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The Delta Seat Selection Guide

After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

How Delta seat selection works

Delta seat selection fee, ticket types and seat selection rules, delta air lines seats for elite members, delta plane seating chart, how to pick seats on delta, final thoughts on selecting a seat on delta air lines.

Booking a Delta Air Lines flight and wondering about Delta’s seat selection? It’s no wonder — with differing benefits for elite members and strict restrictions on basic economy tickets, figuring out how and when to choose your Delta seat can quickly become overwhelming.

Here's a look at Delta seat assignments, how Delta Air Lines’ seating system works and the costs of choosing a seat.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Delta operates a variety of cabin classes on its aircraft, including economy, Premium Select, first class and Delta One seats.

Like most airlines, Delta will allow you to select your seat when booking, though the cost to do so and any upcharges will vary depending on the flight you’re taking. Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.

» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while budget airlines Frontier and Spirit charge the most.

Delta sits in the middle, charging an average of $15-plus for each flight that you'd like to select a seat for. The cost will vary depending on the type of ticket you book with the airline — which we'll discuss next.

» Learn more: How to navigate costly airline seat selection fees

How much is seat selection on Delta Air Lines? That will depend on the ticket type you’re purchasing, be it basic economy, main cabin, Premium Select (premium economy), first class or Delta One.

Basic economy

Basic economy tickets have the most restrictions of any Delta ticket, and this extends to seat selection. Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket.

If you reserve a basic economy ticket, it’s possible to purchase a specific seat starting seven days before departure. Pricing for this varies by trip and is priced by segment.

Main cabin seating, also known as regular economy, includes complimentary seat selection. As a main cabin customer, you also have the option to purchase an upgrade to preferred or Delta Comfort Plus seats while remaining an economy class passenger.

You can also book upgraded economy tickets with additional seat selection perks:

Main Cabin Preferred: Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows. These are the least expensive upgrades from standard economy seating.

Comfort Plus: When available, a Delta Comfort Plus ticket can be purchased directly while booking and the price will include seat selection. The cost to upgrade is higher than for a preferred seat in main cabin. Comfort Plus features more legroom than main cabin and offers passengers dedicated overhead bins. In addition, Comfort Plus guests will receive complimentary beer and wine on all domestic and short-haul international flights.

Main cabin passengers can also choose to upgrade to a Comfort Plus seat either before or after purchasing their ticket.

Premium Select

Premium Select is Delta’s version of premium economy, with larger seats and better recline, two free checked bags, earlier boarding and premium extras. Those who book Premium Select can choose any seat within the cabin for no additional fee.

Delta One and first class

Both first class and Delta One ticket holders can choose any seat within their cabin for free. These spacious seats come with two free checked bags, premium snacks and meals, priority boarding, and a dedicated flight attendant.

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:

on American Express' website

$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 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.).

• 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.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• Companion certificate (main cabin).

• Airport lounge access.

• Companion certificate ((first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).

• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

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 .

Those who have joined the Delta SkyMiles program and earned Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights.

Main Cabin Preferred

When booking main cabin tickets, all four tiers of elite status members can select main cabin preferred seats for no additional charge.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to earning Delta SkyMiles

Comfort Plus

Platinum and Diamond level elite members (the two highest tiers) can choose Comfort Plus seats shortly after ticketing for free. Mid-tier Gold members, meanwhile, will be able to select these seats starting 72 hours prior to departure, and low-level Silver members can pick from available Comfort Plus seats starting 24 hours before departure.

Delta elite members will also receive upgrades on select first class and Delta One flights depending on their elite status.

You can find Delta Air Lines seating without needing to book a flight. To do so, you’ll want to first search for your preferred route on Delta’s website. On the search results page, you’ll find a variety of flights from which to choose.

Each flight presents a seat map, which you can preview by selecting "Seats."

Once you’ve picked "Seats," you’ll be taken to a new page that shows a live preview of your aircraft’s seats.

You’ll also be able to view the seat map during the booking process. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’ll be taken to another page prompting you to pick a seat.

How do I choose my seat on Delta?

During booking

The process for reserving a Delta seat is fairly simple. As we mentioned above, you’ll be able to pick seats when booking your flights on the website; Delta will automatically prompt you to do so before checkout.

You may not be able to select seats on codeshare flights, which are operated by Delta’s partners . In this case, you’ll want to go directly to the other airlines’ webpage to manage your seat selection.

After booking

If you need to choose or alter your seat after you’ve booked your flight, go to "My Trips" on the Delta homepage.

If you’re logged in already, you’ll be able to view all the trips you have booked with Delta. You’ll find seat selection options by going down to the "Passenger Information" section.

» Learn more: 6 ways to save on Delta flights

Delta has a variety of ticketing options available for every type of passenger. This includes the highly restrictive basic economy class ticket as well as main cabin tickets for those who prefer certainty with their seats.

Upgrading to Main Cabin Preferred and Comfort Plus seats offers better benefits for those in economy. Loyal members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can also expect to receive complimentary access to these seats and upgrades to higher classes depending on their level of status.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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on Capital One's website

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• Planes & Seat Maps >

Delta Seat Maps

• Airbus A220-100 (CS1)
• Airbus A319 (319)
• Airbus A320 (32K) Layout 1
• Airbus A320 (32M) Layout 2
• Airbus A321 (321) Layout 1
• Airbus A321 (321) Layout 2
• Airbus A330-200 (332)
• Airbus A330-300 (333)
• Airbus A330-900neo (339)
• Airbus A350-900 (359)
• Boeing 717-200 (717)
• Boeing 737-700 (73W)
• Boeing 737-800 (73H)
• Boeing 737-900ER (739)
• Boeing 757-200 (757)
• Boeing 757-200 (75D)
• Boeing 757-200 (75G)
• Boeing 757-200 (75P)
• Boeing 757-200 (75S)
• Boeing 757-300 (75Y)
• Boeing 767-300ER (76H/76Z) Layout 3
• Boeing 767-300ER (76L) Layout 2
• Boeing 767-300ER (76T/76W) Layout 1
• Boeing 767-300ER (76Z) Layout 4
• Boeing 767-400ER (764) Layout 2
• Boeing 767-400ER (76D) Layout 1
• Boeing 777-200ER/LR (7CB) Layout 1
• Boeing 777-200ER/LR (7HD) Layout 2
• Bombardier CRJ-100/200
• Bombardier CRJ-700 (CR7)
• Bombardier CRJ-900 (CR9)
• Bombardier CRJ-900 Atmosphere Cabin (CR9)
• Embraer E-170 (E70)
• Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 1
• Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 2 - SkyWest
• McDonnell Douglas MD-88 (M88)
• McDonnell Douglas MD-90 (M90)

Traveler photos (1)

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• Boeing 737 200
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Delta Seat Map

Delta 757 Seat Map

Delta A321 Seat Map

Delta A330 Seat Map

Airbus A350 900 Delta Seat Map

Boeing 767 300 Delta Seat Map

Boeing 767 400 Delta Seating

A321Neo Seating Chart

CRJ 900 Delta Seating Chart

Embraer 175 Delta Seating Chart

Delta A220 (A20-100) Seating Chart

Delta Airbus A320 (320 200) Seat Map

Delta Boeing 737 900ER Seat Map

Boeing 717 Delta (717 200) Seat Map

Delta 737-800 Seat Map

Delta 777 Seat Map

Delta A330-200 Seat Map

Airbus A319 Delta Seat Map

Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 MAX Seat Map

Delta seating chart, delta air lines (dl): general information.

Delta Air Lines started in 1925 as a crop dusting service but evolved to become one of the top airlines in the US. Having operated for longer than most others, it’s no surprise that it has racked up one of the most impressive aircraft fleets in the world. And its merger with other airlines like Delaware, Southern, and Chicago Airlines further gave the company more resources to grow.

By 2000, Delta had begun breaking records, carrying 120 million passengers across 221 cities that year and making over a billion dollars. Now, with flights to six continents comprising 129 countries and 596 cities available to Delta flights, the company is taking giant strides in its industry.

Because of Delta’s many aircraft models like the Airbuses, Boeings, Bombardiers, and Embraers, passengers need a way to preview the plane cabins before booking flights. This need led to the introduction of the Delta Airlines seating chart. Delta makes their aircraft layouts and seating arrangements public, helping passengers who aren’t familiar with the differences in cabin classes.

The best part is that passengers don’t need to book a flight before seeing the Delta Airlines seat selection preview. All they need is to check on the Delta website for their route, select the aircraft playing it, and view its seats. With the Delta seating chart, passengers can choose between the four cabins available in most Delta planes — Delta One and First Class, Premium Select, Basic Economy, and Main Cabin.

Delta Seat Selection: Overview

Basic economy.

The Basic Economy cabin is Delta’s offering for passengers looking to save some cash. From the Delta seat map, it is clear that this cabin offers the basics, cutting most luxuries to provide value for people who just want to get from point A to B. Some perks that passengers won’t get with the Basic Economy are the option of picking seats, changing plans, or requesting refunds.

Most passengers in this cabin merely use the Delta Airline seating chart to know what to expect in-flight, not to influence it. They also board last and won’t earn miles. However, these passengers can still enjoy complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, access to WiFi to book and check their flight’s status, in-flight entertainment, and messaging.

The Delta seats in the Main Cabin are comfortable and will suit passengers on international flights. The seats are often aisle and window seats and near exit rows. For an extra fee, the passengers can buy Main Cabin tickets and get more control over their flying experience.

