Selecting seats on Delta flights can sometimes be free, but often comes with a fee depending on the type of ticket purchased, Elite status level, and specific flight details. While Delta aims to provide all customers with a comfortable flying experience, certain preferred seats come at an additional cost. Understanding Delta’s seat selection policies can help travelers get the most out of their flight.
Delta’s Main Cabin Seating
Delta’s standard economy class seating is known as Main Cabin. These seats make up the majority on all Delta-operated flights. Main Cabin seats provide access to all standard amenities like complimentary soft drinks, snacks, and inflight entertainment. Main Cabin seats have a pitch of 30-32 inches and width of 17-18 inches.
When booking a Main Cabin ticket, seats are automatically assigned for free at online check-in starting 24 hours before departure. Passengers can change their assigned seats for free on a first-come, first-served basis at this time if preferred seats are still available. Delta does not allow pre-selecting complimentary Main Cabin seats at booking for standard tickets.
Main Cabin Preferred Seats
While Main Cabin seats themselves don’t come with a fee, Delta’s Main Cabin Preferred seats do have additional charges. These seats include Main Cabin Extra seats with extra legroom and Preferred seats closer to the front of the cabin. Prices vary by route and demand but expect fees around $40-$159 each way to reserve these seats in advance.
Main Cabin Preferred seats offer early boarding and more recline, legroom, and width than standard Main Cabin seats. Delta elites and passengers with applicable credit cards get discounted or free access to these seats.
First Class and Delta Premium Select Seats
Delta’s premium cabins like First Class and Delta Premium Select always require paying an additional charge or using a certificate to select seats in advance. These seats provide the highest level of service and amenities.
– First Class seats havefare premiums starting around $150-$600+ each way depending on route. First Class offers lie-flat seating, premium dining, Tumi kits, and more.
– Delta Premium Select, Delta’s premium economy product, commands fare premiums around $60-$300+ each way over Main Cabin. These seats have extra legroom, width, recline, and amenities.
Booking directly into these cabins is the only way to reserve seats in advance. Passengers cannot pay fees to upgrade Main Cabin seats to these premium cabins later. Complimentary advance seat selection is only available for elites booking either cabin.
Basic Economy Seating
Delta’s Basic Economy tickets come with additional restrictions including assigned seating only being allowed at check-in. Passengers cannot select seats in advance or make changes later without paying change fees and fare differences.
The only exceptions are Diamond and Platinum Medallion elites who can select Basic Economy seats for free at booking. Other elites and Delta credit cardholders cannot select seats in advance with Basic Economy.
Basic Economy seats are still Main Cabin seats with standard pitch and width. The added restrictions come lower fares compared to Main Cabin tickets.
Delta’s Seat Selection Fees
For Main Cabin ticketholders wanting to reserve preferred seats in advance, Delta charges the following seat selection fees:
| Seat Type | Fee |
| Main Cabin Preferred/Extra Legroom | $39-159 each way |
| Comfort+/Exit Rows | $29-159 each way |
| Preferred/Front Main Cabin | $9-59 each way |
The exact fee depends on route, demand, and other factors. In general expect to pay more for cross-country and international flights and less for regional routes. Exit rows and bulkhead seats also cost more than standard Preferred/Extra Legroom seats.
Delta elites receive discounts on these fees or can select preferred seats for free depending on their status tier. Delta co-branded credit cards also include perks like free seat selection.
Other Ancillary Fees
In addition to seat selection charges, Delta also collects ancillary fees for other optional services:
– Checked bags: $30-60 for first bag, $40-100 for second bag
– Onboard food and drinks: $2-12 per item
– Inflight WiFi: $5-25 per device depending on flight duration
– Pet travel: $125-300 each way per pet
– Unaccompanied minor service: $150-200 each way
– Same-day flight changes: $75-$500 fee (based on fare class)
Booking Strategies to Get Free Seat Selection
While Delta charges for advance seat selection in most cases, there are still a few ways passengers can get their preferred seats for free:
1. Check-in right at 24 hours before departure
All passengers can change their free assigned seats during online check-in starting 24 hours pre-flight. Set a reminder and log in right at the 24 hour mark to get the widest open seat selection. Popular seats tend to get snagged very quickly.
2. Use a co-branded Delta credit card
Delta’s American Express credit cards provide benefits like free seat selection. The Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve Cards offer this perk which helps cardholders get extra legroom or preferred seats for free.
3. Obtain Delta elite status
Reaching Medallion Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status gives passengers free or discounted advance seat selection depending on their tier. Elites can choose extra legroom seats and get waived fees other flyers pay.
4. Book when demand is lower
Booking at the last minute or for less busy flights can mean more open seats. Fees are also lower when demand is reduced. Aim for red-eye flights, seasonal routes, and off-peak days for cheaper fares and seat selection rates.
Conclusion
Delta offers all passengers a fair chance at a good seat through free assignment at online check-in. However, the best options usually come with fees ranging from $9 to over $150 each way depending on the seat and route. Flyers wanting extra legroom, early boarding, and other preferred seat perks on Delta need to pay up in most cases except for elites and cardholders. Following tips like booking off-peak itineraries or earning status can help travelers get seated with their desired amount of comfort and amenities onboard Delta flights.