Delta Air Lines offers several cabin classes designed for different travel needs and budgets. Among them, Delta Comfort Plus and Delta Premium Select are two popular upgrade options, but many passengers are unsure how they differ.
While Delta Comfort Plus enhances the standard economy experience with extra legroom and additional perks, the Delta Premium Select is a dedicated premium economy cabin available on select long-haul international flights.
In this guide, we will compare Delta Comfort Plus vs Premium Select, explain their key differences, discuss the pros and cons of each cabin, and help you decide which option is best for your next trip.
What is Delta Comfort Plus?
Delta Comfort Plus is an upgraded economy tier that sits between Main and Premium Select. It comes with 3 to 4 inches of extra legroom, earlier boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, and complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on most flights over 250 miles. So, if you get to travel in the Delta Comfort Plus, you can expect to:
- Receive priority boarding before the Main Cabin.
- Enjoy extra legroom compared to a standard economy seat.
- Access premium snacks and complimentary beverages.
- Receive additional comfort items on eligible long-haul international flights, such as a pillow, a blanket, earbuds, and an amenity kit.
What is Delta Premium Select?
Delta Premium Select is Delta’s premium economy cabin, generally available on select long-haul international and some transcontinental flights. It bridges the gap between Main Cabin and Delta One business class, offering wider seats (up to 19 inches), more recline, legroom, and a premium dining experience during the flight. When you book a Premium Select on Delta Airlines, you can expect:
- Expedited airport and flight boarding experience with accelerated check-in, security, and baggage service.
- Your ticket includes more seat space and additional personal room in a premium economy cabin.
- Enjoy elevated dining and pre-order selection up to 24 hours before your flight.
- Get a self-care premium amenity kit from Someone Somewhere, filled with essentials like an eye mask and lip balm from Grown Alchemist.
Delta Comfort Plus vs Premium Select: Detailed Comparison
Both Delta Comfort Plus and Premium Select offer a better flying experience compared to the economy cabin. Despite these similarities, the two cabins differ significantly in comfort, onboard service, and overall travel experience.
When you have to choose between Delta Comfort Plus vs Delta Premium Select, you must know the difference between the upgraded fares. Here is how two cabins differ in features:
Seat Size and Comfort
The biggest difference between Delta Comfort Plus vs Premium Select is the seating experience. Delta Comfort Plus is an upgraded economy seat that offers additional legroom, whereas Premium Select is a dedicated premium economy designed for greater comfort on long-haul international flights.
| Feature | Delta Comfort Plus | Delta Premium Select |
| Legroom | Up to 3 inches more than Main Cabin | More spacious than Comfort Plus, with additional legroom for long flights |
| Seat Width | Similar to Main Cabin | Wider seats with additional space |
| Recline | Standard economy recline | Greater recline for enhanced relaxation |
| Footrest | Not available | Adjustable footrest and leg rest (on most aircraft) |
| Headrest | Adjustable headrest | Enhanced adjustable headrests with additional support |
| Seat Cushioning | Standard cushioning | Extra padding for improved comfort during long journeys |
Food and Beverages
Dining is another area where the two cabins differ considerably. In Delta Comfort Plus, passengers receive the same meal service as the Main Cabin on most routes but enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages and a wider snack selection.
On the other hand, Delta Premium Select offers a more elevated dining experience, featuring upgraded meals and enhanced service that more closely resemble those of Delta One than those of economy class.
| Feature | Delta Comfort Plus | Delta Premium Select |
| Meals | Same meal service as Main Cabin (varies by route) | Chef-curated premium meals with upgraded presentation |
| Complimentary Beverages | Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and complimentary alcoholic beverages on eligible flights | Complimentary premium beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits |
| Snacks | Premium snack basket on many flights | Enhanced snacks and premium meal service |
| Alcohol | Complimentary on most flights where alcoholic service is offered | Complimentary with a wider selection on eligible routes |
Boarding and Airport Experience
Your airport experience can also vary depending on the cabin type you choose. Although both cabins, Delta Premium Select and Comfort Plus, offer priority boarding to passengers.
However, Delta Premium Select may include additional airport benefits on eligible international flights, such as Sky Priority check-in, expedited baggage handling, and faster airport services.
| Feature | Delta Comfort Plus | Delta Premium Select |
| Priority boarding | Yes, from Zone 3 | Yes, from Zone 2 |
| Checked baggage | Follows the purchased fare rules | Depending on the fare purchased and route, baggage allowances may be higher on some international itineraries |
| Sky Priority service | Not included | Available on many eligible international Premium Select itineraries, including expedited check-in and baggage handling |
Entertainment and Amenities
Passengers of Delta Comfort Plus enjoy the same in-flight entertainment options available in the Main Cabin, including access to the Delta Studio on equipped aircraft, as well as power outlets and USB charging on many planes.
