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Delta Comfort Plus vs. Main Cabin
Delta Comfort Plus seats have up to three extra inches of legroom and a better chance of snagging overhead baggage space.
Anya Kartashova is a freelance writer and full-time traveler based in Salt Lake City. She has written about travel rewards and personal finance for FrugalTravelGuy, Fodor's, FlyerTalk, 10xTravel and Reward Expert. Her goal is to visit every country in the world by offsetting the cost with points and miles.
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Delta Comfort Plus — which is what the airline calls its extra legroom seats — is an improved version of main cabin, the economy class on Delta. The main differences include the order in which you board the plane, how much overhead space you have for a carry-on bag, how much legroom you have and the types of snacks you get on board.
Legroom: When flying Delta Comfort Plus, you get up to three extra inches of legroom over a main cabin seat.
Overhead space: Comfort Plus ticket holders have dedicated overhead compartments for carry-on bags.
Service: Starbucks coffee, beer and wine are offered to Comfort Plus passengers on flights of at least 251 miles, and complimentary liquor is available on flights of at least 500 miles. Delta Comfort Plus flyers also get premium snacks on select flights over 900 miles.
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Nerdy Perspective
What's your experience like flying Delta?
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Delta main cabin
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
All Delta tickets originating in North America booked in main cabin or higher classes of service are eligible for free changes and cancellations. If you choose to cancel your Delta flight, you’ll receive an eCredit for the total amount that you can put toward a future trip.
Baggage and boarding
Passengers with a Delta main cabin ticket typically board in Zone 6 if they're a SkyMiles member and Zone 7 if they're not — the third- and second-to-last, respectively.
Main cabin ticket holders have to pay $35 to check one bag and $45 to check a second bag on domestic flights. One free carry-on and one personal item are allowed on board.
Main cabin tickets come with one free checked bag on eligible international flights, like those to Europe or Asia.
Seat selection
Main cabin seats are traditional economy seats located in the back of the plane behind Delta Comfort Plus. Seat selection is included with ticket purchase.
Earning rates
Delta SkyMiles members earn miles based on how much a ticket costs, not the distance flown. Only the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges count toward mileage accrual, and Medallion elite status helps increase earning rates. Delta flyers earn redeemable miles at the following rates.
Elite status level
SkyMiles you earn
General member
5 miles per $1.
Silver Medallion member
7 miles per $1.
Gold Medallion member
8 miles per $1.
Platinum Medallion member
9 miles per $1.
Diamond Medallion member
11 miles per $1.
Upgradeability
Delta lets you upgrade domestic flights using cash or SkyMiles (worth 1 cent each in this case). So, if an upgrade to Comfort Plus costs $100, you need 10,000 SkyMiles to upgrade with miles.
Regardless of where you sit once you're on the plane, a Delta-branded credit card can make your trip go a little smoother. Most include free checked bags and priority boarding, and some really stack up the perks. Among options:
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Other benefits
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Companion certificate (main cabin).
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Airport lounge access.
• Companion certificate (first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).
• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page.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.
Delta Comfort Plus
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
Delta offers flexible ticket changes and cancellations across the board on travel originating in North America (excluding basic economy tickets, which can only be canceled for a fee). The rules that apply to main cabin tickets also apply to Delta Comfort Plus tickets. If you wish to cancel or change your Delta flight, you can do so without paying a fee.
Baggage and boarding
Those with a Comfort Plus ticket board after premium cabin and Delta Premium Select passengers and before those with Sky Priority boarding privileges, such as Delta Medallion members and other elite flyers of SkyTeam or partner airlines.
Like main cabin passengers, Delta Comfort Plus passengers also have to pay to check bags on domestic flights. However, you get dedicated overhead bin space above your seat.
Seat selection
Delta Comfort Plus seats are located behind first class on domestic flights and behind Delta Premium Select seats on international planes equipped with multiple cabins. Selecting a Comfort Plus seat is free with ticket purchase.
Earning rates
The same miles earning rates with main cabin tickets (listed above) apply to Delta Comfort Plus tickets. As a Delta SkyMiles program member, you’ll earn miles based on the cost of the ticket and your Medallion status.
Upgrade options
Comfort Plus tickets can be upgraded to first class on domestic flights and to Delta Premium Select on flights overseas. On eligible flights, you can use money or miles to pay for an upgrade at booking or upgrade your flight when it’s closer to departure in the “My Trips” section of Delta’s website. If you don’t see the option to upgrade with miles, you can contact Delta reservations for assistance.
Credit cards and elite status can improve your overall experience
If you’re a Delta SkyMiles cardholder, you can enhance your flying experience by taking advantage of some of the perks.
Co-branded Delta cardholders also receive Zone 5 boarding priority, which helps if you book a main cabin ticket. Comfort Plus passengers board before the Zone 5 group, so holding the card won’t help you improve your boarding position. Terms apply.
If you’re a Medallion member, you can receive some preferential treatment as well. For example, Platinum and Gold Medallion members can board with the Zone 4, whereas Silver Medallion members board in Zone 5.
As for baggage allowance, Delta Medallions receive the following number of free checked bags on Delta flights within the U.S. and Canada:
Silver Medallion: One bag.
Gold Medallion: Two bags.
Platinum Medallion: Three bags.
Diamond Medallion: Three bags.
Medallion members also receive one additional bag over the standard checked baggage allowance on international flights at no cost.
If you’re considering an upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus
So, is Delta Comfort Plus worth it? The answer is entirely up to you — and may depend upon the length of the flight. If you value extra legroom, space for your luggage and complimentary booze, then yes, it’s worth spending the extra money. However, if an upgrade costs hundreds of dollars, consider whether the differences between a main cabin seat and a Comfort Plus seat are enough to justify the extra expense.
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