Review of Delta Premium Economy

Delta Air Lines’ Premium Select cabin bridges the gap between standard economy and the exclusive Delta One business class, offering discerning travelers a refined experience at a moderate price point. Premium Select features enhanced seating, upgraded culinary offerings, and priority services, making it an attractive choice for those seeking extra comfort and amenities without the cost of a lie-flat seat. While Premium Select seats do not fully recline, they provide a superior space for productivity or relaxation, particularly on transoceanic journeys. 

This cabin is available exclusively on Delta’s long-haul international network. Although some domestic widebody flights operated by Delta use aircraft equipped with Premium Select seats, the full suite of amenities and enhanced service is reserved for international itineraries. For global travelers, Premium Select is a compelling mid-tier option, drawing those who wish to avoid the constraints of standard economy. 

Delta’s extensive U.S. and international network spans six continents, and the airline continues to invest in premium customer experiences. Delta’s loyal following is bolstered by its robust SkyMiles program and its position as a SkyTeam founding member. 

As part of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta enables passengers to accrue and redeem miles on partner carriers such as KLM, Air France, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, LATAM, and others. Codeshare agreements make it possible to book itineraries across multiple SkyTeam airlines on a single ticket. Elite Plus members from SkyTeam partners enjoy special privileges when flying with Delta, including select benefits in Premium Select and economy cabins.

Travelers booked in Premium Select benefit from Sky Priority privileges, including expedited check-in and priority boarding lanes, but access to Delta Sky Club lounges is not automatically included. 

Following the 2024 updates to Delta’s Sky Club access policies, entry is now reserved for Delta Premium Select passengers on international itineraries who also hold Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion status. This exclusivity enhances the airport experience for eligible travelers, while others may wish to purchase access or hold a qualifying credit card. 

Delta continues to invest in its Sky Club network, with recent openings and expansions at key hubs including New York LaGuardia, LAX, Chicago O’Hare, Kansas City, and Tokyo Haneda. Existing lounges offer seasonal chef-curated fare, premium wines and spirits, complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and—at select locations—luxurious shower suites.  

Premium Select guests enjoy a streamlined airport journey thanks to priority lanes, though early arrival is not necessary as lounge access is not standard. Fast-track boarding ensures you are among the first to settle in or disembark at your destination. 

Each Premium Select ticket allows two complimentary checked bags (up to 23 kg each), one carry-on, and a personal item, subject to size requirements.

Delta’s long-haul fleet, including the Airbus A330 and A350, as well as Boeing 767-300/400 aircraft, features Premium Select cabins strategically positioned between Delta One and Comfort+ sections for a more private ambiance.

On the flagship A350, Premium Select offers 48 spacious seats with generous 38-inch (97 cm) pitch and 18.5-inch (47 cm) width, arranged in a 2-4-2 layout across six rows. The A330-900neo maintains identical seat dimensions but is configured in a 2-3-2 arrangement over four rows, while A330-300 and -200 aircraft house a more intimate three-row cabin.

The Boeing 767-300ER provides 18 seats across three rows in a 2-2-2 setup, offering slightly wider seats at 19 inches (48 cm), while the 767-400ER features 20 seats in four staggered rows. Regardless of aircraft, window and middle seat passengers must cross over their neighbor to reach the aisle, but bulkhead seats provide extra legroom and easier access.

Our experience confirmed that the memory foam seats surpass standard economy with additional width, enhanced cushioning, and deeper recline, complemented by a fold-out footrest for a cradle-like seating position. This is especially beneficial for daytime flights, though not a substitute for a true flatbed when rest is paramount.

Each seat is equipped with a plush pillow, oversized blanket, and ample storage, including a seat pocket, water bottle holder, and small side compartment for books or electronics. Wide armrests offer space for drinks and improved elbow room, and every seat is fitted with power and USB charging ports.

Premium Select should be viewed as a premium upgrade from economy rather than a pared-back version of Delta One. One drawback is the absence of a dedicated lavatory, requiring passengers to use facilities shared with economy.

Delta Comfort+ seats, available for an additional fee or as complimentary upgrades for SkyMiles elites, offer extra legroom but do not match the amenities, service, or exclusivity of Premium Select.

The Businessclass flight search tool provides photos, videos, and seat maps for most aircraft, including seat pitch, width, and recline details—helping you select the perfect seat for your journey.

The Premium Select dining experience is thoughtfully elevated above economy, though it does not reach the culinary heights of Delta One. Menus, available in print and via QR code, outline a rotating selection of globally inspired dishes and beverages. Every meal service begins with a warm Grown Alchemist oshibori scented with vanilla and orange, setting a refined tone. Table settings feature linen-draped trays, metal utensils, cloth napkins, and a starter with your choice of beverage. 

