Delta Premium Economy Explained: Is This Upgrade Worth Your Next Flight?

Are you tired of feeling cramped on long flights but don't want to break the bank for a business class ticket? You're not alone. Many travelers find themselves in this very dilemma, searching for a comfortable middle ground that elevates their journey without the sky-high price tag. Enter Delta Premium Economy, often referred to by Delta as Premium Select.

This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about Delta's Premium Select cabin, from the luxurious amenities to the enhanced services, helping you decide if this upgraded experience is the perfect fit for your next adventure.

What is Delta Premium Economy (Premium Select)?

Delta Premium Economy, officially branded as Delta Premium Select, is an distinct cabin class designed to bridge the gap between the standard Main Cabin (economy) and the more luxurious Delta One (business class). It offers a significantly enhanced travel experience, focusing on increased comfort, improved amenities, and elevated service, making it an attractive option for long-haul international flights and, more recently, select domestic transcontinental routes.

Think of it as a step up from your typical economy seat, providing perks that make those hours in the air much more bearable. It's ideal for travelers seeking a more relaxed journey without the full expense of a lie-flat business class seat.

The Delta Premium Economy Experience: What You Get

So, what exactly sets Delta Premium Economy apart? It's more than just a bit of extra legroom; it's a curated experience designed for comfort and convenience.

Seat Comfort and Space

One of the most significant upgrades in Delta Premium Economy is the seat itself. You'll find a wider, more spacious seat with a deeper recline compared to Main Cabin and even Delta Comfort+.

• Wider Seats: Premium Select seats are generally around 18.5 to 19 inches wide, a noticeable improvement over the 17.3-18.1 inches in Main Cabin.
• Increased Pitch & Recline: Expect a generous seat pitch of up to 38 inches, offering significantly more legroom than the 31-33 inches in Main Cabin. The seats also recline further, typically up to 7 inches, allowing for a more relaxed posture, though they do not lie flat like Delta One seats.
• Adjustable Features: Many Premium Select seats come with adjustable leg rests and footrests, providing additional support and comfort, especially on longer flights. You'll also find adjustable headrests for better neck support.
• Dedicated Cabin: The Premium Select cabin is a separate, smaller section of the aircraft, often in a 2-2-2 or 2-4-2 configuration on wide-body planes, which can offer a quieter and more intimate atmosphere.

Enhanced Dining and Beverages

Your culinary experience also gets an upgrade in Delta Premium Economy.

• Elevated Meal Service: Meals are specially curated for Premium Select, often served on ceramic ware with real metal cutlery, a notable improvement over standard economy. You can typically pre-select your main meal choice between seven days and 24 hours before departure via the Fly Delta app or email link.
• Complimentary Premium Beverages: Enjoy a wider selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, beyond what's offered in the Main Cabin.
• Premium Snacks: Between meals, expect premium snack baskets with a variety of sweet and savory options.

Premium Amenities

Delta Premium Economy aims to enhance your comfort with thoughtful amenities.

• Amenity Kit: Passengers receive a premium amenity kit, often from brands like Someone Somewhere or Tumi, which typically includes an eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, socks, and a travel toothbrush with toothpaste.
• Comfort Items: You'll also be provided with a plush blanket and a memory-foam pillow for a more restful journey.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: To enhance your in-flight entertainment experience, noise-canceling headphones are typically provided.

Priority Services

Your journey begins with a smoother airport experience thanks to SkyPriority perks.

• Priority Check-in: Access dedicated SkyPriority check-in lanes, which usually have shorter wait times.
• Accelerated Security Screening: Benefit from priority security lines at select airports.
• Priority Boarding: You'll be among the first groups to board the aircraft, typically after pre-boarding and Delta One/First Class passengers.
• Expedited Baggage Service: Your checked bags receive a special tag for priority handling, theoretically expediting their delivery upon arrival. Delta Premium Select also includes two free checked bags up to 50 lbs each.

In-Flight Entertainment

Stay entertained with an upgraded system.

• Larger Screens: Enjoy a high-resolution in-flight entertainment screen, often up to 13.3 inches, which is larger than those in the Main Cabin.
• Extensive Content: Access Delta Studio's industry-leading library of complimentary movies, TV shows, and games.
• Power Ports: In-seat power ports are available for charging your personal devices.

