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Ultimate Secrets to Delta Premium Economy: Must-Know Tips and Is It Really Worth It?
Your Essential Guide to Delta Premium Select’s Comfort, Costs, and Hidden Perks
Ark
August 01, 2025
Delta Air Lines’ premium economy, branded as Delta Premium Select, offers a middle ground between the standard economy (Main Cabin) and the luxurious business class (Delta One). Introduced in 2017, this cabin class has gained popularity for providing enhanced comfort and amenities on long-haul international flights and select domestic routes. But what exactly does Delta Premium Select offer, and is it worth the extra cost? This comprehensive guide explores the features, benefits, and value of Delta Premium Select to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next trip.
Delta Premium Select is a dedicated premium economy cabin designed to bridge the gap between economy and business class. It’s available on most trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes, as well as select flights to Latin America and domestic routes like Atlanta–Maui, Salt Lake City–Maui, JFK–Honolulu, and JFK–Los Angeles. Unlike Delta Comfort+, which is essentially economy with extra legroom, Premium Select is a separate cabin with enhanced seating, dining, and service. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
1. Seating and Comfort
Wider Seats with More Recline: Premium Select seats are wider (18.5–19 inches, depending on the aircraft) compared to Main Cabin (18 inches) or Comfort+ (18 inches). They offer up to 38 inches of pitch (legroom) and 7 inches of recline, compared to 31–33 inches of pitch in Main Cabin and 34 inches in Comfort+.
Adjustable Footrests and Leg Rests: Seats feature fold-out adjustable footrests and leg rests for added comfort, though taller passengers may find them less effective.
Seat Configuration: On wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A350 or A330-900neo, the configuration is typically 2-3-2 or 2-4-2, offering more privacy than the 3-3-3 or 2-4-2 layout in economy.
Memory Foam Pillows and Plush Blankets: Passengers receive upgraded bedding, including memory foam pillows and higher-quality blankets, which reviewers note are more comfortable than economy offerings.
2. In-Flight Entertainment
Larger Screens: Premium Select seats come with 13-inch seatback entertainment screens, compared to 9–10 inches in economy.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Passengers receive complimentary noise-cancelling headphones, enhancing the viewing experience.
Delta Studio: Access to over 1,000 hours of complimentary entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts, is available on seatback screens or personal devices.
3. Dining and Beverages
Elevated Meal Service: Meals are served on real plates with stainless steel cutlery, a step up from economy’s disposable containers. Menus are curated with seasonal, regional dishes, such as Chicken Parmesan or Cacio e Pepe Lasagna, and include a three-course meal with bread, salad, and dessert.
Complimentary Beverages: Passengers (21+) enjoy free alcoholic beverages, including wine, craft beer, and spirits, alongside Starbucks coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic options.
Premium Snacks and Service Touches: Expect better snack baskets, pre-landing chocolates, water bottles at seats, and moist towelettes before meals on long-haul flights.
Pre-Order Options: Passengers can pre-select meals up to 24 hours before departure for a more personalized dining experience.
4. Amenities and Service
Amenity Kits: Premium Select includes a kit with essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, and other self-care items from brands like Someone Somewhere and Grown Alchemist.
Dedicated Flight Attendants: A dedicated crew provides more personalized service, with proactive drink refills and snack offerings on longer flights.
Sky Priority Benefits: Passengers enjoy priority check-in, security, and boarding (Zone 2, after Delta One and top elites), as well as priority-tagged luggage for faster baggage claim. Two checked bags (up to 50 pounds each) are included free.
5. Ground Experience
Priority Check-In and Security: Sky Priority lanes at participating airports streamline the check-in and security process.
Early Boarding and Deplaning: Boarding after Delta One and deplaning before Main Cabin passengers saves time, especially on long flights.
No Lounge Access: Unlike Delta One, Premium Select does not include Delta Sky Club access, though passengers with elite status or certain credit cards (e.g., AMEX Platinum) may gain entry.
To understand the value of Premium Select, it’s helpful to compare it to Delta’s other cabin options:
Delta Main Cabin (Economy): Offers 31–33 inches of pitch, 18-inch-wide seats, and basic amenities. Meals are simpler, served in disposable containers, and alcoholic beverages cost extra on most flights.
Delta Comfort+: An economy upgrade with 34 inches of pitch, slightly better snacks, and free drinks on flights over 500 miles. It lacks the wider seats, footrests, and dedicated cabin of Premium Select.
Delta One: Delta’s business class features lie-flat seats, premium bedding, superior dining, and Sky Club access. It’s significantly more expensive, often double the cost of Premium Select.
Premium Select stands out for its separate cabin, wider seats, and enhanced dining, making it a substantial upgrade from Main Cabin and Comfort+ but not as luxurious as Delta One.
