Ultimate guide to Delta premium economy: What is it and is it worth it?
Delta Air Lines refers to premium economy as Premium Select, and it's a wonderful middle ground between first or business class and economy. Flying Delta premium economy internationally can mean the difference between arriving rested or exhausted, and it's a splurge many Delta flyers are willing to make these days.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the differences between Delta's economy, extra legroom economy and premium economy (Delta Comfort, Delta Main and Delta Premium Select). We'll explain what you can expect to get in Delta premium economy cabins, what the seats are like, the service and the soft product (bedding and other amenities) and other important differences.
What is premium economy on Delta Air Lines?
Delta's premium economy is a special cabin Delta calls Premium Select. Premium Select offers customers enhanced seating, amenities and service that serves as a bridge between coach and first or business class.
The seats don't lie flat, but they generally recline further than coach seats and come with more bells and whistles than the coach cabin offers. They are also much more roomy: The seats are very similar to what you would find on a domestic first-class flight.
Premium Select is also often much cheaper than booking a Delta One lie-flat business-class seat or suite.
Differences between premium economy and Delta Comfort
There are big differences between Delta premium economy (Premium Select) and Delta's extra legroom seats, branded as "Delta Comfort." You'll get larger seats, better snacks, more amenities and a more elevated experience in Delta Premium Select over Delta Comfort.
For starters, as you can see in the photo above, Delta Comfort seats are not as wide as Delta Premium Select. But there are also plenty of other differences that we'll discuss in more depth in the section below.
Delta premium economy vs. Delta Comfort vs. economy or main cabin
There are major differences between all of Delta's various cabin types these days, with the Atlanta-based airline doing more and more to differentiate its products. The airline just announced a major overhaul of the types of fares it was selling to include more premium offerings.
Here are the new fare types:
- Delta Main (formerly Main Cabin)
- Delta Comfort (formerly Delta Comfort+)
- Delta Premium Select
- Delta First (formerly First Class)
- Delta One
Related: Delta to test new fare 'subcategories' in 2025; ponders higher-end Amex credit card
As you can see, Premium Select is in its own special category, and there are many differences between it and coach.
Premium Select seats are generally about 18.5 inches wide. That compares to just 18.1 inches in most Delta coach seats.
You'll also have between 2 and 4 inches more legroom than in most coach seats.
Seats also recline quite a bit more: They offer 7 inches of recline compared with just 5 inches in coach.
Premium economy seats have a fold-out adjustable footrest and leg rest for extra comfort (though I don't find them especially comfortable, as I'm on the taller side).
Premium economy also comes with a bigger inflight entertainment screen, which measures at least 13 inches (versus just 9 or 10 inches in coach).
You'll also receive special noise-cancelling headphones and a small amenity kit, which you don't get in coach, as well as printed menus and better-quality blankets and pillows.
Food is another big differentiator between premium economy and coach. You'll get access to better snack baskets passed around during longer services, as well as extra service touches — like water bottles placed at the seats, a moist towelette before meal service and a pre-landing chocolate — on long-haul flights.
Delta Premium Select also has a special menu that allows you to preorder (from a limited menu). While this is also possible on long-haul Delta Comfort bookings, it's not generally available in the rest of economy.
Related: You can now preselect your meals on long-haul Delta Air Lines Comfort+ flights
The cabin has menu offerings exclusively designed for Delta Premium Select. In practice, I haven't seen a ton of difference between Premium Select and coach meals, but the airline has upgraded the meals on some flights since I last flew the product.
Note that premium economy also gets tablecloths and flatware, and it's supposed to get real china, though that appears hit or miss to me.
Delta premium economy baggage allowance and other perks
A Premium Select ticket includes free seat selection and two checked bags of up to 50 pounds each.
Delta Premium Select passengers can also use the airline's Sky Priority counters at airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), alongside Delta Medallion elite members, Flying Club Silver elite members, SkyTeam Elite members and Economy Delight passengers booked via Virgin Atlantic.
Premium Select's benefits also mirror first class before you board the plane: Passengers flying in Premium Select, Delta One or domestic first class are allowed to use the priority security lanes along with Delta Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion members. This perk can help you speed through security.
Delta premium economy for international flights vs. domestic flights
You won't find much difference in the Premium Select experience when flying domestic versus international ... except in the soft product.
Related: Delta debuts premium economy between New York and LA, mixed news for elites
While you won't get all the bells and whistles flying domestically, you'll still get a special menu and a memory foam pillow and blanket, just like on international trips.
Is it worth paying extra for Delta premium economy?
With a bigger seat, slightly elevated meals and extra service touches, Delta Premium Select is definitely a better cabin than economy. While it's easier to sleep in premium economy, limited recline and a seat that doesn't lie flat make sleep just as elusive as it is in coach.
That said, a more comfortable journey may be worth the price in some cases.
Generally, round-trip fares in Delta premium economy are at least twice the cost of regular economy. Delta's business class (Delta One) is usually around double the price of premium economy.
I wouldn't pay double for premium economy over coach, but if it were just $100 or $200 more, I would say it's worth the upgrade.
Check the Fly Delta app for cheap upgrade offers in cash or Delta SkyMiles. These can often be a much cheaper way to fly in roomier seats than buying them outright. If you can book Delta Premium Select for only slightly more than economy — either in cash or miles — I would say it's worth it.
I paid a total of $2,000 for premium economy on a round-trip flight to London; if I had to book that trip again, I'd just book the main cabin and look for a cheap upgrade rather than spend that much outright.
Bottom line
Delta premium economy, which the airline brands as Delta Premium Select, can be a great way to travel, especially on longer flights where you would otherwise be seated in economy.
You'll find wider seats, more legroom and better amenities. On some flights, you'll also get more elevated service.
While it's still not my favorite on overnight flights because the seats don't lie flat, it can certainly be a serious upgrade over coach. If you can get the seats for a good price, your body will appreciate the extra room and a more comfortable ride.
Related reading:
- Best Delta credit cards
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- Delta basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more
- The best credit cards for airport lounge access
- How to get Delta Sky Club access, including via elite status and credit cards
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