Delta Comfort Plus: What to Know Before You Book

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is the second-largest airline in the world by number of flights. From basic economy to domestic first class and international business class, it offers all kinds of service to all kinds of travelers.

Whether flying domestically within the U.S. or cross an ocean for a farther destination, you might want to do it in comfort. Perhaps you prefer something a little better than economy but less fancy than business class, especially on long-haul flights. Delta’s Comfort Plus, the airline’s premium economy cabin level, might offer just what you're looking for.

Here’s an overview of what you get when flying domestically and internationally in Delta Comfort Plus, including your baggage allowance, seat pitch and in-flight service.

What to expect flying premium economy with Delta Air Lines

Delta Comfort Plus is a step above main cabin, which is the airline’s name for economy class. When you fly Delta Comfort Plus, expect to see the following benefits on your flight.

• Bag allowance: Unless you have Medallion status, a Delta co-branded credit card or active military status, there’s no free checked bag allowance on domestic Delta Comfort Plus. You have to pay $30 for the first checked piece of luggage. But passengers flying on international flights are allowed to check one piece of luggage weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) at no cost.

• Boarding: Delta Comfort Plus passengers receive an early boarding call before SkyPriority members and have dedicated overhead bin space, which can sometimes be tough to come by in economy.

• Premium food: Starbucks coffee, beer and wine are offered to flyers who are over 21 on flights of at least 251 miles, and complimentary liquor is available on flights of at least 500 miles. Premium snacks are offered on flights of 900 miles or longer without meal service.

• Seats: When flying Delta Comfort Plus, you’ll get about 34 inches of seat pitch. That means, if you measure the distance between any point on one seat and the same point on a seat directly in front of or behind it, there will be 34 inches in between. That's several inches more than a standard economy seat.

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How to book a premium economy ticket with Delta

Whether you’re redeeming Delta SkyMiles or paying cash, you can book Delta Comfort Plus tickets directly on the airline’s website.

On Delta’s homepage, select your departure and destination cities, dates of travel and the number of passengers. When the search results pop up on the next page, each class of service is clearly marked: basic, main, Comfort Plus and first.

Comfort Plus is more expensive than a standard economy ticket, so you have to decide whether the upcharge is worth having more legroom and access to complimentary premium beverages, especially if you’re flying domestically.

On select international routes, you’ll see the Premium Select cabin in addition to Comfort Plus, which is an even more expensive fare type with additional perks.

» Learn more: Basic economy vs. main cabin

Change and cancellation policy for Delta Comfort Plus tickets

Delta Comfort Plus tickets for domestic and international travel originating in North America are eligible for free changes and cancellations. Travel between the Caribbean and the U.S. or Mexico also has the same free eligibility.

Although you won’t receive a direct refund, you will receive an eCredit in the original amount valid toward any Delta flight purchased by Dec. 31, 2023, for travel through the end of 2024.

Delta economy vs. Comfort Plus

So is Delta Comfort Plus premium economy that much better than a standard economy ticket? Take a look at some of the differences.

When comparing Delta Comfort Plus seats with main cabin, you typically get an extra 2 to 3 inches of room in Delta Comfort Plus. Delta’s economy class seats have 31 to 32 inches of pitch (varies by aircraft), and premium economy seats measure at about 34 inches.

As mentioned above, Comfort Plus passengers receive a premium snack selection and complimentary alcoholic beverages on select domestic flights. Main cabin passengers get a smaller snack selection and have the option to pay for premium drinks.

As for checked luggage, travelers in both classes of service will have to pay for bags, with exceptions for elite status, certain credit card holders and military.

Delta Comfort Plus vs. Delta Premium Select

Some aircraft, such as Airbus A350 and Boeing 757-200 (75H), have been decked out with Delta Premium Select seats on select international routes. On the Airbus A350, Premium Select is located between Delta One and the main cabin. On the Boeing 757-200, it’s the best seat on the plane at the front of the cabin. Some international flights, such as those operated by Airbus A330-900neo, feature both Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort Plus seats.

Depending on the aircraft, Delta Premium Select seats feature a pitch length of 37 to 38 inches, width of 18.5 to 21 inches and an adjustable footrest, leg rest and headrest. Compared to 34 inches in Comfort Plus, it’s an upgrade. Additionally, Premium Select seats can feature a serious recline of up to 7 inches.

Passengers can watch movies on an up-to-13.3-inch seatback screen and charge their devices using an in-seat power outlet. Tumi amenity kits also come with a Premium Select seat.

On the ground, Premium Select passengers get to experience SkyPriority benefits, such as a priority check-in lane, expedited baggage delivery and premium boarding. Two free checked bags are also included with the ticket, whereas Comfort Plus flyers get one bag on the same international flights.

» Learn more: How to get free upgrades on flights

If you’re looking to fly in Delta Comfort Plus

If you’re flying within the U.S., Delta's premium economy class, Delta Comfort Plus, isn’t a bad way to travel. You’ll have more legroom, enjoy free alcohol and have access to a designated overhead compartment.

Upgrade from Comfort Plus to Premium Select on select international routes to Europe or Asia and enjoy even more comfort on your flight by having a reclining seat, a large screen and an amenity kit.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.