The value of Delta Premium Select depends on several factors, including flight length, cost, personal preferences, and budget. Here’s a detailed look at the pros, cons, and considerations:
Pros
Enhanced Comfort: Wider seats, more legroom, and adjustable footrests make long-haul flights (8+ hours) more comfortable, especially for daytime or trans-oceanic routes.
Improved Dining: Higher-quality meals, premium beverages, and better presentation elevate the experience compared to economy.
Priority Services: Sky Priority benefits save time at the airport, and early deplaning is a boon after long flights.
Amenities: Larger screens, noise-cancelling headphones, and amenity kits add a touch of luxury.
Affordable Upgrade: When priced $100–$200 more than economy (or using SkyMiles), Premium Select can be a cost-effective way to enhance your trip. Check the Fly Delta app for last-minute upgrade deals.
Cons
Cost: Round-trip fares are often twice as much as economy, sometimes adding $1,000 or more per ticket. For families or budget travelers, this can be prohibitive.
No Lie-Flat Seats: Unlike Delta One, Premium Select seats don’t lie flat, so sleeping may still be challenging.
Inconsistent Food Quality: Some reviews note that meals, while better than economy, can be underwhelming compared to competitors like Virgin Atlantic.
No Dedicated Lavatories: On most aircraft (except some A350s), Premium Select passengers share restrooms with economy, which can feel less premium.
Limited Domestic Availability: Premium Select is primarily for long-haul international flights, with only a few domestic routes offering it.
When Is It Worth It?
Long-Haul Flights (8+ Hours): The extra space and amenities shine on routes like Atlanta–Seoul (ATL–ICN) or Detroit–Tokyo (DTW–HND). Passengers report arriving more rested.
Affordable Upgrades: If you can snag a deal (e.g., $500–$677 round-trip to Europe) or use SkyMiles (e.g., 94,000 miles for JFK–Paris), the value improves significantly.
Couples or Families: The 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 configuration offers more privacy for couples or space for families with infants.
Daytime Flights: Since sleeping is harder without lie-flat seats, Premium Select is ideal for daytime flights where comfort and entertainment matter more.
When Is It Not Worth It?
Short Flights: For flights under 6–8 hours, Comfort+ or even Main Cabin may suffice, especially if the price difference is steep.
Budget Constraints: If the cost doubles your economy fare (e.g., $1,500–$2,000 extra), you might prefer to spend that money on ground experiences, like dining or excursions.
High Expectations for Food: If gourmet dining is a priority, competitors like Virgin Atlantic may offer better meal quality.
Solo Travelers on a Budget: Hardened economy travelers who prioritize more trips over comfort may find the cost outweighs the benefits.
Look for Deals: Use the Fly Delta app or websites like Thrifty Traveler Premium to find discounted fares or SkyMiles deals. Recent examples include $677 round-trip from Minneapolis to Paris.
Use SkyMiles or Partner Miles: Booking with SkyMiles (e.g., 94,000 miles for JFK–CDG) or partner programs like Air France-KLM Flying Blue (35,000 miles + $130) can reduce costs.
Check for Upgrades: Delta SkyMiles members or those with Global Upgrade Certificates may upgrade from economy to Premium Select, subject to availability. Call Delta or check the app if online upgrades aren’t available.
Choose Front Row Seats: Front-row Premium Select seats offer extra legroom and no reclining seats in front, but book early as they’re popular.
Pre-Order Meals: Select your meal 24 hours in advance to ensure your preferred option. Notify Delta for dietary needs (e.g., vegan) at least 24 hours prior.
Consider Partner Airlines: Codeshare flights with partners like Air France or Virgin Atlantic may offer similar premium economy experiences at lower costs.
Passenger Feedback
Reviews of Delta Premium Select are mixed but generally positive for long-haul flights:
Positive: Passengers praise the wider seats, extra legroom, and Sky Priority benefits, especially on 10+ hour flights. One traveler called it a “game-changer” for a 15-hour flight to Australia.
Negative: Some criticize the food quality, noting it’s closer to economy than expected. Others find the seats cramped when the person in front reclines, and the lack of dedicated restrooms is a drawback.
Value Perception: Many agree it’s worth it if the price is $100–$300 more than economy, but not at double or triple the cost.
Conclusion
Delta Premium Select is a compelling option for travelers seeking a more comfortable and refined experience on long-haul flights without the hefty price tag of Delta One. Its wider seats, enhanced dining, larger entertainment screens, and Sky Priority benefits make it a significant upgrade from Main Cabin or Comfort+. However, the value depends on your priorities, budget, and flight length. If you can secure a deal or use miles, or if you’re flying a long route and value comfort, Premium Select is often worth it. For shorter flights or tight budgets, sticking with Comfort+ or economy may be smarter.
Before booking, compare prices, check for upgrades, and weigh the benefits against your travel needs. For the latest deals and route availability, visit Delta.com or use tools like Thrifty Traveler Premium. Happy travels!