Delta Adds More Premium Select Space — but at a Price

Joe CortezJuly 21, 2018
Delta Air Lines Premium Select
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Delta Air Lines’ most recent quarterly report came with both good news and bad news for airline regulars: More Premium Select seats are coming, but it will cost passengers double the economy price.

The airline made the announcement July 12 as part of its second-quarter update, citing it as one of the ongoing improvements to the customer experience. Other improvements include the delivery of new aircraft and refitting its fleet with more international premium economy seats, named Premium Select.

» Learn more: Learn how to use your Delta SkyMIles with our complete guide.

Because of demand, the airline plans on expanding Premium Select space to all international flights. Starting this summer, the Atlanta-based carrier will start installing bigger seats for transatlantic routes, with the goal to have all international airplanes refitted by 2021.

Seeing double

Passengers planning on moving forward to the wider seats with adjustable headrests and reclining legrests should also expect to pay more. When asked about Premium Select costs, Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said flyers could expect to pay double the economy fare.

“Internationally, which is the only place we have Premium Select, it's about 100% fare premium differential in the markets,” Bastian said on the call, as quoted in a transcript. “And it's about several hundred dollars to move into Premium Select.”

» Learn More: Find the best airline credit card for you

Other options

Those trying to escape shrinking legroom in the back of the plane can also expect to pay more to move up to Comfort Plus, but not as much as Premium Select. Delta increased revenues on their domestic first class and Comfort Plus seats by “almost 20%” in the quarter. According to Bastian, the upsell on Comfort Plus seats with up to four extra inches of legroom is between “$25 and $35 domestically on average,” and for international flights around “$50 to $100, depending on the market.”

» Learn more: Yes, you can afford to fly first class (if you plan right).

Passengers who want to escape the fees can also use their Delta SkyMiles to move up between cabins.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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