Delta Comfort+ vs. Premium Select: What is the Difference?

Delta Airlines, one of the Big 3 U.S. carriers, has significantly improved its cabins over the last decade. 

The biggest change has been implementing a true premium economy section called "Premium Select." It is meant to add a new middle tier for customers who want to enjoy upgraded benefits from Coach but do not spend thousands of dollars on their business-class product, Delta One. 

But ever since Premium Select came out, there has been a debate about how much different it is compared to Delta's current (and what used to be only) extra legroom economy seats, formally known as Delta Comfort+. So, in this article, I will go over these two classes of service and discuss how different they are.

The Seats

The seat is one of the biggest differences between Delta Comfort+ and Premium Select. Starting with Comfort+, you have the same base seat in the regular economy section. It has the same padding, the same shell model, the same TV system, and the same headrest. 

The only thing extra is there are a few more inches of legroom. Delta Premium Select is a completely different seat model, with increased width, a larger recline, a leg and footrest, a larger and higher quality TV, in-seat storage bins, and a coat hangar. 

The legroom is 3-4 inches more than the Delta Comfort+ seats, making the seat feel more spacious. The legroom in Premium Select is essentially the same as domestic first class, and technically, the seat itself is a domestic first-class seat on a long-haul configured aircraft.

Because the seat width is larger in Premium Select, it also results in a less dense row configuration than regular economy, making for fewer middle seats and more room to spread out. 

For example, a 767-400ER is 2-3-2 in the economy and Delta Comfort+, while Premium Select is 2-2-2. At the same time, losing one seat may not seem like much. You now have four seats in a six-seat row with aisle access, and no middle seats. 

The Food

In Premium Select, the food and drinks are also elevated from the economy. Meals are served on real dishes with metal cutlery, and come with additional starters and desserts that the main cabin does not have. Also, you can choose multiple complimentary alcoholic beverages during dinner service. 

For example, when I flew ATL-LHR back in May of 2023, I was offered Champagne during the starter service, and I could get wine with my entree later on. 

For the meal itself, you also get a true menu with enhanced dishes over the main cabin, specially curated for the route of choice (although the selections have not changed much since I flew DPS over a year ago). Also, depending on the route and time, you may get an additional snack service that the main cabin might not get. 

The Perks

Delta Premium Select sees a few added on and off-the-plane perks. Starting from curbside, you can access the Sky Priority Check-In lanes and get two free bags per ticket on Premium Select international flights (A Comfort+ ticket would only allow 1 for international flights). 

Premium Select also has access to priority boarding at the gate. If you book a multi-leg trip with the main international leg in Premium Select, you automatically get Comfort+ on any of the domestic legs. On board the plane, you get a small amenity kit, as well as upgraded blankets and comfort items to aid in getting sleep during the flight. 

What Is the Same

Regarding things that are the same, it boils down to the entertainment. Delta's IFE system is the same in all cabins, and soon, there will be fleetwide free Wi-Fi for all customers. 

Summary

Overall, the Delta Premium Select experience has some pretty notable differences between itself and the Comfort+ offerings, and the differences between them can really set apart what would be a good international flight experience and what would be a great one. 

From the seats to the food and the perks, Premium Select excels at giving a modest upgrade from the economy while also keeping the price relatively low.