Best Seats in Delta Premium Economy

Choosing the right seat on a long-haul flight can significantly impact your travel experience. While business or first class might be out of reach for many, Delta's Premium Economy offering, officially known as Delta Premium Select, provides a fantastic middle ground. It's a cabin designed for enhanced comfort without the hefty price tag of Delta One. But with different aircraft types and seating configurations, how do you pinpoint the best seats in Delta Premium Economy?

This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Delta Premium Select, helping you confidently select the ideal spot for your next journey.

What is Delta Premium Select?

Delta Premium Select is Delta Air Lines' answer to premium economy, offering a superior experience compared to the Main Cabin or even Delta Comfort+. It's a dedicated cabin that bridges the gap between standard economy and business class, primarily available on long-haul international flights.

What can you expect from Delta Premium Select?

More Space: Seats are notably wider, offering up to 19 inches of width and a generous 38 inches of pitch (legroom). This is a significant upgrade from the 31-32 inches in Main Cabin and 34 inches in Comfort+.
Enhanced Comfort: Enjoy a deeper recline (up to 7 inches), adjustable footrests, and leg rests on most widebody aircraft, allowing you to truly stretch out.
Upgraded Amenities: Passengers receive a premium amenity kit, noise-canceling headphones (on most aircraft), and a larger seatback entertainment screen (up to 13.3 inches).
Elevated Service: Expect an enhanced dining experience with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits, often served on real china.
SkyPriority Benefits: This includes faster check-in, accelerated security, and expedited baggage service, streamlining your airport experience.

Essentially, Delta Premium Select provides a travel experience akin to domestic first class, but for your international adventures.

Why Seat Selection Matters in Premium Economy

You've invested in a more comfortable cabin, so why leave your seat choice to chance? Selecting the right seat in Delta Premium Select can further optimize your comfort and overall flight experience. Are you someone who prefers easy aisle access, or do you crave a window view? Do you prioritize maximum legroom, even if it means a fixed armrest? Your personal preferences play a huge role in defining the "best" seat for you.

Understanding Delta Premium Select Seating Configurations

Delta Premium Select is primarily found on the airline's widebody aircraft used for trans-Pacific, trans-Atlantic, and some Latin American long-haul routes. The seating configurations vary by aircraft type, which directly impacts seat width and layout.

Here's a look at the common Delta aircraft featuring Premium Select and their typical layouts:

Airbus A330-900neo (A339)

Configuration: Typically 2-3-2.
Seat Count: Around 28 seats.
Seat Width/Pitch: 18.5 inches wide, 38 inches of pitch.

This layout is excellent for couples or duos, as the paired seats on the sides offer a sense of privacy.

Airbus A350-900 (A350)

Configuration: Commonly 2-4-2.
Seat Count: Ranges from 40 to 48 seats, with newer configurations trending towards 40.
Seat Width/Pitch: 18.5 inches wide, 38 inches of pitch.

While the 2-4-2 configuration means a middle section of four seats, the paired window and aisle seats are still great options for those traveling together.

Boeing 767-400ER (764)

Configuration: A more intimate 2-2-2 layout.
Seat Count: Around 20 seats.
Seat Width/Pitch: Slightly wider at 19 to 19.5 inches, with 38 inches of pitch.

Many consider the 767-400ER to offer some of the best seats in Delta Premium Economy due to its spacious 2-2-2 configuration, ensuring every seat is either an aisle or a window. This is ideal for couples.

Note on 757-200: While some 757-200 aircraft on select routes may feature Premium Select, they do not offer the full suite of amenities like adjustable foot/leg rests, the larger 13.3-inch entertainment screens, or noise-canceling headphones. Always check your specific aircraft configuration.

Identifying the "Best" Seats: Factors to Consider

Determining the absolute "best" seat is subjective, but here are key factors to weigh when making your choice:

1. Bulkhead Seats (Front Row)

Pros:

Maximum Legroom: Bulkhead seats offer unparalleled legroom, as there's no seat in front of you. This is a huge advantage for taller travelers or those who like to stretch out.
First to be Served: Being in the first row of the cabin often means you're among the first to receive meal service.

Cons:

Fixed Armrests: Tray tables and entertainment screens are stored in the armrests, making them immovable and slightly reducing seat width.
No Under-Seat Storage: All your personal items must go in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
Proximity to Galleys/Lavatories: Depending on the aircraft, bulkhead rows might be close to galleys or lavatories, potentially leading to more noise, light, or foot traffic. If you're a light sleeper, this could be a drawback.
Bassinet Positions: Some bulkhead seats are designated bassinet positions, meaning you might be seated near an infant.

