Key Takeaways
- United Premium Plus and Delta Premium Select both offer a middle ground between economy and business class for long-haul travelers.
- Seat comfort, cabin service, and onboard amenities are comparable, but Delta offers a slightly more polished experience overall.
- United has broader route coverage and better integration with MileagePlus upgrades, while Delta’s product feels newer and more consistent.
- Value depends on your route, fare class, and elite status, what’s “better” may differ for frequent flyers versus casual travelers.
- Both products offer excellent comfort upgrades for international travel when business class isn’t in the budget.
Premium economy has become the sweet spot for travelers who want comfort without the cost of business class. Both United Airlines’ Premium Plus and Delta Air Lines’ Premium Select fill that niche, offering wider seats, upgraded dining, and priority service on long-haul flights.
But how do these two cabins actually compare in real life , seat size, pricing, meals, entertainment, and upgrade options? This guide breaks down every key difference to help you decide which airline offers the better premium economy experience in 2025.
Want to see how flyers rate these cabins in real time? Join the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums to compare traveler reports and seat photos.
Cabin Overview: What Each Airline Offers
United Premium Plus
United Premium Plus debuted in 2018 as the airline’s premium economy product, positioned between Economy Plus and Polaris Business. It features:
- Wider seats (up to 19 inches) with footrests and 38-inch pitch.
- Dedicated cabin of 21–24 seats in a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 layout, depending on aircraft type.
- Two free checked bags and priority boarding included.
- Upgraded meals served on real dishes with complimentary wine and beer.
- Available on Boeing 777, 787 Dreamliner, and 767 long-haul aircraft.
It’s a solid step up from Economy Plus , especially for overnight or transpacific flights , but the soft product (service and meals) can vary by route and crew.
Delta Premium Select
Delta Premium Select launched in 2017 and is now widely available on the Airbus A350, A330-900neo, and Boeing 767-400. Key features include:
- Seat width around 18.5–19 inches with 38 inches of pitch.
- Adjustable leg rest and footrest, plus deep recline and wider armrests.
- Upgraded dining inspired by Delta One, with real tableware and a premium welcome drink.
- Two checked bags, SkyPriority service, and enhanced amenity kits on most routes.
- Consistent product across aircraft, Delta’s cabins generally feel newer and more refined.
According to Delta’s official product guide, the airline aims for a business-class feel without lie-flat seats.
Seat Comparison: Comfort and Space
| Feature | United Premium Plus | Delta Premium Select |
| Seat Width | 18.5–19 in | 18.5–19 in |
| Seat Pitch | 38 in (some up to 40) | 38 in |
| Recline | Up to 6 in | Up to 7 in |
| Layout | 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 | 2-3-2 (A330) / 2-4-2 (A350) |
| Screen Size | 13–13.5 in HD | 13–15.4 in HD |
| Footrest / Leg Rest | Yes | Yes |
| Cabin Age | Mixed (some older 777s) | Mostly new aircraft |
Note: Delta’s seats feel slightly more polished and modern, with smoother recline and better screen resolution. United’s seats are competitive in space but vary more depending on aircraft.
Meals, Drinks, and Service
United
United’s Premium Plus dining experience includes upgraded entrées served on china with metal cutlery, complimentary beer and wine, and dessert options on long-haul routes. While the service is significantly better than economy, it doesn’t match Polaris standards.
Delta
Delta Premium Select meals are closer to Delta One lite , plated meals, larger portions, real glassware, and complimentary cocktails. The airline often tailors menus to regional routes, and service quality is generally more consistent across aircraft.
Note: Delta wins here. The meal presentation, quality, and service feel more premium, while United’s experience is functional but less elevated.
Inflight Entertainment and Amenities
Both cabins feature HD seatback screens, noise-reducing headphones, USB and AC power outlets, and free messaging via Wi-Fi. Delta’s screens are slightly larger, and the interface is smoother.
Amenity kits:
- Delta includes branded amenity kits (with eye mask, socks, earplugs, and lotion) on most long-haul routes.
- United provides smaller amenity packages on select flights, but they’re more limited.
Verdict: Delta offers a more consistent premium feel; United varies by aircraft.
Baggage, Boarding, and Lounge Access
Both airlines include two free checked bags, priority boarding, and early access to overhead bins. Lounge access is not included in Premium Plus or Premium Select unless you hold elite status or a separate lounge membership.
