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Your comfort during a long-haul flight can make or break your energy levels once you arrive on the ground. In 2017, Delta Air Lines sought to provide passengers with a solution when it launched its premium economy class called Premium Select.
The elevated seating option — which is located between the luxurious Delta One and Comfort Plus class sections — offers passengers more opportunities to relax on select international flights.
Here’s what you need to know about Delta’s premium economy fare, Premium Select.
Delta premium economy seats
Seats in the Premium Select section are designed to offer a quilted plush feel and wider armrests reduce the chance of bumping elbows with your neighbor. When comparing Delta premium economy versus economy, you’ll find a wider seat, extra reclining capability, and adjustable rests for your head, legs and feet that let you stretch out comfortably compared with the main cabin.
On Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, for example, Premium Select seats are 18.5 inches wide with a pitch of 38 inches, while main cabin seats are 18 inches wide with a 31-33 inch pitch.
Although you can’t lay flat in Premium Select as you can in Delta One, the extra space in premium economy might be worth it to avoid cramped international flights.
» Learn more: Delta basic economy versus main cabin
Delta premium economy menu
The quality of menu options you’ll receive in Delta’s premium economy class might vary depending on your destination. However, the airline promises “seasonal, regional meals” that are inspired by your route.
In general, in addition to a selection of snacks during your flight, you can expect a three-course meal that includes an entree, bread, salad and dessert.
Food is generally of higher quality than what’s served in the main cabin and is served with stainless steel utensils rather than disposable ones.
An array of complimentary beverages is also provided. In addition to non-alcoholic beverages and Starbucks coffee and tea, Premium Select passengers who are 21 or older can get free alcoholic beverages, like wine, craft beer and spirits during their flight.
» Learn more: Delta Comfort Plus versus first class
GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD
Regardless of where you sit once you're on the plane, a Delta-branded credit card can make your trip go a little smoother. Most include free checked bags and priority boarding, and some really stack up the perks. Among options:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
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on American Express' website
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
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on American Express' website
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
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on American Express' website
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
NerdWallet Rating
on American Express' website
Annual fee
$0.
$0 intro for the first year, then $150.
$350.
$650.
Earning rates
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Other benefits
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Companion certificate (main cabin).
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Airport lounge access.
• Companion certificate ((first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).
• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
Learn more
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
Amenities and other perks
Passengers of Delta’s premium economy class enjoy a few select perks throughout their flight.
Delta premium economy luxury amenity kit
A premium Tumi amenity kit is complimentary for each ticketed passenger in Premium Select. It includes:
An eye mask to block out cabin lights.
Earplugs.
Le Labo facial mist.
Lip balm.
Socks.
Travel toothbrush and toothpaste.
Other perks of Delta premium economy
Complimentary checked baggage. Delta Premium Select passengers receive two free checked bags, included with their boarding pass.
Noise-canceling headset. Delta offers LSTN noise-canceling headsets to all Premium Select passengers to enjoy in-flight entertainment without cabin noise.
Priority security and boarding. As a Premium Select guest, you have access to priority security lines at the airport and priority boarding after pre-boarding groups and Delta One and first class customers.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
If you're considering booking Delta Air Lines premium economy
The addition of the Delta premium economy seat class offers an impressive experience above the main cabin section at a significantly lower cost than Delta One. However, the price of Delta’s Premium Select certainly still reflects the elevated in-flight experience it offers.
If a Premium Select seat is within your travel budget and you expect an hours-long flight, the convenience of a Delta premium economy seat — from zippier airport service to the extra space aboard — might be worth it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Delta's premium economy?
Delta’s premium economy seat class is Premium Select. It offers passengers a wider, reclinable seat with a footrest, an amenity kit and other travel perks. It’s offered on long-haul flights aboard wide-body aircraft.
What is the difference between Delta Comfort Plus and premium economy?
Delta Comfort Plus is a seat upgrade from the main cabin that offers up to 3 inches of additional legroom and dedicated overhead luggage space. Conversely, Delta Premium Select seats let passengers stretch out with a reclining feature, wider seat, footrest and premium amenities.
Do you get lounge access with Delta premium economy?
No, a Delta premium economy fare doesn’t provide lounge access. Access to Delta Sky Club lounges can be accessed through a Delta Sky Club membership, or through an eligible Delta SkyMiles or WestJet credit card.
Is Delta premium economy worth it?
For travelers who want an elevated experience from Delta’s main cabin, premium economy might be worth it if you enjoy a roomier seat to stretch out during long-haul flights. Additionally, Premium Select passengers receive attentive in-flight service; it is located behind the exclusive Delta One cabin.
Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.
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