Choosing a seat on Delta Airlines is more than just picking a window or aisle, it can shape your entire flying experience. After flying Delta for years across multiple cabins and routes, I’ve learned that seat selection can impact your legroom, boarding group, access to overhead bin space, and even the way you feel when you land.
Delta offers a wide range of seating options: from no-frills Basic Economy assignments to spacious First Class and international lie-flat Delta One. But not every upgrade is worth the money, or the miles. Whether you’re booking a short domestic hop or a long-haul international journey, knowing how Delta’s seat selection works can help you get the most value for your fare.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all major seat types available on Delta in 2025, Comfort+, exit rows, First Class, Delta One, and more, along with expert tips on how to pick the best seat for your needs and budget.
How Delta’s Seat Selection System Works
When you book a flight with Delta, the seat selection process depends on your fare type. Some fares come with free seat choice, while others charge extra or delay assignment until check-in.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Fare Type | Seat Selection Included? | Notes |
| Basic Economy | No (seat assigned at check-in) | May pay extra to choose in some markets |
| Main Cabin | Yes (standard seats only) | Free seat selection within Main Cabin |
| Comfort+ | Yes | Premium economy-style seat, closer to front |
| First Class | Yes | Wider seats, more legroom, free meal & drinks |
| Delta One | Yes | Lie-flat seats, highest-tier international product |
In most cases, you can select or change your seat by visiting My Trips in the Delta app or website.
Main Cabin Seats: Standard Economy Experience
Main Cabin is Delta’s standard economy class. Seat selection is free when you book this fare, and the seats typically have a pitch of 30–32 inches and width of 17–18 inches, depending on the aircraft.
I usually select Main Cabin for domestic flights under three hours. You’ll get:
- Free seat selection at booking
- Full-size carry-on allowance
- Complimentary snacks and drinks
- Ability to earn SkyMiles and Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)
The seat map opens up during booking, so you can choose an aisle or window seat without paying extra. If you’re traveling solo, try grabbing a seat near the wing or rear, those often fill last, giving you more empty space.
Comfort+: More Space, Earlier Boarding
Delta Comfort+ is the next step up from Main Cabin, offering up to 3 extra inches of legroom, priority boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space. These seats are located toward the front of the Main Cabin and are ideal for travelers who want more room without the First Class price tag.
I’ve flown Comfort+ dozens of times, especially on transcontinental routes, and the benefits are noticeable:
- 34–36 inches of pitch, depending on aircraft
- Priority boarding (just after First Class)
- Free alcoholic beverages (on most flights over 250 miles)
- Complimentary premium snacks on longer flights
If you’re tall or traveling with a laptop, Comfort+ is a smart upgrade. You can pay with cash or miles, and Medallion members (Gold and higher) are eligible for complimentary upgrades, subject to availability.
I usually recommend Comfort+ for red-eyes or daytime cross-country flights. That extra legroom really makes a difference after hour four.
Exit Row Seats: Legroom Without the Premium Price
Exit row seats provide some of the best legroom on Delta, often comparable to Comfort+, but without the soft upgrades like early boarding or free drinks. These seats are typically available for an additional fee during booking or check-in unless you have Medallion status.
Exit rows offer:
- Up to 34–38 inches of legroom
- Forward or rear-facing tray tables (depending on aircraft)
- Quieter seating zones on certain aircraft
Keep in mind:
- You must be 15+ years old and willing to assist in an emergency
- No stowage under the seat in front during takeoff and landing
- Some exit row seats don’t recline
I opt for exit row seats when Comfort+ is sold out or overpriced. They’re often just as roomy and cheaper if you don’t mind waiting longer to board.
First Class: Domestic Premium Cabin
Delta’s First Class offers a vastly improved experience over Main Cabin, especially on domestic and short-haul international flights. Seats are wider, pitch extends to 37–40 inches, and you’ll receive:
- Dedicated flight attendant service
- Hot meals or snacks on flights over 900 miles
- Free drinks and alcohol
- Priority check-in, security, and boarding
Seat configuration is usually 2-2, with generous recline and much better seat padding. I frequently choose First when I know I’ll be working on the flight or want to arrive rested.
Upgrades are available using:
- Cash at booking or check-in
- SkyMiles through “My Trips”
- Complimentary Medallion upgrades (for eligible fare classes)
I’ve found First Class to be most valuable on 3+ hour flights. The early boarding and guaranteed overhead bin space alone make it worthwhile on packed routes.
Delta One: International and Transcontinental Business Class
Delta One is the airline’s top-tier product, found on most long-haul international routes and select premium domestic flights like New York to Los Angeles. These lie-flat seats offer:
- 180-degree flat-bed recline
- Direct aisle access in most configurations
- Fine dining-style meals with curated wine lists
- Premium bedding from partnerships like Westin or Someone Somewhere
- Access to Delta Sky Club and partner lounges
Delta One seats vary by aircraft:
- A350 and A330neo: Delta One Suites with closing doors
- 767 and 777: Lie-flat without doors, but still private and spacious
Booking Delta One with miles is possible, though pricing fluctuates. Paid fares typically range from $2,500–$7,000 round trip, depending on season and route.
I reserve Delta One for overnight transatlantic or transpacific flights. Nothing beats arriving in Europe or Asia after eight hours of uninterrupted sleep and a real breakfast.
How to Choose the Best Seat for Your Needs
Every seat class has its pros and tradeoffs. Here’s how I help people decide what’s worth it:
| Flight Type | Recommended Seat | Why It Works |
| Under 2 hours | Main Cabin | No need to pay extra if flight is short |
| 2–4 hour domestic | Comfort+ or Exit Row | Extra legroom without huge cost |
| Business day travel | First Class | Quiet cabin, early boarding, better service |
| Overnight flights | Comfort+ or Delta One | Recline and rest are key |
| Long-haul international | Delta One (if budget allows) | Best sleep, food, and comfort |
| Budget travel | Main Cabin or Exit Row | Save money, avoid Basic Economy limitations |
Use tools like SeatGuru to preview your aircraft’s seating layout before booking. The Delta app also displays real-time seat maps.
Final Tips for Choosing Seats on Delta
Here are a few tips I always follow:
- Book early: The best Main Cabin and Comfort+ seats are taken weeks in advance
- Monitor the seat map: Use “My Trips” to check for newly available seats
- Set alerts: Some third-party apps notify you when a better seat opens up
- Ask at the gate: Last-minute upgrades or seat shifts can happen if you ask kindly
- Use Medallion benefits: Complimentary upgrades are most likely on off-peak flights
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I select my seat on Delta Basic Economy?
No, unless Delta offers the option to pay for one. Otherwise, it’s assigned at check-in.
Do Medallion members get free seat upgrades?
Yes. Gold Medallion and higher can receive complimentary Comfort+ and First Class upgrades, based on availability and fare class.
Is Comfort+ worth the extra cost?
For longer flights, yes. The extra space and early boarding make a noticeable difference.
Do all exit row seats recline?
No. Some exit row seats, especially in front of emergency doors, may have limited or no recline.
Can I upgrade with miles after booking?
Yes. You can use SkyMiles to upgrade in “My Trips,” subject to fare and seat availability.