MileagePlus Premier and Delta Medallion elites, however, enjoy earlier boarding groups and higher upgrade eligibility, which can make a noticeable difference on busy international departures.
For frequent flyers comparing overall perks, check out How to Earn United Premier Status Fast.
Value and Pricing
Pricing for both United Premium Plus and Delta Premium Select varies by route and season, but generally costs 1.5x to 2x the standard economy fare.
Example comparison (as of October 2025):
| Route | Economy Fare | Premium Economy Fare |
| New York (JFK) – London (LHR) | $800 | $1,450 |
| San Francisco (SFO) – Tokyo (NRT) | $1,100 | $2,100 |
| Chicago (ORD) – Frankfurt (FRA) | $900 | $1,650 |
Data compiled from United.com and Delta.com for sample November departures.
For recent pricing insights, check our United MileagePlus Miles Value.
Verdict: United often undercuts Delta slightly on price, especially for transatlantic routes. Delta charges a premium for its stronger brand and newer aircraft.
Upgrades and Mileage Redemption
United: Premium Plus can be booked directly or upgraded using PlusPoints (for Platinum and 1K members). Upgrade availability is better on less dense routes like Chicago–Zurich or Denver–London. For details, see When Do PlusPoints Upgrades Clear.
Delta: Premium Select is eligible for upgrades to Delta One using Global Upgrade Certificates for Medallion members, though availability can be limited. You can also use SkyMiles for outright purchase, but redemption value varies.
Verdict: United’s PlusPoints system is more transparent, while Delta’s upgrade path is more restrictive but occasionally more rewarding for top-tier elites.
Which Premium Economy is Better for You?
| Traveler Type | Best Option | Why |
| Business Traveler | Delta Premium Select | Consistent service, newer cabins, and elevated dining. |
| MileagePlus Elite | United Premium Plus | Easier PlusPoints upgrades, wider route coverage. |
| Casual Traveler | Delta Premium Select | More polished experience across aircraft. |
| Budget-Conscious Flyer | United Premium Plus | Often priced lower for similar comfort. |
Conclusion
Both United Premium Plus and Delta Premium Select deliver genuine premium economy experiences, but their strengths differ. Delta edges ahead in consistency and polish , better seats, meals, and service, while United offers more routes, competitive pricing, and better upgrade flexibility through PlusPoints.
If you’re flying a route served by both airlines, compare not just price but aircraft type. A Delta A350 flight will almost always outshine an older United 777, but a United 787 Dreamliner can match or exceed Delta’s comfort.
In short:
- Choose Delta Premium Select for a more refined and uniform premium experience.
- Choose United Premium Plus for better value, broader coverage, and upgrade integration.
For seat maps, reviews, and real traveler comparisons, visit the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums.
FAQs
1. Is Delta Premium Select worth it for international flights?
Yes, Delta Premium Select is generally worth it if you value more space, upgraded dining, and priority service without paying for Delta One. The experience feels closer to business class on newer aircraft like the A350 and A330neo, especially on overnight routes.
2. What’s the main difference between United Premium Plus and Delta Premium Select?
The biggest difference is consistency and presentation. Delta Premium Select offers newer cabins, better dining, and a more polished feel. United Premium Plus, on the other hand, provides wider route coverage and better value for MileagePlus elites using PlusPoints upgrades.
3. Can I upgrade from United Premium Plus to Polaris Business Class?
Yes, eligible MileagePlus Premier Platinum and 1K members can upgrade from Premium Plus to Polaris using PlusPoints. Availability depends on route and fare class, so it’s best to monitor your flight’s upgrade inventory in the United app or through When Do PlusPoints Upgrades Clear?.
4. Does Delta Premium Select include lounge access?
No, Delta Premium Select does not automatically include lounge access. You’ll need Delta Sky Club membership, credit card access, or elite Medallion status on qualifying itineraries to enter. This mirrors United’s policy for Premium Plus, which also excludes lounge access.
5. Which premium economy cabin offers better value for the price?
Value depends on your route and loyalty program. United Premium Plus often costs slightly less, especially for transatlantic flights, while Delta Premium Select offers a more consistent soft product. Frequent United flyers can gain extra value through MileagePlus miles and PlusPoints flexibility.
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