Main Cabin passengers can manage their trips, choose their preferred Delta Airlines seating position before checking in, and enjoy a few extra perks. This section also serves complimentary snacks on flights longer than 250 miles and free meals for long-haul flights. Those flights also grant Main Cabin passage complimentary alcoholic beverages they would otherwise have paid for on shorter flights.

Premium Select

Delta plane seats in the Premium Select cabin have steeper recline angles, letting passengers feel more relaxed while traveling. They include adjustable footrests on most widebody aircraft in the company’s fleet, giving passengers more legroom. The passengers can also pre-select their seats after checking the Delta plane seating chart without paying extra.

The in-flight entertainment is also better, as the seatback screens are wider. Passengers in the cabin also get an amenity kit to make their journey smoother. The meals and drinks are complimentary.

Delta One and First Class

The occupants of Delta One and First Class enjoy Delta’s best amenities. They get to choose any seat at no extra cost and can expect direct aisle access every time. The Delta First class seats can recline fully to become a flatbed, and passengers get a pillow and blanket when they want to nap.

The Delta One seats guarantee privacy with a suite-style design, and the passengers get free assistance and access to all foods and drinks, thanks to the premium dining.

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Delta Basic Economy: Everything You Need to Know & How to Beat It

Delta was the first of the major U.S. airlines to introduce basic economy way back in 2013, launching these no-frills fares that come with fewer perks or benefits in order to compete with budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Sun Country. While every other airline from American to United eventually followed suit, Delta basic economy fares stood out as more generous for years.

No more. Delta has gutted its basic economy fares: You no longer earn any SkyMiles nor credits toward Medallion status – and it was the first (and only) major U.S. carrier to make such a brutal move. As of 2024, you can can't get into a Delta Sky Club if you've got a basic economy ticket. Plus, these basic fares are almost unavoidable: You'll find them flying domestically, heading to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and even on most award tickets booked with SkyMiles.

But it's not all bad news. While you can no longer change or cancel these fares for free, you can pay a fee to cancel for a Delta eCredit . Plus, Delta basic economy fares still allow you to bring a carry-on bag onboard .. and there's even a sneaky way to pick a seat for free when flying Delta basic economy .

Let's take a deeper dive into what's included and everything you need to know about Delta Basic Economy: What you get, what you don't, how it stacks up against Delta's Main Cabin tickets – and most importantly, how to beat these no-frills fares.

• What's Included with Delta Basic Economy?

Delta Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy

• Delta's Big, Bad Changes to Basic Economy

What Routes Have Delta Basic Economy Fares?

How to beat delta basic economy, how do delta basic economy fares stack up.

• Delta's Basic Economy: The Bottom Line

What's Included with Delta Basic Economy?

While there’s no question Delta basic economy has some tough restrictions, it’s more generous than what other airlines offer in many respects.

Oh, and keep in mind: While your fare has a different name with some limitations, once you're on board it's the same Delta economy experience as everyone else. Same seat, same service, same in-flight entertainment options.

What is Delta's Basic Economy Baggage Policy?

The Delta Basic Economy baggage policy is almost identical to any standard economy fare: You can stow a carry-on bag overhead and put a personal item under the seat in front of you for free. Flying domestically, you'll pay $30 each way to check a bag – the same as a standard economy fare.

But things change if you're heading far abroad. While most Delta main cabin economy fares to Europe, South America, and beyond include a free checked bag, the airline charges basic economy passengers to check a bag on many long-haul flights. For example, adding a checked bag on a basic economy trip to Europe currently costs $75 each way.

What is Delta's Carry-On Policy?

Unlike several other airlines, flying Basic Economy with Delta allows a carry-on bag and personal item for free.

Delta Basic Economy Seat Selection

Seats are typically assigned at check-in or at the gate, but you can also pay for seat selection on many flights starting seven days before departure or pick your own for free after check-in opens.

Delta Basic Economy Boarding

Boards last in  Delta’s boarding order, which means you may struggle to find a spot to stow your carry-on bag.

Earning Delta SkyMiles?

Not anymore. As of December 2021, you no longer earn Delta SkyMiles flying Delta Basic Economy.

Flying isn't the best way to earn Delta SkyMiles anymore – it hasn't been for years. Still, this stings.

Earning Delta Medallion Status?

No, Delta's basic economy flights also no longer earn and Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) – the sole building block for earning Delta Medallion status after a big (and unpopular) revamp to the airline's status program .

Delta Basic Economy Upgrades?

Basic Economy is not eligible for complimentary upgrades if you have Delta Medallion Status . You can't even pay to upgrade basic fares to Delta Comfort Plus or First Class seats, either.

Delta Basic Economy Cancellation and Ticket Changes

Just as with almost any ticket, Delta Basic Economy cancellation is free within 24 hours of booking.

Otherwise, you can pay $99 to cancel a flight within the U.S. or to the Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America. Long-haul international flights cost $199 to cancel for a Delta eCredit.

Let's get straight to it. The biggest difference is in price – and that's the point.

Like most airlines, Delta practically begs you not to book basic economy: You have to specifically opt-in by checking “Accept Restrictions” and proceed with your basic economy fare. In fact, a top Delta official once wondered aloud: “What are people willing to pay” to avoid basic economy?”

And that shows. While it varies by route, Delta now regularly charges an additional $50 to $80 roundtrip to avoid basic economy and move to a more-inclusive main cabin fare on a simple domestic flight. Traveling internationally? Expect to pay $180 or more roundtrip to avoid these restrictions.

Read more:   Why Travelers Should Learn to Love Basic Economy Fares

The entire point of basic economy is to lure you in with a cheap price, then convince you to pay more to avoid additional restrictions. And that basic economy vs. main cabin upsell is only getting stronger as Delta loads up these fares with additional restrictions.

Delta's Big, Bad Changes to Basic Economy

In December 2021, Delta went where no other major airline has gone: Its basic economy fares no longer earn Delta SkyMiles nor credits toward earning Delta Medallion status.  While some airlines stop flyers who buy their cheapest tickets from earning status, Delta is the first to deny them redeemable SkyMiles.

Previously, you'd earn at least 5x SkyMiles per dollar spent on your Delta basic economy ticket. Now, you'll earn zero SkyMiles on the exact same fares. So while taking a $300 flight would have earned you at least 1,500 SkyMiles, you don't get a single mile now.

Read more:  What Delta's Latest Basic Economy Changes Mean for Travelers

Is Basic Economy on Delta Still Good?

If there's an upside to Delta basic economy, it's that these fares still aren't as restrictive as their competitors in other respects.

Unlike other fares like United basic economy and JetBlue basic economy which only allow you to bring a personal item, you can still bring a full-size carry-on bag with Delta's skimpiest fare.

While you don't get free seat selection with basic economy, Delta gives you a few ways to ensure you won't get stuck in a random middle seat. For starters, you can pay for a seat assignment starting seven days before departure when flying basic economy, with fees that typically run about $29 a seat. And as you'll see, there's even a sneaky way to get a seat for free…

Delta also threw travelers who book basic economy a bone when it comes to canceling flights. These fares could not be changed nor canceled, period, prior to the pandemic. Now, basic economy tickets can be canceled for a fee of $99 to $199, depending on where you're going. You'll get a Delta eCredit for the leftover amount after subtracting the cancellation fee.

That's a far cry from the days of free change and cancellation even on basic economy fares from the pandemic, but it's better than nothing.

Read more: Have a Delta Flight Booked? Get a Credit if the Price Drops! 

Delta Basic Economy can now be found on all routes heading to the following locations:

• U.S. domestic flights, including Alaska and Hawaii
• Mexico and Central America
• The Caribbean
• South America

That's right: Almost every route in Delta's vast international network now features basic economy. That doesn't mean you'll always see basic economy fares on every single flight – Delta and other airlines sometimes decide not to sell these fares. But it's a strong possibility.

On the plus side, Delta gives basic economy fares one free checked bag on some of its longest routes to Asia and Australia . That's not the case if you buy a Delta basic economy fare to Europe or South America, for example.

Finally, Delta is an oddity in one way: Delta is still the only major carrier currently selling basic economy award tickets. Delta basic economy awards first cropped up many years ago but have only recently expanded to many long-haul international routes in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even Australia and New Zealand.

That means the lowest rate for using SkyMiles to book your flight will be for a basic economy ticket, unlike award tickets on most airlines which are for main cabin fares.

Even the most restrictive basic economy fares don't have to be so painful. And there are a few great ways to get ahead even with Delta's cheapest fares.

Carry a Delta Credit Card

Carrying one of the co-branded Delta credit cards offered by American Express helps you beat Delta basic economy fares . This is the key to making these fares less painful.

As a benefit of holding one of the Delta American Express cards (with the exception of the *delta blue* ), you will get a free checked bag and priority boarding . And you get these benefits even when flying on a basic economy ticket … even if you didn't pay for your Delta ticket with that card !

So while flying on a Delta basic economy ticket would normally mean you board last, holding one of these cards allows you to board in the Main Cabin 1 group.

Without early boarding, finding a spot for your carry-on bag once onboard the aircraft could be a challenge as you will be the last to board. So even though you are allowed a free carry-on, it may end up getting gate-checked. There's less cause for concern when you can board in the Main Cabin 1 zone.

