Find cheap Delta flights

As one of the major airlines on the block, Delta is a go-to for a lot of travelers. But figuring out their different seats, rules, and loyalty perks can feel like a full-time job. Don’t worry, we did the homework for you. Whether you’re trying to decide if Delta One is worth the splurge or just want to know how to avoid baggage fees, this is your no-nonsense guide to flying Delta.

Cabin classes, seats & legroom

Delta offers five seat products: three premium options (Delta One, First Class, Premium Select) and two economy tiers (Comfort Plus and Main Cabin, which includes Basic Economy as “Delta Main Basic”). Not every plane has all premium cabins, but you’ll find economy options on every aircraft.

Delta One

Delta One is Delta’s business-class cabin, found mostly on long-haul international and transcontinental flights. All seats are lie-flat, but their dimensions and configurations vary significantly across the fleet. You’ll find Delta One Suites in a 1-2-1 layout with full-height doors for privacy on most A350 and A330-900 aircraft. Delta has retired or reconfigured the older 2-2-2 layout A350s, so you’re more likely to get the premium suite experience.

You can check your aircraft type on the booking page, but Delta can swap planes for any reason. I always aim for the Delta One Suites on A330-900neo and A350 aircraft since they’re both spacious and private. I tend to avoid the 767-300ER with its 1-2-1 staggered configuration and the 757-200 with its 2-2 lie-flat setup, as these lack the privacy of the newer suites. Delta is upgrading its cabins over time, so eventually all Delta One seats should be a premium experience.

First Class

On shorter domestic and international flights, First Class is the premium cabin. The seats don’t lie flat, but they’re a comfortable armchair with up to eight more inches of legroom than you’ll find back in the Main Cabin. It’s a solid upgrade for a little extra comfort.

Premium Select

Think of Premium Select as the happy medium between economy and business class. You get a wider seat with more recline, plus an adjustable leg rest. The seats have up to 38 inches of pitch and 19 inches of width. I’m a big fan of the memory foam pillows they provide. They’re surprisingly supportive for an in-flight nap.

Comfort Plus

Located at the front of the economy cabin, Comfort Plus seats are nearly identical to Main Cabin seats with one key perk: up to three extra inches of legroom. If my choice is between a middle seat in Comfort Plus and a window or aisle in Main Cabin, I’m taking the Main Cabin seat. The extra legroom isn’t quite enough to make up for being squished in the middle.

Main Cabin

This is your standard Delta economy experience. Seats generally range from 31 to 33 inches of pitch, depending on the aircraft. To score the most legroom, look for bulkhead or exit row seats. I’ve found some real gems with empty space in front of them, like seats 21A and 21F on some 737-900ERs. Just remember you might have to give up your underseat storage space.

Basic Economy

Basic Economy, called “Delta Main Basic,” gets you the same physical seat as Main Cabin, but the ticket comes with a lot of strings attached. You can’t choose your seat at booking (it’s assigned after check-in), and while you can cancel for a partial eCredit with a fee, other restrictions apply. It’s the cheapest way to fly Delta, but I would never book it. If your budget is tight, you’re often better off finding a more flexible fare on another airline.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you need to know to breeze through the airport when you’re flying with Delta.

Baggage policy and fees

All Delta passengers are allowed one free cabin bag bag (56 x 35 x 23 cm) and one personal item. Checked bags have fees, but you can avoid them by booking a premium cabin (Delta One, First Class or Premium Select), having elite status or carrying a Delta credit card (Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum or Reserve), although unfortunately, these aren't available in the UK.

Check-in

Delta has three main check-in lanes: Delta One, Sky Priority and general. Delta One is for business-class passengers. Sky Priority is for folks with Gold, Platinum, or Diamond elite status or those in First Class and Premium Select. Everyone else uses the general check-in desks or the self-serve kiosks.

Lounges

Delta Sky Clubs can be found in 56 airports, almost all of which are in the US, and they offer complimentary buffets and bars. Some locations have showers and outdoor spaces. You can access Sky Clubs if you’re a Delta One passenger, business class traveller on SkyTeam partners, certain elite status-holder (Gold, Platinum and Diamond) flying Premium Select or internationally in First Class, Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholder, Centurion Card Member from American Express, Platinum Card Member from American Express or Delta elite status-holder who purchases a lounge membership. Domestic First Class tickets don’t include lounge access.

