Delta Comfort Plus: What to Know Before You Book

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is the second-largest airline in the world by number of flights. From basic economy to domestic first class and international business class (called Delta One), the airline offers many flying experiences to suit all kinds of travelers.

Whether flying domestically or across the ocean to a farther destination, you might want to do it in comfort. You may prefer something a little better than economy but less fancy than business class, especially on long-haul flights. Delta’s Comfort Plus, which is the airline’s economy class with some extra perks (not to be confused with its premium economy cabin called Premium Select) might be just what you're looking for.

Here’s an overview of what you get when flying domestically and internationally in Delta Comfort Plus, including baggage allowance, seat pitch and in-flight service.

Delta Comfort Plus is a step above main cabin, the airline’s name for economy class. When you fly Delta Comfort Plus, expect to see the following benefits on your flight.

Delta Comfort Plus perks

• Bag allowance: Unless you have Medallion status, a Delta co-branded credit card or active military status, there’s no free checked bag allowance on domestic Delta Comfort Plus. You have to pay $35 for the first checked piece of luggage. But passengers flying on international flights can check one piece of luggage weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) at no cost.

• Boarding: Delta Comfort Plus passengers receive an early boarding call before SkyPriority members and have dedicated overhead bin space, which can sometimes be tough to come by in economy.

• Premium food: Starbucks coffee, beer and wine (offered to flyers over 21) are provided on flights of at least 251 miles, and complimentary liquor is available on flights of at least 500 miles. Premium snacks are served on flights of 900 miles or longer when there is no meal service.

• Seats: Delta Comfort Plus seats offer about 34 inches of seat pitch. That means if you measure the distance between any point on one seat and the same point on a seat directly in front of or behind it, there will be 34 inches in between. That's several inches more than a standard economy seat.

• Onboard amenities: You will receive a pillow, a blanket, earbuds and an amenity kit if you fly on a long-distance international flight.

It's important to understand that Comfort Plus seats are in the economy cabin. Although you receive more legroom and extra perks, it's in a different cabin than premium economy. Premium Select is the name of Delta’s premium economy, which is its own cabin in front of the economy cabin. It offers larger seats with a footrest, accelerated check-in, security and baggage handling, enhanced onboard amenities and meal service.

» Learn more: Delta Comfort Plus vs. Premium Select

Whether you’re redeeming Delta SkyMiles or paying cash, you can book Delta Comfort Plus tickets directly on the airline’s website.

On Delta’s homepage, select your departure and destination cities, dates of travel and the number of passengers. When the search results pop up on the next page, each class of service is clearly marked: basic, main, Comfort Plus and first.

On select international routes, you’ll see the Premium Select cabin in addition to Comfort Plus, which is an even more expensive fare type with additional perks.

» Learn more: Basic economy vs. main cabin

The Delta Comfort Plus change fee and cancellation policy depends on your origin. Tickets for domestic and international travel originating in the U.S., Canada, Europe, India, Africa and the Caribbean are eligible for free changes and cancellations.

Although you won’t receive a direct refund, you will receive an eCredit in the original amount valid toward any Delta flight purchased by Dec. 31, 2023, for travel through the end of 2024.

So is Delta Comfort Plus that much better than a standard economy ticket? Take a look at some of the differences.

When comparing Comfort Plus seats with main cabin, you typically get an extra 2 to 3 inches of room in Delta Comfort Plus. Delta’s economy class seats have 31 to 32 inches of pitch (varies by aircraft), and Comfort Plus seats measure at about 34 inches.

As mentioned above, Comfort Plus passengers receive a premium snack selection and complimentary alcoholic beverages on select domestic flights. Main cabin passengers get a smaller snack selection and have to pay for premium drinks.

As for checked luggage, travelers in both classes of service will have to pay for bags, with exceptions for elite status, certain credit card holders and military.

» Learn more: Delta Comfort Plus vs. main cabin

To truly experience premium economy on Delta, consider Premium Select. Depending on the aircraft, Delta Premium Select seats feature a pitch length of 37 to 38 inches, a width of 18.5 to 21 inches and an adjustable footrest, leg rest and headrest.

Compared to 34 inches in Comfort Plus, it’s an upgrade. Additionally, Premium Select seats can feature a recline of up to 7 inches. Some aircraft, such as Airbus A350 and Boeing 757-200 (75H), have been decked out with Delta Premium Select seats on select international routes.

On the Airbus A350, Premium Select is located between Delta One and the main cabin. On the Boeing 757-200, it’s the best seat on the plane at the front of the cabin. Some international flights, such as those operated by Airbus A330-900neo, feature both Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort Plus seats.

On Premium Select seats, passengers can watch movies on a seatback screen up to 13.3 inches and charge their devices using an in-seat power outlet.

On the ground, Premium Select passengers experience SkyPriority benefits, such as a priority check-in lane, expedited baggage delivery and premium boarding. Two free checked bags are also included on international flights, one more than those flying Comfort Plus.

» Learn more: How to get free upgrades on flights

Comfort Plus is more expensive than a standard economy ticket, so you have to decide whether the upcharge is worth having more legroom, access to complimentary premium beverages and a designated overhead compartment. Especially if you're flying domestically, the extra cost for a short flight may not be worth it.

If you’d like a true premium economy experience, you’ll want to upgrade from Comfort Plus to Premium Select. This cabin can be found on select international routes to Europe or Asia, and it offers even more comforts such as a reclining seat with a footrest, a large entertainment screen and an amenity kit.

(Top photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)