Additionally, all of the cards also offer a free checked bag – at least a $30 value each way, every flight. That means you could check a bag for free and not worry about stowing it overhead at all. You also don't even need to pay for your ticket with the card to receive these benefits.

For example, the *delta skymiles gold card* has an introductory annual fee of $0, and then just $150 each year after that (see rates & fees .) Even in your second year with the card, it takes just three roundtrip flights with a checked bag each year to come out ahead.

Pick a Seat Assignment for Free

Like most airlines, Delta gives you the chance to pay for a seat assignment if you want to avoid that dreaded middle seat. We've seen Delta Basic Economy seat assignments on domestic flights as cheap as $19 each way – or as much as $59.

But there's another, little-known way to potentially get a seat for free with Delta Basic Economy. 

Starting when the check-in window opens 24 hours before your flight, Delta allows you to move about the cabin to any open seats … at no cost. That's your chance to check the seat map and pick the best of whatever seats are left.

This isn't a slam dunk by any means. If your flight is full, you'll be stuck with whatever seat Delta assigns you. But it's worth checking, double-checking, triple-checking, and quadruple-checking after the check-in window opens to see if you can snag a better seat as your flight draws closer. You can change your seat selection up until boarding begins.

Read our guide to picking your seat when flying Delta basic economy.

Delta basic economy fares are a mixed bag. There's both good and bad news.

Let's start with the good news. Once you get on the plane, the experience is identical whether you've got a basic fare or a main cabin ticket. These fares are more generous than what you get with other competitors in several respects, too.

You can bring a carry-on bag on board. Delta also offers two ways to pick a seat even when flying basic economy. Starting seven days before departure, you can log into your reservation and pay for a seat assignment, which typically costs $29 per seat. If you're feeling lucky, you can wait until the check-in window opens 24 hours before departure. Once that happens, Delta allows you to move to any remaining open seats for free.

Then there's the bad news. If you strike out with picking a seat, you'll likely be assigned a middle seat at check-in. When traveling with a companion or a child, there's no guarantee you'll sit together. While Delta says it tries to seat children with a family member , it won't always happen. It depends on how full your flight is, and on the agent working at the gate.

Finally, Delta has degraded basic economy more than any airline by removing the ability to earn SkyMiles or towards elite status. That's a massive, unprecedented change that automatically makes Delta basic more restrictive than any of its peers.

That's why we recommend you consider paying the upcharge for a main cabin fare if you want the best experience: Earning miles, ensuring you can sit next to a companion, and getting the ability to change or cancel your flights without a penalty.

Above all, Delta basic economy fares are just like every other airline. Airlines act like these are lower-priced fares for budget-conscious travelers. In reality, they're charging the same amount a main cabin economy ticket once cost and giving you less. It's the airlines' way of getting more money out of you in fees.

Delta's Basic Economy: The Bottom Line

Basic economy has transformed the airfare world. By offering these bare-bones fares, Delta can compete with budget carriers on price while pitting flyers with new restrictions – largely in hopes that they’ll pay up to upgrade.

Basic economy isn't going away. And as we've seen recently from Delta, it's going to continue to expand … and likely get worse.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

21 Responses

Can you book a pet with basic economy?

It’s our understanding that carry-on pets/emotional support animals are handled separately by Delta, and what kind of fare you have isn’t a factor. But please check with Delta directly before booking!

So do I get to take my personal in for free or am I charged for that and if I don’t pay for a seat do I definitely get a seat on that plane since I already bought my ticket?

Yes and yes.

What is the easiest and most efficient/least expensive way to transport a bicycle?

If you have a hardshell case for the bike, that will be the easiest way. You can check as normal. If it weighs over 50 lbs, however, you’ll be on the hook for the excess weight fee.

Traveling from San Antonio international airport to ATL international airport then to the Caribbean with baggage will my baggage transfer to the next flight are I have to claim it and check it in again

Hi Pauline, your baggage will be checked all the way through. You won’t need to do anything on the way there.

I’m so confused so does basic E include checked luggage fee? The option I picked says “included” but on delta’s website it’s asking to estimate baggage fees

It depends where you are flying. Basic economy tickets to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia include a checked bag. Otherwise, you will have to pay for it unless you have one of the co-branded Delta SkyMiles credit cards. More information on Delta baggage fees here:

https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/airlines/avoid-delta-baggage-fees/

My sister and I just flew basic economy last week with seat assignments at the gate. Both flights we actually had great seats. Row 14 on our bigger plane and row 2 on our next plane.

I’m trying to work out how the cancellation process works if I buy a basic economy ticket using frequent flier miles. Can I cancel and get my miles redeposited?

You will be able to cancel your ticket and get your miles redeposited, but Delta will subtract 9,900 SkyMiles for domestic/shorthaul international tickets and 19,900 SkyMiles for longhaul international basic economy awards.

Flying from Australia to LA If I fly basic economy do you have to pay for food an drinks on your flight

No, all drinks and meals are free just as with a standard economy ticket.

I know I sound like an old fart but flying used to be a lot less complicated and a lot more fun. You just bought a ticket, checked a free bag, got on the plane with spacious seats and leg room, ate some hot, decent food and got to your destination. I’m amazed at how the average customer on Delta has to spend so much time deciphering information about basic things like tickets, boarding, miles, baggage, etc. It’s really become a nightmare. I appreciate your explanation here. It helped. It didn’t help on the Delta Website, which is why I came here. I still don’t know the answer to all the questions I had about SkyMiles but at least you helped out. Thank you.

Agree! It’s ridiculous all we have to go through when buying a flight

Hi there We are flying from Syd to lax next week in basic economy . I just checked to see the ‘purchase seats’ section and its costing $105 for seat reservation. Would the price get cheaper as the day comes near?

I am very disappointed I bought a round trip to Peru (3), and I ended up flying with LATAM. I paid “main cabin” because I have a special child. Flying on LATAM was the worst in my life, very uncomfortable and bad service, I paid to fly with Delta , main cabin because want to be comfortable for my son. I think I should get my money refund because in LATAM I was in economic. I hole in my way back from Lima to USA I can get better service, and refund from I paid more to fly in Delta Main cabin.

If you’re silver medallion you also get free checked 1st bag. No need for their useless cards

I appreciate your positive feedback on the blog about Qantas cancellation policy! If you have any specific questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to know about airline policies or travel in general, feel free to ask. Additionally, if you could provide the reference or context you’d like me to include, I’ll do my best to assist you.

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Yes, Airlines Do Have the Right to Change Your Seat Without Warning

Here's what to do when it happens.

When right-wing pundit Ann Coulter resorted to complaining on Twitter about having her seat moved on a 2017 Delta flight, she gave the world a golden example of how not to behave.

Perhaps she wasn’t fully aware of her rights — or the airline’s — but the tweetstorm that unfolded reminds us why it’s always important to know your rights as a passenger.

When you purchase an airline seat, you are required to acknowledge that you agree to the contract of carriage, a legally binding agreement between you and the airline, usually by checking a box next to the phrase “I agree to the terms and conditions of the contract of carriage” or some variation thereof.

Delta’s contract of carriage states : “Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion.”

When you buy a plane ticket, the airline is only obligated to get you from point A to point B. Everything else that comes with it (reserved seating, overhead bin space, baggage allowance, and food and beverage service) is at the discretion of the airline. Because you’re not buying an actual seat — you’re purchasing transportation.

What to Do When an Airline Moves Your Seat

When you’re asked by a flight attendant or gate agent to change seats, it’s usually to help families sit together, allow caregivers to sit next to patients, or accommodate an air marshal or other airline employee. They also might ask you to move for safety reasons or to help redistribute the weight balance of the aircraft, especially on smaller planes.

If it happens to you, respond politely and graciously. Over the years, I’ve been asked countless times to move seats and have done so without complaining. Nearly every time, the flight attendant thanked me for my willingness to be flexible with free bottles of wine or a snack.

Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure

Your Boarding Pass Is Your Assigned Seat

If a gate agent comes onboard and hands you a new boarding pass, that is the seat you are required to sit in, regardless of how much you paid for your ticket or the class of service you purchased. The gate agent has supreme power of seating assignments for every flight and dictates who sits where. If they ask you to move, do it.

You May Be Entitled to a Refund

If you’re downgraded from a seat with extra legroom to a regular economy seat, the airline will reimburse you the difference. In Coulter’s case, Delta refunded her the $30 extra fee she paid for the Delta Comfort+ seat that was given to another passenger.

The contract of carriage for American Airlines , as another example, states that you can request a refund for a variety of reasons , including getting re-booked on a flight that causes you to miss a connection, or if you get moved from a preferred seat to a non-preferred seat or a preferred aisle/window seat to a preferred middle seat. Those “preferred” seats refer to the coveted seats near the front of the economy cabin or in emergency exit rows that typically cost extra.

If your seat gets moved and you feel you are owed a refund, contact the airline’s customer service department to request one.

Related Articles

Delta now has 'dynamic' seat maps that automatically block rows for families

Throughout the pandemic, Delta was one of the major U.S. carriers to guarantee flyers extra space by blocking the middle seat for additional social distancing and passenger comfort .

While that policy is now history, the Atlanta-based carrier has implemented a new type of seat blocking. This one, however, is designed to make it easier for groups of travelers to sit together.

Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG's free new biweekly Aviation newsletter .

Specifically, the carrier is blocking a handful of rows in the main economy cabin for those traveling as part of a group. These seats are not assignable to solo travelers, nor to those traveling with just one additional person on the reservation.