Meals are presented on sustainable tableware crafted for Delta, with entrees served in eco-friendly containers made of bagasse fiber. While not plated, the presentation is clean and modern.

Travelers can choose from two main courses on each route, always including a vegetarian selection. Typical options range from roasted chicken or guinea fowl to seasonal vegetable risotto, wild mushroom tortelloni, or a hearty tagine. Desserts may include artisanal ice cream or a gourmet pastry.

Pre-landing snacks are tailored to the route and time of day, often featuring both sweet and savory bites. On morning arrivals, expect a warm breakfast sandwich, fresh fruit, and a choice of coffee, tea, or juice. A signature Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate bar is a delightful treat before landing.

Passengers with dietary needs can pre-order from an extensive selection of eleven special meals—vegetarian, low-calorie, kosher, and more—using Delta’s website or mobile app.

Shortly after takeoff, Premium Select guests are offered printed menus and a welcome drink—choose from Mionetto Prosecco or sparkling water—accompanied by a savory “bubbles and bites” snack. Throughout the journey, guests over 21 can enjoy a curated selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages, including a refined wine list, craft beers, Tip Top canned cocktails, Du Nord Social Spirits, and a variety of hot and cold soft drinks, including Starbucks coffee. Cold beverages with meal service are served in elegant glassware for an elevated touch.  

Delta’s warm, attentive service is a hallmark of the Premium Select experience. The airline’s flight attendants—renowned for their approachable professionalism—deliver a consistently high level of care, with Premium Select cabins benefitting from dedicated crew members. This ensures faster, more personalized service compared to economy, with more opportunities for meaningful interactions throughout the flight. 

The Premium Select team is attentive to guest needs, checking in regularly and responding promptly to requests. This service culture has earned Delta frequent accolades as one of North America’s most hospitable airlines, as reflected in industry awards and passenger feedback. 

Delta’s latest uniform redesign, developed in partnership with GAP and informed by feedback from over 20,000 employees, is scheduled to debut in 2025. The new collection features classic navy, burgundy, and striking red accents, echoing Delta’s heritage and commitment to style and comfort for its crew.

Premium Select passengers enjoy 13.3-inch (33.8 cm) high-definition touchscreens—larger than those in economy—loaded with Delta Studio’s library of 1,000+ hours of movies, TV series, podcasts, and music. Up to 18 live satellite TV channels are available, and programming is offered in multiple languages. Noise-canceling headphones are provided at every seat before departure for an immersive experience.

All international flights feature a real-time moving map, and the A330-900neo offers an advanced flight tracking system. As of 2025, Delta offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to all passengers on both domestic and most international flights, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile that has rolled out global connectivity across the fleet.

The Businessclass flight search tool displays detailed Wi-Fi and entertainment options for each route.

Premium Select travelers receive thoughtfully curated amenity kits designed in collaboration with Mexican brand Something Somewhere. These eco-friendly kits include Delta-branded socks, a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, eye mask, and Grown Alchemist botanical skincare products, such as vanilla-watermelon lip balm and vanilla-orange moisturizer. Each kit features a QR code linking to the artisan who crafted it—a meaningful, sustainable touch. Guests also receive a memory foam pillow and a soft blanket made from recycled fibers. 

Families flying with infants can request a SkyCot bassinet at no additional charge by contacting Delta Reservations before travel. These bassinets are available at select seats and are suitable for babies up to 9 kg (20 lbs) and 66 cm (26 in) in length.

Delta Premium Select is reserved for long-haul international routes and is not offered on domestic or short- to medium-haul international flights. Even when aircraft equipped with Premium Select seats operate shorter routes, the full suite of amenities and service is not provided outside designated long-haul sectors.

Delta Air Lines is recognized as a North American leader in sustainability, pioneering onboard recycling programs since the 1990s and actively reducing single-use plastics. The airline’s partnerships extend to eco-friendly initiatives, from biodegradable dinnerware to artisan-made amenity kits using locally sourced materials. 

Delta is committed to using 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, a target that places it at the forefront of industry innovation. 

The airline also invests in local communities, supporting nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity, with Delta team members contributing time and resources to build homes across the U.S. and abroad. 

On the operational side, Delta’s ongoing fleet enhancements—such as retrofitting aircraft with split-scimitar winglets—are projected to save over 3.3 million gallons of fuel annually, underscoring its dedication to reducing emissions.

The Businessclass flight search provides CO2 emissions data for each journey, and our rating system prioritizes flights operated by the latest and most sustainable aircraft types.

• Superior comfort compared to economy, with wider, more supportive seats and increased legroom, plus enhanced amenities
• Strong focus on sustainability, from recycled blankets to eco-friendly dining and amenity kits
• SkyTeam alliance participation enables earning and redeeming miles across a broad network of global partners

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