from their bistro with many options'.

There were no serious complaints about the service, but when Mark rang the bell it went unanswered.

AMERICAN SOCIETY

American's prowess was tested by senior marketing manager Liam Spencer

Liam paid $428 to fly to LA in an Airbus A321T economy

Liam said: 'In the cabin the seats immediately felt like a significant step up from those on budget airlines such as Spirit or Ryanair'

Testing American's ability was senior marketing manager Liam Spencer.

He paid $428 to fly economy in an Airbus A321T.

The advantages?

He told the Mail: 'Check-in was clear, clean and pleasant. The self-service checkouts were quick and easy to use.

'In the cabin, the seats immediately felt like a significant step up from those of low-cost airlines such as Spirit or Ryanair. The chair is large and comfortable, with an adjustable headrest.

Liam was disappointed with the American Airlines food

Overall, Liam had a 'very good flight' on the US A321 (image above)

'There was a fair amount of recline with plenty of legroom and a handy charging port attached to the seat and tray.

'In addition, although small, there was an entertainment screen on board, always a nice bonus when flying economy. The screen also has a headphone jack and a port to charge your phone.

'The flight had a free dining service, which became available 40 minutes into the flight – always nice to have free food in economy class.

'I wasn't given a pillow or blanket, but I was given headphones for the onboard entertainment.'

Liam concluded it was a 'very good flight' – apart from his dining experience. “The food was unfortunately disappointing and dry,” the travel guru complained.

For more information from The Points Guy, visit thepointsguy.com. Click to see the original American vs Delta vs United video here.