Delta Boarding Order Explained

Delta follows a particular boarding order for each flight so that it can depart on time. As with other airlines, you’ll want to be at the gate on time so you don’t miss your turn in the queue and find ample space for carry-on bags. 

With eight boarding zones (as Delta calls them, not including pre-boarding), it can be a bit confusing, especially if you arrive at the gate after any boarding announcements were made. Luckily, in many airports, Delta uses screens that display which group is boarding at that particular moment so look for those, if available.

If you fall toward the latter portion of the boarding order, there are ways to move up the pecking order without having to fork over for a premium cabin seat.

Here’s an explainer on the Delta boarding order and how you can get closer to the front of the line on your next flight. 

Delta has eight official boarding zones, but with a dedicated protocol for who can preboard the plane, there are essentially nine groups when it comes down to it. 

First up is the opportunity for those that need extra time to board the plane as well as active-duty U.S. military members with identification and Delta 360° members. 

After that, the remaining groups board in a particular order. Here’s what to expect at the gate, and yes, there will surely be a crowd of passengers straining to hear the announcements or push forward before their turn. C’est la vie!

Among the first to board are elite status holders, including those of partner airlines, as well as those seated in the premium cabin, including first class and Delta One cabins as well as Premium Select and Delta Comfort+.

It’s important to note that while Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders do get to board in Zone 5 with Silver Medallion members, they do not receive the same priority as Delta’s top elite status members.

Another key detail is that when departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Silver Medallion members do not get the same priority boarding status as they do when flying from other airports.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Delta Medallion elite status

Delta Premium Select

This premium economy cabin is only on certain aircraft — mostly flying internationally — and comes with a wider seat, better recline, upgraded meals and onboard amenities, and the ability to board in Zone 2 before most other passengers.

Delta Comfort+

These are extra-legroom seats toward the front of the main cabin. Customers in these seats also enjoy free beer and wine and more snack options. Another perk of this section of seats is priority boarding in Zone 3.

» Learn more: Delta Comfort Plus vs. Premium Select

Sky Priority

Sky Priority is the branded premium access for priority check-in and boarding for SkyTeam airlines. This is Zone 4 of eight in the Delta boarding order, which means most elite status flyers below the Diamond Medallion level will have to wait a bit before their turn.

This includes Platinum and Gold Medallion members as well as top elite members from partner airlines. If you’re unfamiliar with Delta’s boarding zones, it may seem surprising that you have to wait this long to board.

Lower-tier elites and Delta cardholders

Delta’s Silver Medallion elite members have to wait a bit longer to board with Zone 5. This zone also includes lower-level elite status passengers from partner airlines as well as those with a Delta SkyMiles co-branded credit card.

Holding the credit card could be the fastest way to elevate your boarding zone if you are traveling in the main cabin. These include popular cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cards. Terms apply.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.

» Learn more: Which Delta Air Lines credit card should you choose?

Main cabin and basic economy

SkyMiles members flying in main cabin who don't yet hold Medallion status get slight preference over other main cabin flyers, boarding in Zone 6. Non-SkyMiles members flying in main cabin board in Zone 7, followed by basic economy passengers in Zone 8.

Delta’s basic economy fares are the airline’s most restricted and come with the lowest boarding tier, which means overhead bag space may be limited. They also do not allow other perks like upgrades, seat assignments and mileage earning.

» Learn more: Delta basic economy vs. main cabin

If you have elite status, a Delta co-branded credit card and are traveling in a premium cabin, Delta will automatically assign passengers to the highest eligible zone.

This means if a Diamond Medallion buys a basic economy ticket, they can still board in the priority boarding zone for Diamond Medallion members rather than waiting for the last zone for basic economy flyers to be called. This provides extra incentive to achieve top Medallions status. 

Another example would be a Delta co-branded American Express credit cardholder who buys basic economy. The passenger can jump the queue from boarding last with basic economy passengers and join Zone 5 for faster access to the plane.

If you typically buy basic economy, being approved for a Delta credit card could be the ideal fast track to faster boarding.

» Learn more: Best ways to use Delta SkyMiles

Priority boarding, before main cabin passengers, can be quite valuable since it means you’ll have more access to overhead bin space and can get settled a bit faster. Here are the different ways you can guarantee faster boarding on Delta flights.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Fly in a premium cabin

If you book one of Delta’s top flight products (like Delta One or first class), you’ll be among the first passengers to board. Delta’s premium cabin flyers, no matter the destination, board before Diamond Medallion members although Diamonds traveling in a premium cabin can also board with the higher zone.

Premium economy passengers in Delta Premium Select also get priority boarding with Diamond Medallion members after first class and Delta One. Premium Select is available on select international flights.

Following these flyers, Comfort+ passengers board in Zone 3 before the remaining passengers. If you don’t want to pay for first class (Delta One or Premium Select), Comfort+ is an often cheaper way to secure priority boarding.

» Learn more: Delta Comfort Plus vs. Premium Select

Hold SkyMiles elite status or SkyTeam/partner airline elite status

While you’ll have to wait until halfway through the boarding zone order, SkyMiles members with Platinum and Gold Medallion status as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers can board next along with top elites in partner programs.

This may not be the highest priority in the Delta boarding order, but it is usually before the majority of other passengers seated in the main cabin. Even if you’re flying in the main cabin, those with elite status can board with their relevant, earlier boarding zone. 

» Learn more: The complete guide to Delta Medallion elite status

Board as military

Active members of the U.S. military carrying a military ID can board before everyone else, including those in the premium cabin. 

» Learn more: How to get military travel discounts

Hold a Delta co-branded credit card 

If you carry a co-branded Delta SkyMiles credit card, you’ll automatically be assigned to Zone 5 (unless you already are in the premium cabin or elite status).

Since you will probably board before most of the main cabin, there should be plenty of overhead bin space. This benefit can more than outweigh the annual fee that comes with these cards. 

» Learn more: Is a Delta credit card worth it?

Become a Delta Corporate Traveler

Travelers whose company has a corporate agreement with Delta can take advantage of additional benefits that include Zone 5 boarding. This means you’ll board before other travelers in the main cabin unless you have higher Medallion status or are traveling in the premium cabin.

In that instance, you will board with the relevant, higher boarding zone. The ticket must be reserved and paid for through the corporate travel portal.

» Learn more: Is there a right way to exit an airplane?

The Delta boarding order has a rhyme and reason to it, but travelers must understand where they fall within the pecking order. The SkyTeam airline prioritizes those traveling in premium cabins over most elite status members.

But, holding any elite status or a Delta co-branded credit card will give you faster boarding than travelers in the main cabin. If you fly Delta often enough, but still have not achieved elite status, consider the credit card path that can get you closer to the front of the line before everyone else. 

(Top photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)