If you’ve ever flown Delta airlines and had questions about the different kinds of seats, you’re not alone. There are different ranges of elite member benefits, various restrictions, no extra benefits for certain kinds of discount seats, etc. And you thought air travel itself was overwhelming!
How Does Delta Airlines Seat Selection Work?
Delta is known to offer a varying selection of seat classes on its flights, depending on the type/size of the aircraft and on the type of flight (domestic or international). Some of these options include: First Class, Economy, Premium Select, Comfort Plus (also, Comfort+), and Delta One seats.
When booking your Delta flight, you’ll be able to select your seat, though there may be a premium charge for certain seats, depending on the type of aircraft. Families and groups are understandably eager to be seated together, and to the airline’s credit, Delta does its very best to place families (and even traveling groups) together, up to and after check-in.
What is the Difference Between Delta Comfort Plus and Delta Preferred Seating?
Benefits of traveling in a Delta Comfort Plus seat include: A dedicated overhead bin, specifically for your carry-ons, as well as an extra (up to) 3 inches of room for your legs to stretch comfortably. Delta Comfort plus features vary depending upon the size of the aircraft, as well as on the flight type and flight destination.
- Delta Platinum and Diamond level members can select Comfort Plus seating for free after they purchase their tickets.
- Delta Gold members may select these seats within 72 hours before takeoff.
- Delta Silver members can select the remaining Comfort Plus seats within 24 hours of takeoff.
In regard to Delta Preferred (“P”) Seating, the perk is offered to Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver level members on Delta and Delta Connection flights, based on availability after ticket purchase. Preferred seating typically includes aisle, window, and exit row seats. Joint Venture Elite, SkyTeam Elite, Medallion SkyMiles, and Elite Plus members are also allowed to select Preferred seating for free. Basic Economy seats do not have this free option but may purchase Preferred seats on Delta’s website within 45 days before a flight. Preferred seating may not be available on every Delta flight. Note that Delta reserves the right to reassign some Preferred seats to passengers with certain disabilities.
What Does a Preferred Seat on Delta Mean?
With Delta Preferred Seating, travelers can select where they will sit during the flight: Preferred seats include seats near the front of the plane, as well as aisle, window, and exit row seats.
Is Delta Preferred Seating Worth It?
That all depends on how much room you’re comfortable with. I find Delta Preferred Seating to definitely be worth it, where I have more control over where I sit on the flight. If you’ve ever felt crammed in between two other passengers on either side of you, you’ll know what I mean.
What is a Comfort Plus seat on Delta?
Comfort Plus seats on Delta flights give you a dedicated overhead bin, reserved for your carry-on articles, and also up to an extra 3 inches of leg room so you can stretch out comfortably. Delta Comfort plus features vary depending upon the size of the aircraft, as well as on the flight type and flight destination.
Delta Airlines passengers may use miles to upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus, Delta One, Delta Premium Select, or First Class for eligible flights within the United States when they purchase a ticket on Delta’s website or using Delta Reservations.
Is Delta Comfort Plus Seating Worth It?
Again, it all goes back to your comfort level while traveling. If you don’t mind sitting in between two other fliers, then maybe it’s worth it to you to save on the cost of a Comfort Plus seat. Personally, I find it worth what it costs for a higher tier of membership (or to use my Delta miles) to be able to have more control over where I sit.
Reviews tend to be a mixed bag for Delta Comfort Plus seats compared to “luxury” airlines, like Virgin, in terms of value and whether the premium seating is worth the additional cost. Reviews also tend to vary, depending on whether the Comfort Plus seat is for a domestic or international flight. Not all Comfort Plus features are the same for every single Delta flight.
Can You Combine the Features of Delta Preferred and Delta Comfort Plus?
Delta Comfort Plus is considered to be a class of seating somewhere between Business class and Economy class. You’ll be seated nearer the front of the Economy section, and will receive perks, including priority boarding, a little extra leg room, and free alcoholic beverages. Delta Preferred Seating allows you to sit where you want to sit on the plane in the Economy section. If you pay for Comfort Plus, you’ll probably want to enjoy those benefits over just being able to select a window or aisle seat. It just depends on what you’re comfortable with. Note that reviews are mixed for Delta Comfort Plus seats compared to “luxury” airlines, like Virgin, in terms of value and whether the premium seating is worth the additional cost. Reviews also vary, depending on whether for domestic or international flights. Remember, not all Comfort Plus features are the same for every single Delta flight.
So, there You Have It: Delta Preferred vs Comfort Plus Seating
You should have enough information to decide for yourself whether Preferred or Comfort Plus seating is for you and whether they are worth it. The general consensus seems to be that the better value is with the extra charge for Comfort Plus seats vs. Preferred seats.
Delta Preferred Seating and Delta Plus Seating are available for free for higher Delta tier members (Platinum, Gold, Silver, etc.), or they can be purchased for a premium, including for your miles. Preferred seats give you an option to sit where you’d like to on the flight (e.g., near the front, in the aisle, emergency, or window seats), while Comfort Plus gives you up to 3 inches more leg room, along with an overhead bin just for your stuff. Features (esp. of Comfort Plus) vary, depending on the aircraft size, flight destination, and flight type.
