The Delta Seat Selection Guide
A Delta Main Basic ticket doesn't include seat selection, but some higher fare classes include the perk.
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Updated · 4 min read
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Contributing Writer Figuring out how and when to choose your seat on a Delta Air Lines flight can be complicated. Delta operates a variety of cabin classes on its aircraft, and as of Oct. 1, 2025, its seat products were renamed for clarity: Delta Main, Delta Comfort, Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One seats.
The cost to select your seat when booking and any upcharges vary depending on the flight you’re taking. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.
» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?
Ticket types and seat selection rules
Except for Delta Premium Select, Delta First and Delta One — which always include seat selection as part of ticketing — most seat selection options are for tickets in the Delta Main and Delta Comfort cabins.
Delta Main cabin
Delta Main cabin seating depends on which of the three cabin experiences you choose: Delta Main Basic, Delta Main Classic or Delta Main Extra.
- Delta Main Basic: This fare type is Delta’s former basic economy experience, which is the most restrictive of any Delta ticket. Delta Main Basic seats are assigned only after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket. Delta Main Basic tickets are ineligible for complimentary or paid seat upgrades.
- Delta Main Classic and Delta Main Extra: As a main cabin customer, you have advanced seat selection before your flight. You also have the option to purchase a seat upgrade to any of Delta’s higher cabins up to 90 minutes before your flight departs or until your check-in window closes.
You can also book upgraded economy tickets to Main Cabin Preferred Seats, which offer a few perks. Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows. These are the least expensive upgrades from standard economy seating.
Delta Comfort
Delta Comfort, formerly Delta Comfort+, is the next class up from the standard economy. It offers early boarding and faster deplaning, roomier leg space, your own overhead bin space and extra comfort goodies, like a pillow, blanket and amenity kit on long-haul international flights.
Like the Delta Main cabin, Delta Comfort offers three seat experiences: Delta Comfort Basic doesn’t offer advanced seat selection, while Delta Comfort Classic and Delta Comfort Extra passengers can choose their seats before their flight.
Delta Premium Select is the airline’s version of premium economy, with larger seats and better recline, two free checked bags, earlier boarding and premium extras. Those who book Premium Select can choose any seat within the cabin for no additional fee.
Delta First and Delta One
Delta First and Delta One ticketholders can choose any seat within their cabin for free. These spacious seats come with two free checked bags, premium snacks and meals, priority boarding and a dedicated flight attendant.
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GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD
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:
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Earning rates
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• First checked bag free.
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• Companion certificate (main cabin).
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Learn more
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 Air Lines seats for elite members
Delta SkyMiles program members with Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights.
Main Cabin Preferred Seat
When booking main cabin tickets, all four tiers of elite status members can select Preferred Seats for no additional charge.
» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to earning Delta SkyMiles
Delta Comfort
Platinum and Diamond level elite members (the two highest tiers) can choose Preferred Seats shortly after ticketing for free. Midtier Gold members, meanwhile, will be able to select these seats starting 72 hours prior to departure, and low-level Silver members can pick from available Delta Comfort seats starting 24 hours before departure.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Delta elite members will also receive upgrades on select Delta First and Delta One flights depending on their elite status. Delta plane seating chart
You can find Delta Air Lines seating without needing to book a flight. To do so, first search for your preferred route on Delta’s website. On the search results page, you’ll find a variety of flights from which to choose.
Each flight presents a seat map, which you can preview by selecting "Seats."
Once you’ve picked "Seats," you’ll be taken to a new page that shows a live preview of your aircraft’s seats.
You’ll also be able to view the seat map during the booking process. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’ll be taken to another page prompting you to pick a seat.
How to pick seats on Delta
You can choose your seat on Delta during or after booking.
During booking
The process for reserving a Delta seat is fairly simple. You’ll be able to pick seats when booking your flights on the website or Fly Delta app; an automatic prompt will ask you before checkout.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
You may not be able to select seats on code-share flights, which are operated by Delta’s partners. In this case, you’ll want to go directly to the other airline’s webpage to manage your seat selection. After booking
If you need to choose or alter your seat after you’ve booked your flight, go to "My Trips" on the Delta homepage.
If you’re logged in already, you’ll be able to view all the trips you have booked with Delta. You’ll find seat selection options by going down to the "Passenger Information" section.
» Learn more: 6 ways to save on Delta flights
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Final thoughts on selecting a seat on Delta Air Lines
Delta’s revamped seating experience offers options for every type of passenger. This includes the highly restrictive Delta Main Basic ticket as well as many other ticket choices for those who prefer certainty with their seats.
Upgrading to Delta Main Preferred or Delta Comfort seats offers better benefits for those in economy. Delta SkyMiles elite members can also expect to receive complimentary access to these seats and potential upgrades to higher classes depending on their level of status.
Top photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.
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