They'll instead be available for selection by those who have reservations with three or more travelers on a single reservation. (They'll also be available to Medallion elite members traveling with one or two passengers.)

Delta's "dynamic seat-map algorithm," as the airline calls it, first started rolling out quietly in 2019 and now uses historical booking and seat assignment data to determine how many rows to hold back on a given flight. For instance, a search for flights between New York and Fort Lauderdale — a leisure-heavy route — shows that the airline is holding back five rows.

Meanwhile, on a more typical business route frequented by solo travelers, say from Chicago to Boston, the airline is holding back just two rows.

In the most extreme example of seat-blocking that I could find, Delta is holding back a whopping eight rows, or 48 seats, on a Christmas Eve flight from New York-JFK to Cancun.

The seat-blocking varies by aircraft, route and other factors, a spokesperson confirmed to TPG. The logic incorporates many factors, and there's no definitive "rule" as to how many seats will be held back on a given flight. For now, Delta is only blocking the last few rows on any given plane, though that logic could theoretically change over time.

Related: How to make sure your family can sit together on a plane

In fact, the airline will update the algorithm in real-time, and it'll release seats if it determines that there are more solo travelers than groups or families on a given flight compared to the algorithm's original prediction.

In confirming the move to TPG, Delta said that "being a customer-centric brand means we're constantly working to offer optimal experiences across travel. Taking a dynamic approach with our seat map displays is one way of doing that by providing preferred seating choices in all cabins – at the time of booking or at the gate when working with an agent – for customers traveling alone or with a group."

How to find Delta's blocked seats

To determine if Delta is blocking seats on your flight, you can perform two searches during the booking process — one with just a single passenger in the reservation, followed by a second search for the same flight with three or more passengers.

If you take a look at the seat map in both cases, you should be able to identify which seats Delta is blocking for groups. For example, in the screenshot below, you can see that Delta is holding back rows 29 through 31 for bookings of three or more passengers. (Rows 32 and 33 remain blocked for all passengers, and they're only available for assignment at the airport.)

Bottom line

Delta's move is interesting as it's one of the first attempts we've seen from a major network carrier to provide dedicated seating areas for groups.

Of course, if seats closer to the front of the plane are available, you don't necessarily "need" to select a row in the back. This initiative just provides another option should adjacent seats closer to the front of the plane be unavailable.

In the end, this should also help minimize the number of times a family needs to scramble at the gate (or onboard) to find passengers willing to play musical chairs to accommodate them sitting together. The move will likely be applauded by families, especially those traveling with young children.

In fact, the dynamic seat blocking might lead to a faster boarding process , especially on flights with lots of families and groups traveling together. One big downside is that solo flyers booking at the last minute could end up being stuck in a middle towards the front, as opposed to a window or aisle in the back.

Either way, it'll be interesting to see how Delta's seat-blocking algorithm evolves over time — and whether any of its competitors implement something similar.

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Seat “assigned at gate”

I’m a novice flyer and air travel also makes me quite nervous. I checked in for my flight today and noticed my layover flight says “seat:assigned at gate”. I’m basic economy and my parents actually booked the flight for me so I’m not entirely sure what they did other than get the cheapest possible tickets.

Does this mean I am on stand by and have to rely on someone not being there for me to get a seat??? I have the ticket. I don’t want to be stranded in my connecting city because there’s no seat for me.

Preferred Seating   

Delta allows our most valued customers access to preferential advance seat assignments. This service is called Preferred Seating ("P" seats). Preferred Seating is offered on Delta and Delta Connection® flights, subject to availability.  

Please note : Select seats may be reassigned to passengers with certain categories of disability. A ticket must be issued prior to the assigning of a Preferred Seat (P seat). Preferred Seating is not eligible for passengers who purchased Basic Economy.

Complimentary Preferred Seating

Except with respect to Basic Economy fares*, Preferred Seats are complimentary any time after ticketing occurs for:

• Passengers that have purchased full Y, B and M fares
• Diamond Medallion (DM)
• Platinum Medallion (PM)
• Gold Medallion (GM)
• Silver Medallion (FO)  
• Joint Venture Elite, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus partner members
• Companions (up to 8) traveling with a Medallion SkyMiles member when they are booked in the same reservation. If traveling on the same segment(s) as the Medallion member but in different reservations, please contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations for assistance.
• Agency or Corporate accounts due to contract negotiations

*Basic Economy (E) fares are not eligible for paid or complimentary Preferred Seats, regardless of Medallion or other elite status.

Preferred seats are shown on the seat map by a P indicator, following a row number. Preferred seats may include desirable window, aisle and exit row seats**. The SkyMiles or other Frequent Flyer number must appear in the PNR (OSI or SSRFQTV) and reflect the member's qualifying status as listed above.

**Exit row seats - Click here for more information regarding assigning exit row seats.

Preferred Seating for Purchase

For non-Preferred Seat eligible customers, Preferred Seats will be available for purchase starting 45 days prior to departure through the check-in window. Preferred Seats are available to purchase via delta.com .

Travel agency partners who subscribe to Amadeus or Travelport (Worldspan, Apollo and Galileo) GDSs now have the ability to sell Delta’s Preferred Seats via their GDS.  Exceptions apply.

The agency workflow to process a paid Preferred Seat is the same workflow that is used when selling Delta Comfort+™ in markets where it is sold as an ancillary seat product.

Fees will be charged per customer per segment.

  Please note: Circumvention of the seating program is subject to audit and debit memos.

Changes or Refunds to Purchased Preferred Seats

Please contact Delta Sales Support or  Delta Reservations  for assistance.

Terms and Conditions

For details on Preferred Seating as a Medallion Benefit and complete terms and conditions, visit the SkyMiles Medallion Program page on  delta.com .

Preferred seating is subject to limited availability and may not be available on all flights. Partner airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit  Membership Guide & Program Rules   . Offers void where prohibited by law. Offers subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Additional information

Visit aeromexico.com for information on preferred seating.

Visit Business Solutions fo seat options on Air France.

Visit  Business Solutions for information on KLM's seat options.

Visit koreanair.com for advance seat selection.

Virgin Atlantic

Visit  virginatlantic.com  for information about seating options.

• About this Site

Delta Air Lines

Delta Airlines is a national regular airline that was founded in 1924 in the United States. Delta Airlines fleet consists of 776 aircraft with 337 Airbus aircraft and 439 Boeing aircraft. Additionally, 401 aircraft are operated by regional carriers on behalf of Delta Air Lines: 80 Bombardier CRJ 200 (Endeavor/SkyWest), 24 Bombardier CRJ 700 (Endeavor/SkyWest), 164 Bombardier CRJ 900 (Endeavor/SkyWest), 22 Embraer E170 (Republic), 111 Embraer E175 (SkyWest/Republic) . Code share airlines for Delta Airlines are: Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Europa, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM,, Vietnam Airlines, WestJet, Xiamen Airlines. Additionally, Delta has joint ventures with Air France–KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Aeromexico, Korean Air, LATAM and WestJet .

Delta Airlines serves 49 countries around the world on routes with flights to the United States .

• Airbus A319 (31J)
• Airbus A320 200 (32K)
• Airbus A320 200 (32M)
• Airbus A321
• Airbus A330 200 (332)
• Airbus A330 300 (333)
• Airbus A350 900
• Boeing B717 200
• Boeing B737 700 (73W)
• Boeing B737 800 (738)
• Boeing B737 900ER (739)
• Boeing B747 400
• Boeing B757 200 (757)
• Boeing B757 200 (75D)
• Boeing B757 200 (75G)
• Boeing B757 200 (75H)
• Boeing B757 200 (75P)
• Boeing B757 200 (75S)
• Boeing B757 300 (75Y)
• Boeing B767 300 (76Q-76P)
• Boeing B767 300ER (76L)
• Boeing B767 300ER (76T)
• Boeing B767 300ER (76Z V1)
• Boeing B767 300ER (76Z V2)
• Boeing B767 400ER (76D)
• Boeing B777 200ER
• Boeing B777 200LR
• Bombardier CRJ 100/200 (Endeavor/SkyWest)
• Bombardier CRJ 700
• Bombardier CRJ 700(RJ6)
• Bombardier CRJ 900
• Embraer E170
• Embraer E175 Compass
• Embraer E175 SC SkyWest
• Embraer E175 SkyWest/Republic
• McDonnell Douglas MD 88
• McDonnell Douglas MD 90
• Delta Airlines Airbus A220 100

