What Is Delta Premium Select

Ever found yourself crammed in economy, dreaming of just a little extra legroom and maybe a more comfortable seat on that long-haul flight? You're not alone. For many travelers, the thought of enduring hours in a standard economy seat is enough to make them consider alternatives. This is where Delta Premium Select comes into play, offering a compelling middle ground between the economy cabin and the luxury of Delta One. Understanding what Delta Premium Select is can significantly impact your travel experience, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable journey, especially on longer routes.

Choosing the right class of service can dramatically affect your overall travel satisfaction. Delta Premium Select is designed to bridge the gap, providing enhanced amenities and services without the hefty price tag of a first-class ticket. This makes it an attractive option for those who prioritize comfort and a slightly elevated experience, but are mindful of their budget. Knowing the specifics of this class of service empowers you to make informed decisions and potentially upgrade your next journey.

What perks can I expect with Delta Premium Select?

What exactly is Delta Premium Select, and how is it different from other Delta classes?

Delta Premium Select is Delta Air Lines' premium economy cabin, positioned between Delta Comfort+ and Delta One. It offers a superior travel experience compared to the main cabin options with wider seats, increased recline, adjustable headrests and footrests, upgraded entertainment systems, complimentary premium food and beverage service, and priority boarding.

Delta Premium Select aims to bridge the gap between the standard economy experience and the luxury of Delta One. The primary difference lies in the physical seat and the enhanced service. Unlike Delta Comfort+, which offers just a bit more legroom, Premium Select provides significantly wider seats, often with more padding and a deeper recline, creating a more comfortable environment for longer flights. The legroom is also substantially greater than in Comfort+, allowing for more personal space. The service in Premium Select includes elevated dining with plated meals on proper serviceware, including alcoholic beverages. Passengers also receive amenity kits stocked with travel essentials. Priority boarding (Sky Priority) and expedited baggage handling further contribute to a smoother overall travel experience. While not fully lie-flat like Delta One, the enhanced seat and service make Delta Premium Select an attractive option for travelers seeking more comfort without paying for a business class fare.

What are the specific benefits of flying Delta Premium Select, like seat size and amenities?

Delta Premium Select offers a significantly enhanced travel experience compared to Main Cabin, bridging the gap between Economy and Delta One. The key benefits revolve around more spacious seating, upgraded amenities, and elevated service, resulting in a more comfortable and relaxing journey. Passengers can expect wider seats with increased recline, adjustable headrests and footrests, and a more generous pitch (legroom).

Delta's Premium Select cabin aims to provide a higher level of comfort during long-haul flights. Beyond the seat itself, passengers benefit from enhanced amenities designed to elevate the overall experience. These often include amenity kits containing items like eyeshades, earplugs, and lip balm, as well as upgraded blankets and pillows for added comfort during the flight. Noise-canceling headphones are typically provided for use during the flight, allowing passengers to enjoy the in-flight entertainment system without distractions. Furthermore, Delta Premium Select passengers often receive priority boarding, allowing them to settle into their seats and stow their luggage before the general boarding process begins. During the flight, they can expect enhanced meal service with more elaborate menu options and complimentary alcoholic beverages. These additional perks contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience, making Delta Premium Select a popular choice for travelers seeking extra comfort and convenience without the premium price tag of a fully lie-flat business class seat.

How much more does a Delta Premium Select ticket typically cost compared to Main Cabin?

A Delta Premium Select ticket typically costs anywhere from 50% to 200% more than a Main Cabin ticket, depending on the route, time of year, and demand. This significant price difference reflects the enhanced amenities and comfort offered in Premium Select.

The exact cost difference can vary widely. For example, a popular route during peak travel season might see Premium Select fares triple or even quadruple the Main Cabin price. Conversely, a less popular route during the off-season could have a Premium Select fare only 50% higher. It's always best to compare specific flight options on Delta's website or through a travel agency to get an accurate understanding of the price difference for your desired itinerary. Keep in mind that dynamic pricing means prices fluctuate constantly, so what you see today may change tomorrow. Several factors contribute to the higher price. Premium Select offers wider seats with more legroom, adjustable headrests and footrests, upgraded meals, complimentary alcoholic beverages, priority boarding, and amenity kits. These enhancements provide a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, justifying the additional cost for many travelers.

On which routes and aircraft is Delta Premium Select usually available?

Delta Premium Select, Delta's premium economy cabin, is primarily offered on long-haul international routes and select longer domestic routes operated by wide-body aircraft. These routes typically connect major U.S. hubs with destinations in Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia.

