Delta Air Lines structures its seat selection fees based on fare class, seat location, and traveller preferences. Understanding these fees allows passengers to make informed choices, ensuring they get the seats they want without unexpected costs.
Breakdown of Delta’s Seat Selection Fees by Fare Class
Delta offers different seat selection options depending on the ticket type. While some seats are included in the ticket price, others require an additional fee. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Basic Economy: No complimentary seat selection. Seats are assigned at check-in. Passengers who wish to select a seat before check-in must pay a fee, which varies by route and seat location. Families and groups may not be seated together.
- Main Cabin: Standard seat selection is free. However, passengers who want Preferred Seats—such as bulkhead, exit row, or front-of-cabin seats—must pay an extra fee.
- Comfort+: Passengers can select their seats at booking, but Comfort+ upgrades require an additional charge. These seats provide extra legroom and dedicated overhead bin space.
- Premium Select, Delta One, and First Class: Seat selection is included at no additional cost. However, travellers upgrading from a lower fare class to these premium cabins after booking must pay an upgrade fee. These upgrades, available via My Trips or the Trip Details page, are subject to availability and fare rules.
Factors That Influence Seat Selection Fees
The cost of seat selection can vary based on several factors:
- Flight Duration: Longer flights often have higher fees for preferred seats.
- Seat Type: Aisle and window seats are typically more expensive than middle seats.
- Cabin Class: Premium cabins generally include a complimentary seat selection.
- Elite Status: Medallion members and SkyMiles partners may receive complimentary seat selection.
Preferred Seats and Upgrade Costs
Preferred Seats include:
- Exit row seats
- Bulkhead window and aisle seats
- Seats at the front of the Main Cabin
Preferred Seats can be purchased up until check-in. These seats are non-changeable, non-refundable, and cannot be transferred to another flight. If a passenger cancels their flight before the 24-hour check-in window, they may receive an eCredit for the value of their Preferred Seat.
Post-Purchase Seat Upgrades
Passengers can upgrade from Main Cabin to Delta One, Delta Premium Select, First Class, or Delta Comfort+® after booking, up to 90 minutes before departure, provided the check-in window has not closed. Upgrades do not require reissuing a ticket.
Where to Buy Post-Purchase Upgrades
- Available through My Trips via the upgrade offers banner.
- Upgrades are sold for individual flights, and all passengers in the booking must upgrade for the selected flight.
- Some Special Service Requests (SSR), such as exit row seating, may not be eligible for post-purchase upgrades to ensure proper seat assignments.
- Only flights wholly operated by Delta or Delta Connection are eligible for post-purchase upgrades. Basic Economy tickets are not eligible.
What Happens If You Change or Cancel Your Flight?
If you voluntarily change or cancel your flight before the 24-hour check-in window opens, you may receive an eCredit for the value of your seat purchase. Currently, eCredits may only be applied toward future travel, though Delta is working toward offering more flexibility in the future.
Note: This applies only to Delta-operated flights cancelled before the 24-hour check-in window.
Requesting Additional Seat Space
For passengers requiring extra space due to seat dimensions, Delta provides options:
- Purchasing an extra seat: Passengers can book an additional seat at the same fare if purchased at the same time.
- Upgrading to Premium Select, First Class, or Delta One: These classes offer more spacious seating.
If no suitable seating is available and safety or evacuation procedures are affected, Delta may restrict travel per its Contract of Carriage policies.
Earning Miles on Seat Selection Fees
- Medallion Members: Eligible for complimentary Preferred Seat upgrades, subject to availability.
- SkyMiles Members: Earn miles, including Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), when purchasing seat upgrades.
Key Takeaways
Delta’s seat selection fees vary based on fare class and seating preference. Basic Economy travellers pay the most for seat assignments, while premium cabin passengers receive complimentary seat selection. Understanding Delta’s fee structure helps travellers make cost-effective decisions and ensures a smoother travel experience.