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Seat 55c From New York - John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) To Los Angeles - Los Angeles International (LAX) Delta Air Lines info Covid Rules Baggage & carry-on Delta Air Lines seating maps Recent travel tips, top airlines. Delta Airlines Turkish Airlines United Airlines As featured on How Delta made itself America’s luxury airline — and what United wants to do about it Delta Air Lines  is the country’s most profitable airline. CEO Ed Bastian’s challenge is to make sure his carrier stays on top. The airline’s unit revenue, the amount it brings in for every seat it flies one mile,  outpaced  its competitors’ last year. Delta’s share price has soared almost 23% in 2024, more than any rival in the rocky airline   sector, in a rally that’s outdone the  S&P 500 ′s. It expects free cash flow to rise as much as 50% this year to between $3 billion and 4 billion, and is eyeing a return to an investment-grade credit rating. And a stat any traveler would appreciate: Delta came in first in punctuality last year, with more than 83% arriving on-time, according to the Transportation Department. Rival  United Airlines  — second to Delta in net profit margins — is circling. It says it could  grow   profits  even more this year. “Knowing that there’s someone that thinks that they can take that mantle from us, that keeps us on our toes and keeps us continuing to drive hard,” Bastian told CNBC. Delta has fashioned itself America’s premium airline. It has won over hordes of splurging travelers, many of them carrying  American Express  cards, Delta’s cash cow of a partner that generated almost $7 billion for the airline last year. Sales growth of Delta’s roomier and more expensive seats continues to outpace revenue from standard coach. As they vie for luxury flyers, both Delta and United have  added more high-end seating  to their planes to cater to travelers who deem worthwhile a $300 surcharge for a few inches of extra legroom on a cross-country round trip, or 10 times as much for a seat in business class. Bastian, a former auditor who said he took his first flight at age 25 for a business trip (New York to Chicago), is in charge of ensuring Delta lives up to its brand luster. More from CNBC Fed Governor Bowman says she’s still open to raising rates if inflation doesn’t improve EU charges Microsoft with ‘abusive’ bundling of Teams and Office, breaching antitrust rules Airbus shares fall 12% as company cuts 2024 guidance on targets, deliveries On Wednesday,  Delta will take its next shot  in the battle for high-spending flyers when it opens its newest,  highest tier of airport lounge  at John F. Kennedy International Airport for passengers in its Delta One cabin, its top product that features lie-flat beds for longer flights. At more than 39,000 square feet it will be Delta’s largest lounge, accented with pillows that have iconic zig-zag motif of Italian fashion house Missoni, its new amenity kit partner. It features complementary spa treatments, like ice globes and serum for jet-lagged eyes, along with showers, a full restaurant, and a deck overlooking the airfield, in a bet that travelers’ desire to treat themselves is here to stay. Delta is taking a page from the playbooks of United and  American , which  already dedicate their swankiest lounges  to customers flying in long-haul business class. Delta plans to open Delta One lounges in Boston and Los Angeles later this year, and is studying airports where it could open others. “The thing with this industry is no good idea goes uncopied,” said Raymond James airline analyst Savanthi Syth. Meanwhile, United is placing huge orders for new  Boeing  and Airbus planes and remodeling hundreds of narrow-body cabins that feature seatback screens and bluetooth technology, a strategy that aims to cater to travelers in international business class or on the cheapest basic economy tickets. “We haven’t exactly achieved the No. 1 profitability status in the industry, but I know we’re on our way,” United’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said in an interview last month. “If we continue to invest in our customers through great service and great products and great network, we know that will feed upon itself and it’ll help us achieve the financial results that we’re looking for.” The airlines and American are approaching their 100th birthdays, and are trying to stay ahead — if not drive — shifting travel demand and still turn a profit. United is adding to the more than 300 airports it serves. Figuring out the next hot destination is “part art” and “part science,” said Patrick Quayle, its head of network planning. The airline’s sprawling global network makes United the biggest U.S. airline by capacity and it recently launched service to places like Dubrovnik, Croatia and Amman, Jordan. Quayle pointed to United’s addition of Cape Town, South Africa, which it first announced before the pandemic, as a success. “Another airline has subsequently copied us. ... I might want to add based in Atlanta,” he said, alluding to Delta’s home city. The latest changes come at a difficult time for a lot U.S. airlines. Labor and other costs swelled after the pandemic, eating into margins despite  record numbers of travelers . Added capacity in the U.S. market has forced carriers to  discount fares  in off-peak travel periods. It’s tricky, and expensive, to change course. Even  Southwest Airlines  is facing  investor pressure  to add things like premium seating or  seat assignments  as its simple business model shows signs of age. Meanwhile, U.S. consumers are  growing more selective : Some corporate leaders have lamented a spending pullback while others, like Delta’s CEO, are saying the opposite. Americans are still digging into the so-called experiences economy, and paying for more comfort along the way, according to Bastian. “They may not be buying that new EV or that that new house, but they’re saying we’re going to go out and experience the world and invest in that experience,” he said. “And that’s why you see it happening in high-end concerts, high-end hospitality.” ‘Brick by brick’ When the U.S. was careening toward recession almost two decades ago, Delta’s leaders made a correct bet that travelers would eventually pay more to fly on its jets. Delta was emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2007, which other U.S. carriers found themselves in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Former CEO Richard Anderson said the airline had to start with basics: Stop losing bags. Make sure flights didn’t get canceled and arrived on time. Clean up the cabins. “It was about building the operation brick by brick,” said Anderson, who handed the reins to Delta’s former president, Bastian, in 2016. “It didn’t matter what you did with AmEx. If the flight canceled, you ruined your brand.” Delta took better care to avoid maintenance problems. It also started ferrying planes to airports to avoid cancellations if a replacement aircraft was needed. And the carrier tried to clean up its image, hiring a marketing firm that advised former President Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Anderson said the airline needed to be consistent and not fly its mix of paint jobs and cabin interiors. It faced fresh competition from low-cost airlines like a then-spritely upstart out of Queens, N.Y. called  JetBlue Airways . Delta and United had both launched their own low-cost subsidiaries, but they discontinued them. Delta executives knew they needed a brand to match if they were going to command a premium over competitors. “One of the things about being a premium product is consistency, consistency in policy, consistency in appearance,” said Anderson. “If you got on a flight in Tokyo we wanted you to feel like you were home.” After the string of changes, Delta’s performance improved. Corporate business travel contracts helped boost profits and still do, as business travel returns post-pandemic. Delta had a key advantage over competitors. After it came out of bankruptcy, it merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008, allowing it to stabilize and expand around the world while other carriers floundered. The rest of the industry spent much of the next decade recovering from bankruptcies and a subsequent musical chairs of mergers that  left four big carriers in control of about three-quarters of the U.S. domestic market . Delta’s rivals were years behind the carrier on integrating their merged staff, operations, networks and fleets. Bastian said the carrier’s focus on reliability has made life easier for not just its customers, but also its employees. “They’re not having to explain for a cancellation or mishandled luggage,” he said. “They have time to serve rather than to apologize.” Delta is also unique as the least unionized of the major U.S. airlines, at about 20%. In April, as campaigns were underway to organize its flight attendants and other workers, it again  raised worker pay . Flight attendants for Delta’s regional carrier Endeavor, which are unionized, have recently demanded compensation on par with the carrier’s mainline flight attendants. Time to remodel After Delta got the basics down, Bastian, 67, who joined Delta in 1998, said it was time for the airline to focus on more ambitious projects. “You had the liberty to start investing in premium,” he said. “You started to figure out how to to make first class more available to customers.” It has expanded in big-spending New York and Los Angeles, the country’s two largest air travel markets by revenue, according to aviation data firm OAG. Delta also built up its host of global alliances, joint ventures and minority ownership stakes, giving it more reach. That includes its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, which already had a strong foothold in premium air travel and popular lounges. “I think some of that heritage has made its way into the core of Delta,” said Virgin Atlantic’s CEO Shai Weiss. “I’m not suggesting we are the messiah for Delta, but there is no surprise that Delta and Virgin Atlantic see eye-to-eye on many things.” The vast majority of the more than 940 million people that flew on U.S. airlines last year fly in coach, and Delta has tried to make its flights more desirable travelers on all sections of the plane. It remodeled old and dated terminals, and built out its network of luxury airport lounges, which are tied to its lucrative credit card deal with American Express. It added seat-back televisions and better in-flight entertainment options, and in February 2023, it  announced  its long-awaited  free Wi-Fi  to customers enrolled in its SkyMiles frequent flyer program. Delta has invested more than $12 billion to rebuild and update its U.S. hubs with soaring ceilings, new technology and in some lounges, a signature scent. (“It’s proprietary,” said Claude Roussel, who oversees Delta’s lounges, when asked what was in it.) One of its latest efforts is its terminal and new Sky Club at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, alongside other airlines’ new terminals. A decade ago, then-Vice President Joe Biden famously said someone who was blindfolded and taken to that airport would think, “I must be in some third-world country.” The airline faced big problems along the way like a dayslong system outage in 2016. And the worst of all: Covid-19. Like other airlines, Delta accepted billions in federal aid to weather the pandemic. The carrier successfully urged some  17,000 workers to take buyouts , hiring newer, lower-paid staff that lacked the experience of departed employees. Early in the process, Bastian said the newer workers gave the company a “juniority benefit.” The airline employed about 100,000 people in the U.S. as of the end of last year. Delta and its competitors also pulled out of many small cities as the pandemic eased, isolating some smaller cities amid a shortage of regional jet pilots. But international travel has proved resilient