What is the difference between economy and premium economy on Delta?

Delta's Premium Select is a seat offering that falls somewhere between economy and business (Delta One) in terms of services, amenities, and price. It includes perks like fine dining, additional recline and legroom beyond that of Comfort+, footrests, and SkyPriority access for check-in, boarding, and baggage.



On Delta Air Lines in 2026, the difference between "Main Cabin" (Economy) and Delta Premium Select (Premium Economy) is a "night and day" shift in physical comfort and service. While standard economy offers a 31-inch pitch and a 17-18 inch wide seat, Premium Select provides a wider seat (18.5-19 inches) with a deeper recline (7 inches) and a dedicated footrest and leg rest. It essentially mimics a domestic First Class seat on an international scale. Passengers in Premium Select receive an upgraded amenity kit, noise-canceling headphones, and a larger 13-inch entertainment screen. The dining experience is also elevated, with meals served on real ceramic plates with metal cutlery, rather than plastic trays. Furthermore, Premium Select includes Sky Priority access, allowing you to skip the long check-in and security lines. While it isn't a lie-flat bed like Delta One, it provides a significantly more restful journey for long-haul transoceanic flights.

People Also Ask

One of the biggest differences between premium economy and economy is the seating and legroom. In premium economy, you can expect more spacious seats with extra legroom, making those long haul flights a little more bearable, especially for taller passengers and those with back or joint pain.

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Delta offers six tiers of onboard service: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort +, First Class, Delta Premium Select and Delta One. Delta seat selection is available to all passengers, with the exception of those flying its cheapest airfare, Basic Economy.

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Delta Comfort Plus is a seat upgrade from the main cabin that offers up to 3 inches of additional legroom and dedicated overhead luggage space. Conversely, Delta Premium Select seats let passengers stretch out with a reclining feature, wider seat, footrest and premium amenities.

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Answer: Premium economy seats do not have the feature of lying flat but have additional features like extra legroom, spacious reclining seats, and headrests for a comfortable journey.

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So, is Delta Comfort Plus worth it? The answer is entirely up to you. If you value extra legroom, space for your luggage and complimentary booze, then yes, it's worth spending the extra money.

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There's a lot to love about flying Delta Premium Select, but it doesn't get high marks for everything. Most importantly, the seats are a significant upgrade from economy: wider, more legroom, better padding, and more recline to help you sleep.

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Delta First Class seats are much larger than economy and Comfort+ seats, and they have more leg room and deeper reclines. Exceptions are on the regional aircraft, the Bombardiers and Embraers, in which First Class seats are only marginally larger than the Main Cabin seats due to the small size of the plane.

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Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in. » Learn more: Delta vs.

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Delta Comfort+® seating is offered on Delta's two-cabin aircraft, subject to availability. Features differ according to flight type/destination/aircraft. Domestic and international flights offer up to 3 more inches of legroom than the standard Main Cabin seat.

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With the larger/denser designs, I'd say an aisle on the edges is better than an aisle in the middle, since you're at least somewhat near a window. An aisle in the middle of a 3-3-3 only has one person that might need to climb over you to get to the toilet. It's also better than a middle seat anywhere.

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Call the airline Explain that you're concerned about being on a crowded flight and ask the agent to give you an estimate as to how full the flight currently is. You likely won't be given a precise number of people booked on the flight, but the phone agents should be able to guide you through your options.

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You'll enjoy a wider, more spacious seat, the flexibility to change or cancel your ticket without change fees (for flights originating in the United States and Canada), Sky Priority® service and a thoughtful travel experience from start to finish. The benefits don't stop there, either.

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You can use miles to upgrade to Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, First Class or Delta Comfort+® for eligible flights within the U.S. 50 while purchasing a ticket* either at delta.com or with Delta Reservations. If your reservation is eligible for an upgrade, you'll see the option to upgrade in your Trip Summary.

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