Delta Premium Select offers a more comprehensive onboard amenities experience. The Premium Select cabin enhances the experience with larger entertainment screens, premium bedding, amenity kits on eligible flights, and additional comfort items designed for long-distance and overnight flights.
Along with upgraded entertainment screens, passengers can also access onboard internet on Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft. Read our detailed Delta Wi-Fi guide to learn about internet availability, connectivity options, and pricing.
Ticket Price
The difference between Delta Premium Select and Comfort Plus reflects the level of comfort and service each cabin provides. And when it comes to ticket prices, Delta Premium Select generally costs more than Comfort Plus.
- Delta Comfort Plus generally requires a modest upgrade over Main Cabin and is often considered worthwhile for travelers seeking extra legroom, earlier boarding, and complimentary drinks without increasing their travel budget.
- Delta Premium Select is a more substantial upgrade, offering a premium economy experience with larger seats, enhanced dining, and additional in-flight amenities. It can provide you with additional value on long-haul international flights where comfort plays a bigger role in the overall travel experience.
The exact ticket price for both cabins can vary based on several factors, including your flight route (domestic or international), travel season, flight demand, and seat availability. Because Delta Airlines uses dynamic pricing, upgrades for both Delta Comfort Plus and Premium Select can change frequently. Comparing fares during the booking process or checking upgrade offers after purchasing your ticket can help you find the best value.
Which Cabin You Should Choose?
Delta Comfort Plus and Premium Select offer different flying experiences. So which cabin you choose depends on your travel preferences. Here is what you need to know before choosing between the Comfort Plus vs Premium Select cabins of Delta Airlines:
Choose Delta Comfort Plus if:
- Select the Delta Comfort Plus if you are flying on a domestic route within the United States.
- If you are a budget-conscious traveler and do not want to significantly raise the flight ticket price.
- Only comfort matters to you, and you want just a few extra spacious seats and additional legroom.
- Your flight is short-haul, requiring 5-6 hours of air travel.
Choose Delta Premium Select if:
- Select the Delta Premium Select if you are flying internationally.
- Your flight is a long-haul and exceeds 8 hours or more.
- Better comfort and sleep matter to you during your flight.
- You want upgraded dining (chef-curated dishes) and amenities.
Is Delta Premium Select Worth the Upgrade?
For many travelers, Delta Premium Select is worth the upgrade, especially on long international flights. Comfort on long-haul flights can significantly impact the overall travel experience.
While it costs more than Comfort Plus or Main Cabin, the added space, upgraded amenities, and enhanced services often justify the higher fares on flights lasting eight hours or more.
With this upgrade, you can also get the following Delta Premium Select benefits:
- On your long-haul international flights, you get to travel with far more comfort, thanks to features such as wider seats, greater recline, adjustable footrests or legrests, premium dining, and priority services.
- You can expect a more elevated onboard experience than Delta Comfort Plus.
- On eligible long-haul international flights, Delta Premium Select passengers receive premium pillows, blankets, earbuds, and an amenity kit, helping make overnight journeys more comfortable.
Is Delta Comfort Plus Worth It?
If you are wondering whether Delta Comfort Plus is worth the upgrade, the answer depends on your travel needs and budget. So, Delta Comfort Plus is definitely worth upgrading to if you are looking for a modest upgrade without paying the higher price of a premium cabin.
- The Delta Comfort Plus benefits are far greater than those of Main Cabin, as it includes extra legroom, early boarding, and complimentary beverages on eligible flights. This is what makes the Delta Comfort Plus a popular choice for domestic and short-to medium-haul international travel.
- As compared to Delta Premium Select or Delta One, Delta Comfort Plus is a more budget-friendly option.
- The standout feature of the Delta Comfort Plus is its additional legroom, offering up to 3 inches more legroom than the Main Cabin. While the seat width remains the same, the exact space can make it easier to stretch out and stay comfortable, particularly on flights lasting several hours.
Conclusion
Delta Comfort Plus and Delta Premium Select cater to different travel needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly upgrade with extra legroom and earlier boarding, Delta Comfort Plus is an excellent choice for domestic and shorter international flights. However, if you are flying long-haul and value wider seats, enhanced dining, premium amenities, and a more relaxing journey, Delta Premium Select is a better option. Ultimately, the right choice for you between Delta Comfort Plus vs Premium Select depends on your route, budget, and the level of comfort you are looking for.