Sky Clubs vary in quality. Some are sleek, modern spaces, while others have a certain retro charm. Delta is also rolling out exclusive, high-end Delta One Lounges in key airports. As someone who loves a pre-flight shower, I always ask the front desk if they have them before I head inside.

Boarding

Delta’s boarding process is split into pre-boarding and eight zones, based on your cabin and status. If you’re travelling with a car seat or stroller, you’ll board in Zone 2. A piece of advice: please don’t crowd the gate before your zone is called. It slows everything down for everyone.

Onboard experience

Once you’re on the plane, here’s what you can expect from Delta.

Wi-Fi & entertainment

Most Delta planes have Wi-Fi. On domestic flights, it’s usually free for SkyMiles members (free to sign up, even onboard). On international flights, free Wi-Fi is now available for SkyMiles members on most routes. On aircraft not yet equipped with free Wi-Fi, messaging is free while browsing requires a pass purchase.

Delta flights are equipped with dozens of movies and TV shows on seat-back monitors. I find that Delta has a solid lineup that’s changed out regularly enough for frequent flyers.

The Wi-Fi on international routes can be hit or miss. You’ll sometimes get a warning in advance (usually via email) about technical difficulties. I’ve gotten warnings a day or so before my flight on occasion, but sometimes I only find out at the gate, or worse, once we’re in the air.

Dining

You’ll get hot meals in Delta One on all flights and in First Class on flights over 900 miles. In Main Cabin, you’ll only get a hot meal on long-haul international flights. You’ll get free snacks on flights over 250 miles in every cabin. You’ll get free alcohol in Delta One, and Comfort+ passengers get free beer and wine on flights over 251 miles and free spirits on flights over 500 miles.

I find that my favourite meals in Delta One are often the dishes created in partnership with local chefs from their hub cities. It’s a nice touch that brings some local flavour to 35,000 feet.

Amenities

Delta One passengers get an amenity kit with Missoni kits featuring Grown Alchemist skincare and other travel essentials. Premium Select passengers get an upgraded amenity kit that includes items like eyeshades, socks, and LE LABO facial mist and lip balm. In my opinion, the Premium Select kits have improved with the addition of actual toiletries, though Delta One still has the edge with the designer collaboration.

Change & cancellation policies

The short version? For flights starting in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, Delta allows free changes for all tickets except Delta Main Basic. You’ll just have to pay the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive. If you cancel, you’ll get an eCredit that’s good for one year from your original ticket purchase date.

Delta Main Basic tickets, however, are a different story. While they can be cancelled for a partial eCredit with a fee, other restrictions still apply. As always, it’s a good idea to read the fine print for your specific fare before you click “purchase.”

Loyalty programmes, miles & credit cards

Delta’s loyalty programme is called SkyMiles, and it’s free to join. Here’s the scoop on how to earn and burn miles, and whether their credit cards are worth it.

Delta SkyMiles

You earn SkyMiles by flying, spending on Delta credit cards, or using their travel partners. General members earn 5 miles per dollar on flights, while Medallion status holders earn more: Silver gets 7, Gold gets 8, Platinum gets 9, and Diamond gets 11 miles per dollar. You can redeem these miles for flights or upgrades.

But here’s some frank advice: SkyMiles redemption rates can be painfully high, especially for business-class seats. I’ve seen one-way flights from the U.S. to Europe cost 400,000 miles, which is a terrible deal. Always do the maths before you redeem.

Elite status

Delta’s elite status tiers are called Medallion status. You earn it by collecting Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) from flights and credit card spending. The perks are pretty good, ranging from free checked bags to complimentary upgrades on domestic flights when space is available.

Credit cards

Delta has four personal credit cards with American Express. Depending on which you hold, you may get upgrade priority, Sky Club access (with the new 10-visit limits starting February 2025 for Reserve cardholders), and free checked bags. All four cards let you earn SkyMiles for your credit card spend.

I recommend paying close attention to each card’s specific perks before signing up and crunching the numbers to ensure the annual fee is worth it. Make sure the value of the perks you’ll use (such as free checked bags) exceeds the annual fee. In some cases, you might be better off with a generic travel card instead of a Delta-specific one, particularly if you’re not extremely loyal to Delta. This is doubly true because SkyMiles redemption values are frequently poor. Plus, credit card companies have their own lounges, and many are better than the older Sky Clubs.