Delta Air Lines offers a range of cabin classes to suit your needs and preferences. From the budget-friendly Basic Economy to the luxurious Delta One, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the various classes of travel offered by Delta Air Lines, as well as the unique features and benefits of each.
Identifying Your Seat Using Fare Basis Codes
In almost all markets, Delta will use the second from the last character in the fare basis code, regardless of the number of characters in the code, to identify the branded product. All Fare Basis Codes are limited to no more than 8 characters. Domestic markets (US and Canada) typically use all 8 characters,
International fights differ slightly.
| Domestic Branded Fare Product | 2nd to last Character Position | Fare Basis Code Example |
|---|---|---|
| First Class F-Upsell fares | F | XAVNA0FE |
| Delta One | D | VEWIA0DQ |
| Delta Comfort+ | C or I | TLX81PCD |
| Main Cabin | M or E | KA7UA0MC |
| Basic Economy | B | XEVQA0BA |
Basic Economy
Basic Economy is Delta’s most budget-friendly fare, offering the lowest price point while maintaining the core experience of Main Cabin. However, it comes with significant restrictions compared to standard economy. Passengers still get a Main Cabin seat, free snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and in-flight entertainment, but they cannot select a seat in advance—one is assigned at check-in. Additionally, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, and travellers board in the last group, meaning overhead bin space may be limited.
While it’s the most affordable way to fly with Delta, Basic Economy is best suited for travellers who prioritize cost over flexibility and perks. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind where they sit or when they board and don’t need to make changes to their itinerary. However, for a better experience with fewer restrictions, upgrading to Main Cabin or Comfort+ is often worth the extra cost.
Main Cabin Economy
Delta’s Main Cabin is the airline’s standard economy class, offering a comfortable but no-frills experience across domestic and international routes. Seats typically provide 31-32 inches of pitch (legroom), standard recline, and personal entertainment screens on most flights. Passengers receive complimentary snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and access to free in-flight entertainment, with the option to purchase meals and alcoholic drinks on longer flights.
While it lacks the priority perks and extra space of Comfort+ or Premium Select, Delta’s Main Cabin is known for its reliable service, modern fleet, and in-flight amenities. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers who want a straightforward, comfortable experience with the option to customize their journey through paid upgrades like preferred seating, extra baggage, or in-flight Wi-Fi.
Delta Comfort+
Delta Comfort+ is Delta’s enhanced economy offering, sitting between Main Cabin and Premium Select. It provides extra legroom (up to 3 inches more than standard economy), dedicated overhead bin space, and priority boarding. The seats offer a slightly better recline than Main Cabin, making long flights more comfortable. Passengers also receive complimentary premium snacks and alcoholic beverages on most flights, along with access to free messaging and in-flight entertainment on seatback screens or personal devices.
While it doesn’t offer the wider seats or additional amenities of Premium Select, Comfort+ is a solid choice for travellers who want more space and perks without upgrading to premium economy. Available on domestic and international routes, it’s ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly upgrade that provides a smoother boarding experience, extra comfort, and better refreshments compared to standard economy.
Delta Premium Select
Delta Premium Select is Delta Air Lines’ premium economy offering, designed for long-haul international flights. It sits above Main Cabin and Comfort+ but below Delta One, providing a significant upgrade in comfort, dining, and service without the cost of business class. The cabin features wider seats with extra legroom (38 inches), deeper recline (up to 7 inches), and adjustable leg and footrests, creating a more relaxed experience. Passengers also enjoy larger entertainment screens, noise-cancelling headphones, personal power outlets, and a TUMI amenity kit for added convenience.
Beyond seating comfort, Delta Premium Select enhances the travel experience with elevated meal service, premium snacks, and complimentary beer, wine, and spirits served on real dishware. Sky Priority perks—expedited check-in, priority boarding, and faster baggage delivery—make the journey even smoother. While it lacks the lie-flat seats of Delta One, it remains an excellent choice for travellers seeking more space, better dining, and priority benefits without the premium price tag of business class.
First Class
Delta First Class is available on domestic routes within the 50 U.S. states and to Canada, offering a premium experience with spacious seats, enhanced headrests, and dedicated overhead bin space. Passengers enjoy Wi-Fi (where available), in-seat power on most flights, and personalized service.
Complimentary entertainment is provided via Delta Studio, accessible on seatback screens or personal devices. Dining includes premium snacks on shorter flights and full meals on flights over 900 miles, with Starbucks coffee, beer, wine, and spirits. First Class also includes SkyPriority® benefits like expedited check-in, security, baggage handling, and priority boarding. However, lounge access is not included.
Domestic Delta One
Domestic Delta One is Delta’s most premium cabin for select transcontinental routes, offering an international-style experience on key U.S. flights, such as New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). Unlike First Class, which features reclining seats, Delta One provides a fully lie-flat bed with direct aisle access on most aircraft, ensuring superior comfort.
Beyond the enhanced seating, passengers receive elevated in-flight dining, featuring chef-curated multi-course meals with premium wines, spirits, and craft beer selections. The dedicated Delta One flight attendant ensures a more personalized level of service, making the journey feel seamless.
On the ground, complimentary Delta Sky Club access is included, providing a quiet space with premium food, drinks, and high-speed Wi-Fi before takeoff. Travelers also benefit from Sky Priority services, including dedicated check-in counters, expedited security, priority baggage handling, and first boarding.
International Delta One
Delta One, available on long-haul international routes and select premium transcontinental flights, provides passengers with a refined and luxurious travel experience. Each flight features a dedicated in-cabin flight attendant, ensuring personalized service from boarding to landing.
Onboard, travellers enjoy fully lie-flat seats, most with direct aisle access, offering superior comfort and privacy. Select aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 and A330-900neo, feature Delta One Suites, equipped with sliding doors for an extra layer of exclusivity.
Delta One customers indulge in chef-curated multi-course meals, paired with a carefully selected range of fine wines, spirits, and premium beers. Prior to departure, passengers enjoy complimentary Delta Sky Club access, setting the stage for a seamless journey. Throughout the flight, Delta Studio offers a diverse entertainment selection, available on seatback screens or personal devices, with noise-cancelling headsets ensuring an immersive experience.