Recommendation: If legroom is your absolute top priority and you don't mind fixed armrests or potential galley noise, bulkhead seats (e.g., Row 20 on A339 and A350) can be excellent choices.

2. Aisle vs. Window Seats

Aisle Seats: Offer easy access to the aisle for stretching, lavatory breaks, or simply getting up without disturbing your seatmates. Ideal for those who prefer freedom of movement.
Window Seats: Provide a view, a wall to lean against for sleeping, and fewer disturbances from other passengers needing to get up. Perfect for those who enjoy looking out or prefer a more private space.

3. Proximity to Lavatories and Galleys

Seats directly adjacent to or in front of lavatories and galleys can be subject to:

Noise: Flushing toilets, conversations, and meal prep sounds.
Light: From galley lights or lavatory indicators.
Foot Traffic: Passengers queuing for the lavatory or flight attendants working.

While Premium Select cabins are generally quieter than Main Cabin, it's still wise to check the seat map and avoid these spots if you prioritize a peaceful flight.

4. Seat Pairings (for Couples/Duos)

If you're traveling with a companion, look for configurations that offer two-seat pairings:

Boeing 767-400ER (2-2-2): Every row offers perfect paired window/aisle seats.
Airbus A330-900neo (2-3-2): The window pairs (A/B and J/K) are ideal.

These configurations allow you to sit together without a third person in your row, enhancing privacy and comfort.

Tips for Securing Your Preferred Delta Premium Select Seat

Once you've identified your ideal seat type, here's how to increase your chances of getting it:

Book Early: The earlier you book your flight, the more seat options will typically be available. Premium Select cabins are often smaller, so desirable seats go quickly.
Utilize Seat Maps: Websites like SeatGuru are invaluable resources. They provide detailed seat maps for specific aircraft configurations, highlighting good and bad seats, and offering insights into pitch, width, and amenities. Delta's own website also provides seat maps during the booking process.
Check Frequently: Even if your preferred seat isn't available initially, keep checking the seat map periodically. Other passengers might change their seats, or Delta might swap aircraft, opening up new possibilities.
Consider Medallion Status: Delta Medallion elite members often have earlier access to seat selection, including preferred seats, as a perk of their status.
Contact Delta: If you have specific needs (e.g., traveling with an infant and needing a bassinet position), contact Delta directly to discuss seat assignments.

Conclusion

Choosing the best seats in Delta Premium Economy (or Delta Premium Select) is about understanding the cabin's benefits and aligning them with your personal travel priorities. Whether you prioritize unparalleled legroom in a bulkhead seat, the privacy of a window, or the easy access of an aisle, a little research can make a significant difference.

Delta Premium Select is a fantastic upgrade for long-haul flights, offering a comfortable and elevated experience without the premium price tag of a lie-flat business class seat. By being strategic with your seat selection, you can ensure your journey is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Delta Premium Economy the same as Delta Comfort+?

No, Delta Premium Economy is officially called Delta Premium Select, and it is distinct from Delta Comfort+. Delta Premium Select is a separate cabin with wider seats, more recline, adjustable footrests/legrests, and enhanced dining/amenities, typically found on long-haul international flights. Delta Comfort+ offers extra legroom in the Main Cabin but does not feature the wider seats or other premium amenities of Premium Select.

Q2: What aircraft types have Delta Premium Select?

Delta Premium Select is primarily available on widebody aircraft used for long-haul international routes. These include the Airbus A330-900neo (A339), Airbus A350-900 (A350), and Boeing 767-400ER (764), as well as some retrofitted Boeing 767-300ERs. Some 757-200 aircraft also feature Premium Select on select routes, though with fewer amenities.

Q3: Do Delta Premium Select seats have lie-flat beds?

No, Delta Premium Select seats do not recline to a fully lie-flat position. They offer a significantly deeper recline (up to 7 inches) and adjustable leg/footrests compared to economy seats, providing enhanced comfort for long flights, but they are not lie-flat beds like those found in Delta One (business class).

Q4: Is it worth paying extra for Delta Premium Select?

For many travelers on long-haul flights, the added comfort and amenities of Delta Premium Select are well worth the extra cost compared to the Main Cabin or Comfort+. The increased seat width, legroom, recline, improved dining, and SkyPriority benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially on overnight or extended journeys.