so far, as consumers show they are willing to shell out on experiences. Luxury air travel? In the U.S.? Luxury air travel and the United States didn’t go together for many years — and   might not still, if you ask well-heeled globetrotters. U.S. airlines don’t offer on-board showers or  roomy suites  like those on the superjumbos flown by the likes of Etihad Airways or Singapore Airlines. But the U.S. air travel market, the world’s largest, has gotten a number of upgrades in recent years, and travelers have grown to expect the same convenience they get from their online shopping sites and ride-hailing and food-ordering apps. “Delta’s not bougie by any stretch, but when your competitors don’t try very hard, it doesn’t take much,” said Henry Harteveldt, a former airline executive and founder of Atmosphere Research Group. But as a rewards-credit card boom, strong consumer spending, social media envy and a wanderlust that predated the pandemic combined to boost demand, airlines executives were taking notice. Delta’s sales from premium products are growing faster than revenue from its main coach cabin, a trend the airline forecasts will continue. Sales from Delta’s loyalty business, premium cabins and other streams comprise more than half of the carrier’s revenue. Airlines have made big changes as they struggle to accommodate the big-spending travelers armed with elite status. Major carriers have all overhauled their frequent flyer programs to reward the biggest spenders instead of those that fly the most miles,   and made it harder to earn coveted elite status. And at Delta and other airlines, many of the perks for luxury flyers come through lounges. One of Delta’s Sky Clubs in Los Angeles International Airport offers a separate, dedicated security lane for customers flying Delta One, away from the masses at the airport. That feature will make it to the new JFK lounge later this year, a Delta spokesman said. United and American Airlines have also worked to glam up and expand their airport lounges, access to which is a common perk with credit cards. Delta  softened some restrictions  on Sky Club lounge access last year — which it made to end annoying and  unsightly long lines  to enter its exclusive airport real estate — after an uproar from customers. 'We’re constantly pushing each other' Both Delta and United have issued sunny financial forecasts for this year, while many carriers are losing money or not pulling in similar profit margins. “Watching [Delta] succeed, I became convinced that the product mattered and service mattered, and we have done that at United now,” United CEO Scott Kirby said at a JPMorgan industry conference in March. And at an investor conference last month, he pointed to how the two are pulling away from the rest of the pack in profitability, particularly at big hubs. United has made some big bets that paid off. It held onto its wide-body planes, when travel demand collapsed in the pandemic, and has benefitted from the surge in international travel. With United on Delta’s tail, Bastian is trying to expand the airline’s reach. Bastian has attended the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and has announced new partnerships with  Lyft  and  Starbucks  for its loyalty program. He says he can’t mystery shop on other carriers because he’s too recognizable, but said his team flies on competitors regularly to see what they can improve. “We don’t own the market rights to innovation in our industry,” he said. When asked what Delta can improve, Bastian threw kudos back to United for its detailed messages to travelers when there’s a disruption. “They’ve done some nice things with their app,” he said. “I still think ours is better, but ... they’ve done a nice job in terms their communications with their customers and how they manage trip interruptions.” Bastian added: “We’re constantly pushing each other.” Money Report How Delta made itself America's luxury airline — and what United wants to do about it By leslie josephs,cnbc • published june 25, 2024 • updated on june 25, 2024 at 12:12 pm. Delta started its journey to premium travel by fixing basics like on-time flights and reliable checked bag delivery. The airline is now the most profitable in the U.S. and expects to grow its cash flow this year to as much as $4 billion. United Airlines is also investing heavily in better cabins and technology to capture higher-paying travelers as it tries to take Delta's crown. Delta Air Lines is the country's most profitable airline. CEO Ed Bastian's challenge is to make sure his carrier stays on top. 24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are The airline's unit revenue, the amount it brings in for every seat it flies one mile, outpaced its competitors' last year. Delta's share price has soared almost 23% in 2024, more than any rival in the rocky airline sector, in a rally that's outdone the S&P 500 's. It expects free cash flow to rise as much as 50% this year to between $3 billion and $4 billion, and is eyeing a return to an investment-grade credit rating. And a stat any traveler would appreciate: Delta came in first in punctuality last year, with more than 83% of its flights arriving on time, according to the Transportation Department. Rival United Airlines — second to Delta in net profit margins — is circling. It says it could grow profit even more this year. "Knowing that there's someone that thinks that they can take that mantle from us, that keeps us on our toes and keeps us continuing to drive hard," Bastian told CNBC. Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters. Delta has fashioned itself as America's premium airline. It has won over hordes of splurging travelers, many of them carrying  American Express  cards, Delta's cash cow of a partner that generated almost $7 billion for the airline last year. Sales growth of Delta's roomier and more expensive seats continues to outpace revenue from standard coach. This Southeast Asian city is the world's most expensive for the super rich — Hong Kong comes second E-commerce firm Shopee admitted to violating competition law, agreed to adjust its practices, Indonesia says As they vie for luxury flyers, both Delta and United have added more high-end seating to their planes to cater to travelers who deem worthwhile a $300 surcharge for a few inches of extra legroom on a cross-country round trip, or 10 times as much for a seat in business class. Bastian, a former auditor who said he took his first flight at age 25 for a business trip (New York to Chicago), is in charge of ensuring Delta lives up to its brand luster. On Wednesday, Delta will take its next shot in the battle for high-spending flyers when it opens its newest, highest tier of airport lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport for passengers in its Delta One cabin, its top product that features lie-flat beds for longer flights. At more than 39,000 square feet it will be Delta's largest lounge, accented with pillows that have the iconic zigzag motif of Italian fashion house Missoni, its new amenity kit partner. It features complimentary spa treatments, like ice globes and serum for jet-lagged eyes, along with showers, a full restaurant, and a deck overlooking the airfield, in a bet that travelers' desire to treat themselves is here to stay. Delta is taking a page from the playbooks of United and American , which already dedicate their swankiest lounges to customers flying in long-haul business class. Delta plans to open Delta One lounges in Boston and Los Angeles later this year, and is studying airports where it could open others. "The thing with this industry is no good idea goes uncopied," said Raymond James airline analyst Savanthi Syth. Meanwhile, United is placing huge orders for new Boeing and Airbus planes and remodeling hundreds of narrow-body cabins that feature seatback screens and Bluetooth technology, a strategy that aims to cater to travelers in international business class or on the cheapest basic economy tickets. "We haven't exactly achieved the No. 1 profitability status in the industry, but I know we're on our way," United's chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, said in an interview last month. "If we continue to invest in our customers through great service and great products and great network, we know that will feed upon itself and it'll help us achieve the financial results that we're looking for." Delta, United and American are approaching their 100th birthdays, and are trying to stay ahead — if not drive — shifting travel demand and still turn a profit. United is adding to the more than 300 airports it serves. Figuring out the next hot destination is "part art" and "part science," said Patrick Quayle, its head of network planning. The airline's sprawling global network makes United the biggest U.S. airline by capacity and it recently launched service to places like Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Amman, Jordan. Quayle pointed to United's addition of Cape Town, South Africa, which it first announced before the pandemic, as a success. "Another airline has subsequently copied us. ... I might want to add based in Atlanta," he said, alluding to Delta's home city. The latest changes come at a difficult time for a lot of U.S. airlines. Labor and other costs swelled after the pandemic, eating into margins despite record numbers of travelers . Added capacity in the U.S. market has forced carriers to discount fares in off-peak travel periods. It's tricky, and expensive, to change course. Even Southwest Airlines is facing investor pressure to add things like premium seating or seat assignments as its simple business model shows signs of age. Meanwhile, U.S. consumers are growing more selective : Some corporate leaders have lamented a spending pullback while others, like Delta's CEO, are saying the opposite. Americans are still digging into the so-called experiences economy, and paying for more comfort along the way, according to Bastian. "They may not be buying that new EV or that new house, but they're saying we're going to go out and experience the world and invest in that experience," he said. "And that's why you see it happening in high-end concerts, high-end hospitality." 