Delta strategically deploys Premium Select on routes where there's sufficient demand for a cabin positioned between Main Cabin and Delta One. This allows them to capture travelers seeking enhanced comfort and amenities without the higher price point of a business class ticket. The specific routes can change based on seasonal demand and aircraft availability. To confirm availability on a particular flight, it is always best to check directly with Delta Air Lines during the booking process. The aircraft typically featuring Delta Premium Select include: * Airbus A350-900 * Airbus A330-900neo * Boeing 767-400ER (on select routes following reconfiguration) * Boeing 767-300ER (on select routes following reconfiguration)

Does flying Delta Premium Select earn more Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Dollars (MQDs)?

Flying Delta Premium Select earns you significantly more Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) compared to Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). This is because MQMs are based on a percentage of the distance flown, while MQDs are based on the base fare paid for the ticket. Premium Select fares, while more expensive than Main Cabin or Comfort+, don't command the same high price points as Delta One, so the multiplier effect on distance flown yields a higher MQM accumulation than the MQD accumulation derived from the fare itself.

Delta awards MQMs based on the distance flown and a multiplier that depends on the fare class. Premium Select typically earns 150% MQMs. This means that for every mile flown, you'll earn 1.5 MQMs. Conversely, MQDs are earned based on the base fare of the ticket (excluding taxes and fees) plus any airline-imposed surcharges. Premium Select earns MQDs at a higher rate than Main Cabin or Comfort+, but it's still tied directly to the dollar amount spent. The impact of the distance multiplier on MQMs generally outweighs the fare-based accumulation of MQDs.

Consider a hypothetical example: a roundtrip flight that is 2,000 miles each way (4,000 total miles). If you purchase a Premium Select ticket, you would earn 6,000 MQMs (4,000 miles * 150%). If the base fare for that ticket is $800, you would earn $800 MQDs. This demonstrates the MQM accrual exceeding the MQD accrual. However, keep in mind that specific earnings can vary based on the precise fare class and any promotional offers in place.

What is the food and beverage service like in Delta Premium Select?

The food and beverage service in Delta Premium Select aims for an elevated experience compared to Main Cabin, offering complimentary alcoholic beverages, enhanced meal choices served on dedicated serviceware, and a generally more attentive service from flight attendants.

Delta Premium Select passengers can expect a pre-departure beverage service, usually consisting of water or sparkling wine. Shortly after takeoff, a full beverage service commences, including complimentary beer, wine, and spirits. The meal service is a significant upgrade from Main Cabin, featuring curated menus with more sophisticated options and presented on upgraded serviceware – real plates, silverware, and glassware replace plastic options. Depending on the flight length and time of day, meals may include a multi-course experience with an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Throughout the flight, flight attendants are generally more proactive in offering beverage refills and attending to passenger needs compared to the Main Cabin service. A mid-flight snack basket is often available, further enhancing the overall experience. While not quite on par with Delta One's fine dining, Premium Select aims to bridge the gap, providing a more refined and enjoyable culinary experience for those seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable flight.

Is Delta Premium Select worth the upgrade cost for long-haul flights?

For most travelers, Delta Premium Select is indeed worth the upgrade cost on long-haul flights, offering a significantly enhanced travel experience compared to Main Cabin while typically being more affordable than Delta One. The larger seats with increased recline, adjustable headrests and footrests, upgraded dining, and premium amenities can make a substantial difference in comfort and overall enjoyment, especially on flights exceeding 6-8 hours.

Delta Premium Select provides a tangible step up from the standard economy experience. The wider seats, often 18-19 inches compared to Main Cabin's 17-18 inches, offer noticeable extra space. Deeper recline makes sleeping easier, and the adjustable features help personalize your comfort. The footrest is particularly beneficial for taller individuals. Beyond the seat itself, the upgraded dining, often featuring plated meals with enhanced beverage service, adds a touch of luxury. You'll also typically receive a better amenity kit with higher-quality toiletries. Priority boarding also contributes to a smoother overall travel experience by minimizing the stress of finding overhead bin space. Ultimately, the value proposition depends on your personal priorities and budget. If you prioritize comfort and a more relaxed journey and can afford the additional cost, Delta Premium Select is a worthwhile investment. Consider the flight duration and your usual tolerance for discomfort when making your decision. If you are primarily concerned with getting from point A to point B in the most economical way and can tolerate a less comfortable flight, then Main Cabin might suffice. However, for a significantly improved experience without the steep price of a business class ticket, Delta Premium Select strikes a compelling balance. What exactly is Delta Premium Select? Delta Premium Select is Delta Air Lines' premium economy class, positioned between Main Cabin (economy) and Delta One (business class). It's offered on select long-haul international routes and some longer domestic flights. Key features include:

So, there you have it – a little taste of Delta Premium Select! Hopefully, this has cleared up any questions you had. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon for more travel tips and insights!