Is Delta Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

The question of whether Delta Premium Economy is "worth it" largely depends on your individual priorities, the length of your flight, and your budget. Fares for Premium Select are typically at least twice the cost of regular economy tickets, while Delta One can be double the price of Premium Economy.

• Long-Haul Flights: For international and longer domestic transcontinental flights (e.g., New York to Los Angeles), the added comfort of wider seats, increased legroom, and deeper recline can make a significant difference in your ability to rest and arrive feeling more refreshed. Many travelers find it a worthwhile splurge for these extended journeys.
• Cost vs. Comfort: While not as luxurious as Delta One with its lie-flat seats, Premium Select offers a substantial upgrade in comfort without the much higher price tag. If Delta One is out of budget, Premium Select offers a compelling alternative.
• Personal Needs: If you value personal space, better sleep quality (even without a lie-flat bed), enhanced dining, and a smoother airport experience, the benefits of Premium Select often outweigh the additional cost.

Consider how much you value comfort on a particular flight. A few extra inches of space and a more reclined seat can be a game-changer on an overnight flight, but perhaps less critical for a shorter daytime journey.

How to Book Delta Premium Economy

Booking your Delta Premium Economy (Premium Select) seat is straightforward, whether you're planning in advance or looking for a last-minute upgrade.

1. Delta Website or Mobile App: The easiest way to book is directly through Delta's official website (delta.com) or the Fly Delta mobile app.
   • When searching for flights, enter your departure and arrival cities, dates, and number of passengers.
   • On the results page, you'll see various cabin options. Look for "Premium Select" as a choice.
   • You can also use the "Advanced Search" option to specifically filter for Delta Premium Select fares.
2. Phone Reservations: If you prefer speaking with a representative or need assistance with specific requests, you can call Delta's customer support line. They can help check availability, fares, and guide you through the booking process.
3. Using Miles: You can often use your Delta SkyMiles to book or upgrade to Premium Select. The cost in miles is typically based on the cash price, valuing SkyMiles at around 1 cent per mile. You can check for upgrade options with miles during the booking process or later in the "My Trips" section on delta.com or the Fly Delta app. Note that Basic Economy fares are generally not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades.

Booking early is often recommended, especially for popular routes or peak travel times, to secure availability and potentially better fares.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Delta Premium Economy the same as Delta Comfort+?

No, Delta Premium Economy (Premium Select) is not the same as Delta Comfort+. While both offer upgrades from the Main Cabin, Premium Select is a separate, distinct cabin class with significantly more enhancements. Comfort+ primarily offers up to 3-4 inches of additional legroom and dedicated overhead bin space, along with complimentary snacks and alcoholic beverages. Premium Select, on the other hand, provides a wider seat, deeper recline, adjustable foot and leg rests, enhanced dining, a premium amenity kit, and SkyPriority services.

Can I upgrade to Delta Premium Economy with miles?

Yes, you can often upgrade to Delta Premium Economy (Premium Select) using your SkyMiles. You can check for upgrade options when booking your flight or later through the "My Trips" section on Delta's website or the Fly Delta app. The number of miles required will vary based on the route, date, and the original fare class. Basic Economy tickets are typically not eligible for upgrades.

What routes offer Delta Premium Economy?

Delta Premium Economy (Premium Select) is primarily available on Delta's long-haul international flights, including trans-Pacific and most trans-Atlantic routes, as well as select routes in Latin America. Recently, Delta has also expanded Premium Select to some domestic transcontinental flights, such as between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX). Availability can vary by aircraft type.

Is food included in Delta Premium Economy?

Yes, food is included in Delta Premium Economy (Premium Select). You'll receive an elevated meal service with curated menus, often served on ceramic ware with metal cutlery. Passengers also have the option to pre-select their main meal choice before the flight. Additionally, premium snack baskets and complimentary alcoholic beverages are offered throughout the flight.

Conclusion

Delta Premium Economy, or Premium Select, offers a compelling solution for travelers seeking a significantly more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience without the premium price tag of a full business class seat. With its wider, more reclinable seats, enhanced dining, thoughtful amenities, and priority services, it truly elevates the journey, especially on longer flights.

If you're looking to arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed and ready to explore, considering Delta Premium Economy for your next trip could be a game-changer. Have you experienced Delta Premium Economy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!