The Different Classes Of Travel Offered By Delta Air Lines (2024)

Taking flight with Delta, one of the largest airlines in the United States, has several cabins to pick from, whether you're traveling for business and need to sit up the front or you're traveling away with friends for the weekend in Las Vegas, and need a carry-on, there's plenty to pick from to suit every budget.

The onboard experience for all cabins has improved dramatically over the years, with many aircraft now featuring seat-back entertainment, USB charging ports, and meals either included in the fare or available for purchase. Onboard Delta, there are five different 'experiences' to choose from; let's look closer.

Basic economy

Exactly as it sounds, the Basic economy is a low-fare option with restrictions. Refunds and upgrades are not available and are best for those with firm travel plans without changing. Essential economy travelers are provided a main cabin seat and complimentary snacks such as nonalcoholic beverages, such as coffee from Starbucks or soda. And connect to Delta WiFi to check the status of your flight. However, no seats will be assigned until after check-in, and you will be the last to board and will not be eligible for upgrades. No miles are earned, and no credit will be put toward your SkyMiles Medallion status.

Photo: Delta Air Lines

Basic economy provides great value for solo travelers and those who can pack light. However, this fare type has many restrictions on changes or refunds, so be sure that your travel plans are unlikely to change.

Main Cabin

This is the next step from the Basic economy; this fare type gives you much more control. Holders of a main cabin ticket can select their seats in advance (some for a fee) and earn miles on non-award travel. To make it easy, there are no change fees, and you can easily manage your trip changes without change fees for tickets originating in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. You can receive an e-credit upon cancelation of your flight, minus a cancelation fee.

You can pick what suits you best with increased seat choice and selection. Are you window or aisle? Or are you traveling with a group and want to be all seated together? This is all possible in the Main Cabin. You are also eligible to earn miles, and can earn status towards your Medallion Status, you can also opt for an upgrade if your points permit, and can enjoy the premium cabins if available on your selected flight.

Delta Comfort+

Booking a Delta Comfort+ ticket is where the added extras kick in. You'll be one of the first onboards, with priority boarding, and given that you will likely be seated at the front of the cabin, you can disembark swiftly off the aircraft. Your seats have more legroom, so you can stretch out, sit back, and relax at 30,000 feet, and if you're traveling with cabin luggage, you have a dedicated overhead bin to store your bags. Other extras included in this fare type include a pillow, blanket, and amenity kit if traveling on long-haul flights.

Domestic first class

Delta offers two cabins on domestic aircraft: the main economy cabin and First. Hard product-wise, the First cabin is laid out in a 2-2 configuration. Each seat features a leather recliner, and Delta's newest A321neos even have seat dividers and pod-style privacy guards. Travelers in First enjoy a broader, more spacious seat and increased flexibility to change or cancel their ticket without a significant penalty. The seat allows you to stretch out up to eight more inches than economy class seating and has a 5.4-inch recline. An 11-inch seat back screen is also at your arm's length to enjoy onboard entertainment.

With a dedicated flight attendant, you have snacks and drinks whenever you're ready, and with built-in power outlets and Wi-Fi on most flights, you can stay connected and catch up on the latest news from around the world. Other benefits on the ground include dedicated check-in, expedited security, and priority baggage handling.

Read more: How to upgrade your next Delta flight

Delta Premium Select

Better known as premium economy, Premium Select is offered on Delta's widebodies and got a perky upgrade in 2022. The seats are similar to the domestic first class seats, with leather recliners, 13" entertainment screens, and an adjustable legrest.

This newest cabin design is there to help you arrive refreshed at your next destination, with spacious seats and amenities. This cabin has a seat with a deeper recline, a standard economy class seat, and an adjustable leg and footrest. With expedited airport experiences, travelers in this cabin receive Sky Priority service, which includes being one of the first onboard, priority baggage, and accelerated check-in. You will receive a hot towel onboard and beverages of your choice before a complimentary meal from their elevated menu.

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You'll receive a complimentary Tumi amenity kit with Malin & Goetz travel essentials, socks, eyeshades, a hand cleansing towelette, and more. On long-haul flights, this can represent an excellent compromise for those who want more comfort than economy class without having to pay for lie-flat seats.

Delta One

The most exclusive way to fly with Delta is Delta One. This cabin offers spacious, lie-flat seats and complimentary access to the airline's Delta Sky Club and Delta One Lounge; you will enjoy all the luxury included. This cabin is available on most international and select domestic routes.

Onboard, you can stretch out on the 180-degree lie-flat seats, which are duvets and soft pillows enclosed in a pod with a door. The seat has been rated as one of the best in the US, and with solid service and meal selections out of its hubs, it has quickly become a fan favorite (assuming you can pick up the tab!).

Which Delta classes have you sampled? How do they compare to the carrier's competitors? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!