'Brick by brick' When the U.S. was careening toward recession almost two decades ago, Delta's leaders made a correct bet that travelers would eventually pay more to fly on its jets. Delta was emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2007, which other U.S. carriers found themselves in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Former CEO Richard Anderson said the airline had to start with basics: stop losing bags. Make sure flights didn't get canceled and arrived on time. Clean up the cabins. "It was about building the operation brick by brick," said Anderson, who handed the reins to Delta's former president, Bastian, in 2016. "It didn't matter what you did with AmEx. If the flight canceled, you ruined your brand." Delta took better care to avoid maintenance problems. It also started ferrying planes to airports to avoid cancellations if a replacement aircraft was needed. And the carrier tried to clean up its image, hiring a marketing firm that advised former President Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Anderson said the airline needed to be consistent and not fly its mix of paint jobs and cabin interiors. It faced fresh competition from low-cost airlines like a then-spritely upstart out of Queens, New York, called JetBlue Airways . Delta and United had both launched their own low-cost subsidiaries, but they discontinued them. Delta executives knew they needed a brand to match if they were going to command a premium over competitors. "One of the things about being a premium product is consistency, consistency in policy, consistency in appearance," said Anderson. "If you got on a flight in Tokyo we wanted you to feel like you were home." After the string of changes, Delta's performance improved. Corporate business travel contracts helped boost profits and still do, as business travel returns post-pandemic. Delta had a key advantage over competitors. After it came out of bankruptcy, it merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008, allowing it to stabilize and expand around the world while other carriers floundered. The rest of the industry spent much of the next decade recovering from bankruptcies and a subsequent musical chairs of mergers that left four big carriers in control of about three-quarters of the U.S. domestic market . Delta's rivals were years behind the carrier on integrating their merged staff, operations, networks and fleets. Bastian said Delta's focus on reliability has made life easier for not just its customers, but also its employees. "They're not having to explain for a cancellation or mishandled luggage," he said. "They have time to serve rather than to apologize." Delta is also unique as the least unionized of the major U.S. airlines, at about 20%. In April, as campaigns were underway to organize its flight attendants and other workers, it again raised worker pay . Flight attendants for Delta's regional carrier, Endeavor, which are unionized, have recently demanded compensation on par with the carrier's mainline flight attendants. Time to remodel After Delta got the basics down, Bastian, 67, who joined Delta in 1998, said it was time for the airline to focus on more ambitious projects. "You had the liberty to start investing in premium," he said. "You started to figure out how to make first class more available to customers." It has expanded in big-spending New York and Los Angeles, the country's two largest air travel markets by revenue, according to aviation data firm OAG. Delta also built up its host of global alliances, joint ventures and minority ownership stakes, giving it more reach. That includes its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, which already had a strong foothold in premium air travel and popular lounges. "I think some of that heritage has made its way into the core of Delta," said Virgin Atlantic's CEO, Shai Weiss. "I'm not suggesting we are the messiah for Delta, but there is no surprise that Delta and Virgin Atlantic see eye to eye on many things." The vast majority of the more than 940 million people who flew on U.S. airlines last year fly in coach, and Delta has tried to make its flights more desirable to travelers on all sections of the plane. It remodeled old and dated terminals, and built out its network of luxury airport lounges, which are tied to its lucrative credit card deal with American Express. It added seatback televisions and better in-flight entertainment options, and in February 2023, it announced its long-awaited free Wi-Fi to customers enrolled in its SkyMiles frequent flyer program. Delta has invested more than $12 billion to rebuild and update its U.S. hubs with soaring ceilings, new technology and in some lounges, a signature scent. ("It's proprietary," said Claude Roussel, who oversees Delta's lounges, when asked what was in it.) One of its latest efforts is its terminal and new Sky Club at New York's LaGuardia Airport, alongside other airlines' new terminals. A decade ago, then-Vice President Joe Biden famously said someone who was blindfolded and taken to that airport would think, "I must be in some third-world country." The airline faced big problems along the way like a dayslong system outage in 2016. And the worst of all: Covid-19. Like other airlines, Delta accepted billions in federal aid to weather the pandemic. The carrier successfully urged some 17,000 workers to take buyouts , hiring newer, lower-paid staff who lacked the experience of departed employees. Early in the process, Bastian said the newer workers gave the company a "juniority benefit." The airline employed about 100,000 people in the U.S. as of the end of last year. Delta and its competitors also pulled out of many small cities as the pandemic eased, isolating some smaller cities amid a shortage of regional jet pilots. But international travel has proved resilient so far, as consumers show they are willing to shell out on experiences. Luxury air travel? In the U.S.? Luxury air travel and the United States didn't go together for many years — and might not still, if you ask well-heeled globetrotters. U.S. airlines don't offer on-board showers or roomy suites like those on the superjumbos flown by the likes of Etihad Airways or Singapore Airlines. But the U.S. air travel market, the world's largest, has gotten a number of upgrades in recent years, and travelers have grown to expect the same convenience they get from their online shopping sites and ride-hailing and food-ordering apps. "Delta's not bougie by any stretch, but when your competitors don't try very hard, it doesn't take much," said Henry Harteveldt, a former airline executive and founder of Atmosphere Research Group. But as a rewards credit card boom, strong consumer spending, social media envy and a wanderlust that predated the pandemic combined to boost demand, airlines executives were taking notice. Delta's sales from premium products are growing faster than revenue from its main coach cabin, a trend the airline forecasts will continue. Sales from Delta's loyalty business, premium cabins and other streams comprise more than half of the carrier's revenue. Airlines have made big changes as they struggle to accommodate the big-spending travelers armed with elite status. Major carriers have all overhauled their frequent flyer programs to reward the biggest spenders instead of those who fly the most miles, and made it harder to earn coveted elite status. And at Delta and other airlines, many of the perks for luxury flyers come through lounges. One of Delta's Sky Clubs at Los Angeles International Airport offers a separate, dedicated security lane for customers flying Delta One, away from the masses at the airport. That feature will make it to the new JFK lounge later this year, a Delta spokesman said. United and American Airlines have also worked to glam up and expand their airport lounges, access to which is a common perk with credit cards. Delta softened some restrictions on Sky Club lounge access last year — which it made to end annoying and unsightly long lines to enter its exclusive airport real estate — after an uproar from customers. 'We're constantly pushing each other" Both Delta and United have issued sunny financial forecasts for this year, while many carriers are losing money or not pulling in similar profit margins. "Watching [Delta] succeed, I became convinced that the product mattered and service mattered, and we have done that at United now," United CEO Scott Kirby said at a JPMorgan industry conference in March. And at an investor conference last month, he pointed to how the two are pulling away from the rest of the pack in profitability, particularly at big hubs. United has made some big bets that paid off. It held onto its wide-body planes, when travel demand collapsed in the pandemic, and has benefited from the surge in international travel. With United on Delta's tail, Bastian is trying to expand the airline's reach. Bastian has attended the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and has announced new partnerships with Lyft and Starbucks for its loyalty program. He says he can't mystery shop on other carriers because he's too recognizable, but said his team flies on competitors regularly to see what they can improve. "We don't own the market rights to innovation in our industry," he said. When asked what Delta can improve, Bastian threw kudos back to United for its detailed messages to travelers when there's a disruption. "They've done some nice things with their app," he said. "I still think ours is better, but ... they've done a nice job in terms their communications with their customers and how they manage trip interruptions." Bastian added: "We're constantly pushing each other." These Nasdaq stocks are expected to fall as the latter half of the year begins Fundstrat’s Tom Lee keeps making bold stock calls — and nailing them Nvidia made chart history that could mark the stock’s top, says BTIG S&P 500 levels to watch if troubling chart patterns in Nvidia and other tech mean a sell-off is near Also on CNBC These are the world’s best airlines — including a new number one Alaska Airlines, flight attendants reach 'record' tentative labor deal Watch Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun testify before Senate panel This article tagged under: I take dozens of flights a year as an airline reporter. I always go for the aisle seat — even if it costs extra money I used to not care about where I sat on an airplane, but I'll pay extra for the aisle these days. I want the freedom to move around and the openness helps with claustrophobia on long flights. I've been asked before to give up a seat I paid for to accommodate other people, but I rarely do. I've spent years traversing the world trying out different airline economy cabins , from premium carriers like Delta Air Lines and All Nippon Airways to budget ones like Norse Atlantic Airways and Spirit Airlines. As an aviation enthusiast with an itch to just be on a plane , I rarely went out of my way to book a specific seat. Plus, my younger self was extremely frugal , so I didn't really care so long as it was cheap — even if meant sitting in the middle. Now that I'm only a year away from 30 with a little more fun money, however, I've gotten picky about where I sit. Many times, to the shock of friends and family who assume I'd prefer the window for the view (I used to), my preference these days is actually the aisle seat, especially on long-haul journeys. For example, earlier this year, I paid about $100 to snag aisle seats on Finnair flights between New York and Helsinki . I also shelled out $50 to reserve an aisle seat on Air India in January and a cheaper $20 for a transatlantic flight on Norse Atlantic Airways coming up in August. There are times when I won't pay for a seat. Review purposes for my job as an aviation reporter testing my luck with basic economy , for example, or flights shorter than two hours. Still, it's worth it to me to splurge in most cases. I want the freedom to move about the cabin whenever The reason I'll pay extra for the aisle seat is two-fold. One, I don't like not having immediate access to things. I'll admit I'm a little bit of a control freak, for better or for worse. So, being unable to get up and stretch my legs or use the bathroom whenever I want — when there isn't turbulence, of course — is not my idea of a stress-free journey. The second issue snuck up on me in the past year. Related stories After a decade of adventuring without fear of most things , I've developed a little bit of claustrophobia when flying. I realized this after opting for the window on a few ultra-long-haul journeys last year, thinking I'd maybe sleep easier. However, the tightness made it more difficult. The aisle seat lets me stretch an arm or leg out when needed, giving me just enough wiggle room. Being self-aware of all this, it just makes sense to pay extra for an aisle rather than make my personal needs anybody else's problem. I'm also a people pleaser, so there's no way I'm disrupting my neighbors to let me out from the window seat unless it's an absolute emergency. I know my preference is debatable. Some people complain about the aisle because of things like the galley cart hitting the seat, a lack of privacy, and difficulty sleeping because they prefer to lean against the fuselage wall. Personally, none of this bothers me. I can sleep as long as I have a headrest, and I'm a heavy sleeper who doesn't wake up to noise or a sudden jolt. There are times when I wish I had a window seat, like when my Air India flight was flying over the Himalayas , and I couldn't see out from the center section. Fortunately, a fellow traveler let me lean over for a photo. Win-win. I'll almost only switch seats if it's an aisle for an aisle There is ongoing debate about whether people should switch their seats for a party that wants to sit together on a flight, like families or couples. I've always been in the camp that if you didn't plan ahead and got assigned separate seats and then need the one I paid for , then that isn't my problem. I paid for my aisle seat for a reason, so I'm within my right to say no. However, I will consider switching if I'm offered another aisle or if it's an exit row seat where I can get up without disrupting anyone . But that typically isn't the case. I recently flew Ryanair, and a couple wanted to sit together, asking me to switch my aisle for a middle seat — no thanks. But I'm not a total monster. If it's a medical reason, then I'll switch, or an actual child scared to sit away from their parents. For instance, I had a situation in which a woman who didn't select seats in advance was separated from her young son. It was an aisle for an aisle, but I ended up in the very back of the plane. Another time, a plane swap changed the seating of an entire family, and I switched out my aisle for the dad's window. I wasn't thrilled in either case, but I figured it could send some good karma my way. Watch: What first, business, and premium economy classes are like on Singapore Airlines ft. MrBeast Main content At the heart of the contactless ecosystem since 2008 Contactless World Congress NFCW Knowledge Centre Featured partners About our partners Apple brings Tap to Pay on iPhone to Germany European Central Bank sets out business model for digital euro Delta Air Lines rolls out Tap to Pay on iPhone across its US fleet Contactless payment transaction values to double by 2029 EU to agree to Apple’s open NFC proposal “in next few weeks” Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone softPOS technology is now live on all Delta Air Lines US domestic flights, enabling flight attendants to use standard iPhones to accept contactless payments from passengers for snack, premium beverage and other onboard items. “With the introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone, Delta flight attendants can now bypass the hassle of managing a separate card reader, which often comes with challenges such as maintaining a charge and ensuring connectivity,” payments processor Elavon explains. “Now, they can leverage airline-issued iPhones that they’re already using for other business uses like checking seat assignments and providing upgrades, to now facilitate secure, seamless, and effortless payments from travelers, enhancing the overall customer experience.” Next: Visit the NFCW Expo to find new suppliers and solutions 338 COMMENTS Seats Help Using the My Trips seat map or the offers presented on the Trip Details page, you can select a seat and pay to upgrade your trip to Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, First Class or Delta Comfort+® on eligible flights within the U.S. and Canada, from the U.S. to international destinations and on most exit-international flights to the U.S. after purchasing a ticket.* Delta Seat Selection: What You Need to Know Here's a look at Delta seat assignments, how Delta Air Lines' seating system works and the costs of choosing a seat. » Learn more: The best airline credit cards. How Delta seat selection works. Main Cabin On international routes, you'll enjoy a complimentary meal in Main Cabin. With every meal on long-haul international flights, enjoy complimentary beer, wine and spirits. To better serve all passengers, Delta is proud to offer 11 special meals. Find gluten-free meals, vegan and vegetarian meals and meals that adhere to religious requirements. Basic Economy The seat selection fee is per seat, per flight segment and is subject to availability. At this time, seat assignment purchase is only available for wholly domestic flights. Aircraft and seat features differ according to flight type/destination/aircraft. Please note that any fees paid for a seat assignment are non-refundable, non-transferable ... How You Can Still Pick a Seat with a Delta Basic Economy Fare Option #1 to Pick a Seat: Pay Up. For years, Delta hasn't allowed basic economy flyers to pick a seat in advance. The airline's own policies and warnings make clear it's not possible. But that's not exactly true. Delta generally allows basic economy passengers to pick a seat starting seven days before departure - for a fee. How does seat selection work on Delta? Demystifying Delta's Seat Selection Process • Delta Seat Selection • Learn how to select your ideal seat on Delta Airlines and maximize your comfort and conv... Aircraft Overview Visit delta.com to learn more. Our aircraft offer a variety of signature products and experiences unlike anything else in the sky. ... seat maps, child seat fit guides, amenities, and more for Delta and Delta Connection® Carriers. Airbus. Boeing. Bombardier. Embraer. Airbus A350. Airbus Fleet. Airbus A220-100 (221) Airbus A220-300 (223) ... Seat Selection Terms & Conditions General Conditions of Purchase. Delta & Delta Connection Operated Flights. This product is nonrefundable and nonchangeable. If a customer voluntarily changes his/her flight or seat selection once purchased, no refund for the original purchase will be provided and no MQDs will be awarded. We reserve the right to assign or reassign your upgraded ... SEAT MAP View, select or change your seat in our seat map Boeing 737-800 Seat Maps, Specs & Amenities CHILD SEAT FIT GUIDE Aircraft seat width min-max. 20.5 in ... DELTA COMFORT+. PREFERRED. MAIN CABIN. Aircraft Specifications. CRUISING SPEED 525 mph (844 km/h) RANGE 2,835 miles (4,563 km) ENGINES 2 Turbofans (wing mounted) WINGSPAN 117 ft 5 in (35.79 m) TAIL HEIGHT 41 ft 2 in (12.55 m) Guide to airline family seating policies Delta Air Lines. All but one of Delta's fare types allow you to select your seats when you purchase your tickets. ... Seat assignments start at $5 per person per segment and vary by route and seat location in the aircraft. You can purchase your seat assignment when you book your flight, during check-in or anytime in between. ... SeatGuru Seat Map Delta For your next Delta flight, use this seating chart to get the most comfortable seats, legroom, and recline on . Seat Maps; Airlines; Cheap Flights; Comparison Charts ... Airlines > Delta > Planes & Seat Maps > Delta Seat Maps. Overview; Planes & Seat Maps. Airbus A220-100 (CS1) Airbus A319 (319) Airbus A320 (32K) Layout 1; Delta Seat Selection Delta Airlines Seat Selection — Find the most comfortable seats on Delta Airlines ️ Complete review of the seating chart and service classes ... Delta Air Lines started in 1925 as a crop dusting service but evolved to become one of the top airlines in the US. Having operated for longer than most others, it's no surprise that it has racked ... Delta Basic Economy: Everything You Need to Know & How to Beat It Like most airlines, Delta gives you the chance to pay for a seat assignment if you want to avoid that dreaded middle seat. We've seen Delta Basic Economy seat assignments on domestic flights as cheap as $19 each way - or as much as $59. But there's another, little-known way to potentially get a seat for free with Delta Basic Economy. How to survive basic economy on Delta Air Lines Delta has three types of economy fares: Comfort+, Main Cabin and basic economy. Basic economy provides a lower-priced fare but places restrictions or fees on seat assignment, upgrades, changes and — for some destinations — checked baggage. Also, since early 2022, basic economy flights no longer earn Delta miles. Other Seating Information Flat-bed seats are available in the front cabin on select Delta Mainline Aircraft. Flat-bed seats recline to a fully-flat, 76-82 inch long bed. The following aircraft are equipped with flat-bed seats: A330-200 & A330-300. A330-900 (Flat Bed Suite) A350 (Flat Bed Suite) B757-200 ER (75S, only) What to Do When an Airline Changes Your Seat Delta's contract of carriage states: "Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping ... Delta now has 'dynamic' seat maps that automatically block rows for Delta's "dynamic seat-map algorithm," as the airline calls it, first started rolling out quietly in 2019 and now uses historical booking and seat assignment data to determine how many rows to hold back on a given flight. For instance, a search for flights between New York and Fort Lauderdale — a leisure-heavy route — shows that the airline ... Seat "assigned at gate" : r/delta Basic economy seats are assigned usually some point between 30-60 minutes prior to departure. The gate opens around 60 minutes prior which is when the agent will start working on assigning seats. Going to the gate any earlier than that isn't worth your time. The assignment will show in your app and on the gate screens. Preferred Seating Preferred Seating. Delta allows our most valued customers access to preferential advance seat assignments. This service is called Preferred Seating ("P" seats). Preferred Seating is offered on Delta and Delta Connection® flights, subject to availability. Please note: Select seats may be reassigned to passengers with certain categories of ... Seat assignments when no available seats showing on DL website Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles - Seat assignments when no available seats showing on DL website - I've recently purchased two Delta, economy class tickets that include an LAX-SJO segment. I've been able to select seats for both passengers on all segments, except for this one, which shows no seats available for selection, Delta Air Lines Seat Maps Delta Airlines is a national regular airline that was founded in 1924 in the United States. Delta Airlines fleet consists of 776 aircraft with 337 Airbus aircraft and 439 Boeing aircraft. Additionally, 401 aircraft are operated by regional carriers on behalf of Delta Air Lines: 80 Bombardier CRJ 200 (Endeavor/SkyWest), 24 Bombardier CRJ 700 ... How Do You Get an ITA Seat Assignment on a Segment? Posts: 6,367. The general answer to this question is go to the operating carrier and try to pull up the ticket via the e-ticket number or other info, but NOT the confirmation number as that will not work. As an aside, I would always use the operating carrier website to check my seat assignments ( and even the ticket itself. Why Airlines Board Planes Front to Back But the last zone (Zone 6 on United, Zone 8 on Delta, and Zone 9 on American Airlines, in case you're wondering) is for passengers who booked basic economy tickets, and these seats are assigned at ... How Delta made itself America's luxury airline As they vie for luxury flyers, both Delta and United have added more high-end seating to their planes to cater to travelers who deem worthwhile a $300 surcharge for a few inches of extra legroom. How Delta made itself America's luxury airline The airline's unit revenue, the amount it brings in for every seat it flies one mile, outpaced its competitors' last year. Delta's share price has soared almost 23% in 2024, more than any rival in ... Your first look at the swanky new Delta One Lounge at JFK The Assignment with Audie Cornish ... Delta Air Lines is opening its first Delta One Lounge tomorrow, June 26, 2024, at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). ... Seating at the ... I Prefer the Aisle Seat on Airplanes and I'm Willing to Pay Extra For example, earlier this year, I paid about $100 to snag aisle seats on Finnair flights between New York and Helsinki.I also shelled out $50 to reserve an aisle seat on Air India in January and a ... Delta Air Lines rolls out Tap to Pay on iPhone across its US fleet "With the introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone, Delta flight attendants can now bypass the hassle of managing a separate card reader, which often comes with challenges such as maintaining a charge and ensuring connectivity," payments processor Elavon explains. "Now, they can leverage airline-issued iPhones that they're already using for other business uses like checking seat ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis