Booking a long flight should be exciting, but different airline cabin names often create unnecessary confusion. Choosing between Delta Premium Select and Delta One depends on your budget, flight duration, and preferred level of comfort. Both are premium travel experiences offered by Delta Air Lines, but they serve different purposes.
This blog breaks down everything there is to know about Delta Premium Select vs. Delta One, by taking a close look at the seats, the dining options, and the overall airport experience.
What are Delta Premium Economy Cabins?
Delta Airlines markets its premium economy product under the name Delta Premium Select. It is a dedicated premium economy cabin available on select long-haul international flights. It sits right between standard economy and business class to give you more personal space and better service.
For information on ticket changes, fees, and rebooking rules, refer to the Delta Flight Change Policy.
Key Features of Delta Premium Select
Passengers can generally expect the following benefits, depending on the aircraft and itinerary:
- Spacious seating: Seats offer up to 38 inches of pitch and up to 19 inches of width on applicable aircraft.
- Greater recline: The seats recline further than standard economy seats.
- Adjustable leg support: Selected aircraft have adjustable legrests and footrests to improve comfort.
- Enhanced dining: Passengers receive an upgraded meal service compared with the standard economy cabin.
- Premium amenities: Flights offer amenity kits and enhanced entertainment features.
- Priority airport services: SkyPriority services include priority check-in and boarding, with other expedited services varying by airport.
- Checked baggage: Premium Select tickets generally include two checked bags, subject to Delta’s baggage rules.
Is Delta Premium Select Business Class?
No, it is not business class. It is a premium economy ticket that acts as a middle ground. The two products differ most significantly in seating, sleeping comfort, lounge eligibility, and overall service level.
Premium Select provides more space and a more comfortable reclining seat than standard economy. Travelers should also distinguish between the cabin and the fare type. Delta’s Basic, Classic, and Extra travel experiences affect flexibility and included benefits, but they don’t change Premium Select into business class.
How to Book Delta Premium Select?
You can book Delta Premium Select through the official Delta Air Lines website or the Fly Delta app, depending on availability for your route. To book a brand-new ticket outright, follow these steps:
- Visit the website: Open the Delta Airlines website or launch the Fly Delta app.
- Enter the travel details: Provide the departure and arrival airports, travel dates, and number of passengers.
- Search for available flights: Review the results and look for the specific column labeled “Premium Select” to view the available prices.
- Choose the cabin and fare: Compare the available fare options, noting that tickets can be purchased using standard payment methods or by redeeming SkyMiles.
- Select seats: Review the available seat map and choose a spot if the selected fare permits advance seat selection.
- Complete the booking: Enter the passenger details, review the total price alongside the flight-change conditions, and finalize the payment.
Note: Keep in mind that this specific cabin is built for long-haul international travel; shorter domestic flights will feature First Class instead. If a standard Main Cabin ticket is already confirmed, moving to a better seat is often possible by accessing the “My Trips” section online to pay an upgrade fee with cash or miles.
What is Delta One?
If you want the highest level of service on the airline, Delta One is the airline’s international business class product. It is available on select long-haul international routes and certain domestic routes. The main feature of this cabin is the lie-flat seat that converts into a completely horizontal bed.
The cabin also offers elevated dining, premium bedding, enhanced privacy on selected aircraft, and access to some of the Delta lounges.
Important Amenities Given to Delta One Passengers
This cabin is particularly suitable for overnight and long-haul journeys. Some of the features are:
- Elevated dining: Meals feature chef-curated options and premium beverage selections.
- Lounge access: Delta One tickets include access to applicable Delta Sky Clubs and Delta One Lounges, depending on the routes.
- Priority airport services: Passengers receive SkyPriority services and may have access to dedicated Delta One check-in facilities at selected airports.
- Premium amenities: Flights offer amenity kits, enhanced entertainment, and other cabin-specific features.
- Checked baggage: Standard Delta One baggage benefits generally include two checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each.
How to Book a Seat in Delta One?
Securing a spot in the airline’s most exclusive cabin takes some planning. Because these tickets are highly sought after, knowing the different ways to book can help save time and money. To secure a new booking directly, use this process:
- Go to the website: Open the Delta Air Lines website or launch the Fly Delta app.
- Enter journey information: Input the desired origin, destination, travel dates, and passenger count.
- Look for flights: Look at the flight results and locate the specific column labeled ‘Delta One’ to view pricing.
- Review the aircraft: Check if the selected flight features the newest cabin design with sliding privacy doors, which is often indicated by a special suite icon.
- Choose a ticket: Select the preferred fare and compare the cancellation policies before moving forward.
- Make Payment: Finalize the passenger information, select a lie-flat seat from the digital seat map, and process the payment.
Note: Top-tier elite flyers can also apply Global Upgrade Certificates here, and booking through partner airline programs can occasionally offer better mileage rates.
What Airport Benefits Come With Delta One?
Delta One offers a more extensive airport experience than Premium Select or Delta Comfort Plus. Passengers receive SkyPriority services and may access dedicated check-in facilities and premium lounges, depending on the airport and ticket conditions.
- Delta Sky Club access: Passengers can use applicable Sky Club locations during their journey.
- Delta One Lounge access: Travelers can access Delta One Lounges at participating airports, currently including New York-JFK, Los Angeles-LAX, Boston-BOS, and Seattle-SEA.
- Priority check-in: Dedicated Delta One check-in facilities are available at selected airports.
- Priority boarding: Flyers generally board in Zone 1.
- Expedited airport services: Additional priority services are available at participating airports.
Which Delta Airlines Cabin Should You Choose?
Delta’s premium products can be confusingly similar to its other upgraded seats. Choose Delta Comfort if you primarily want additional legroom. Select Premium Select if you want a wider seat and more recline. Choose Delta Comfort Plus if you need extra legroom at a low cost.
Key Differences Between Delta Premium Select vs. Delta One
The main difference is that Premium Select improves the economy experience, while Delta One offers a business-class cabin with a different seating arrangement and more premium services.
| Feature | Delta Premium Select | Delta One |
| Cabin category | Premium economy | Business class |
| Main seating benefit | Wider seat and greater recline | Lie-flat bed on equipped aircraft |
| Seat configuration | Recliner-style seat | Lie-flat seat or suite, depending on aircraft |
| Legroom | Up to 38 inches of seat pitch on applicable aircraft | Approximately 76–80 inches of bed length on many aircraft; specifications vary |
| Dining | Enhanced meal service | Elevated dining with chef-curated options |
| Bedding | Comfort amenities vary by flight | Premium bedding on eligible flights |
| Privacy | More personal space than economy | Greater privacy, with suites on selected aircraft |
| Lounge access | Not included solely because of Premium Select | Included for eligible Delta One tickets, subject to restrictions |
| Priority services | SkyPriority services | SkyPriority services and additional premium facilities where available |
| Checked baggage | Generally two bags up to 70 pounds each | Generally two bags up to 70 pounds each |
| Best suited for | Comfort at a lower price than business class | Rest, privacy, and a more comprehensive premium experience |
Delta Premium Select vs Comfort Plus
Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort (formerly Delta Comfort+) are two different cabin options. The main differences include seat dimensions, legroom, dining, and the overall onboard experience.
| Feature | Delta Comfort Plus | Delta Premium Select |
| Cabin type | Economy cabin with extra legroom | Premium economy |
| Seating | Economy-style seat | Wider seat with greater recline |
| Legroom | Generally 3–4 inches | Up to 38 inches of seat pitch |
| Seat width | Generally similar to standard economy | Up to 19 inches |
| Meals | Complimentary snacks and beverages | Enhanced meal service |
| Alcoholic beverages | Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits | Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits |
| Priority benefits | Priority boarding and dedicated overhead bin space | SkyPriority services on itineraries |
What is Delta Premium Select vs. First Class?
Both Delta Premium Select and Delta First offer an enhanced experience. However, they target different traveling audiences. Delta First is offered on domestic routes in the USA and on trips from the USA to Canada, while Delta Premium Select is available on international flights.
| Feature | Delta First Class | Delta Premium Select |
| Cabin type | First Class | Premium economy |
| Availability | Primarily domestic U.S. and U.S.–Canada routes | Select international routes |
| Seat design | Spacious reclining seat | Wider reclining seat with personal space |
| Legroom | Up to 8 inches | Up to 38 inches of seat pitch |
| Recline | Reclining seat | Greater recline than standard economy |
| Leg and footrests | Depends on aircraft | Available on some aircraft |
| Dining | Snacks and complimentary beverages | Enhanced meal service |
| Service | Flight attendant and SkyPriority services | Enhanced cabin service and SkyPriority benefits |
| Best suited for | Premium travel on domestic routes | Greater comfort on international journeys |
Important Factors to Consider Before Upgrading
Before upgrading to Delta Premium Select or Delta One, compare the aircraft configuration, flight duration, ticket price, and included benefits.
- Seat layouts and amenities vary by aircraft. Some Delta One cabins feature suites with sliding privacy doors, while others offer lie-flat seats without enclosed suites.
- Premium Select may be sufficient for shorter journeys when you primarily want additional space and a more comfortable reclining seat. For long-haul overnight flights, Delta One’s lie-flat bed can make resting more comfortable.
- Compare the initial price to see if the cost of the Delta One ticket is worth it.
- Review the baggage allowance, dining options, priority services, and lounge access eligibility associated with your ticket.
- Check the seat map before booking to review the available seating arrangement and identify features such as additional privacy or preferred seat locations.
Booking tip: Verify the aircraft and seat configuration for your specific flight through Delta’s booking page or seat map. This helps you compare options rather than rely solely on the cabin name.
Conclusion!
Deciding between Delta Premium Select vs. Delta One. Delta Premium Select provides great value for long, daytime travel because it has added space and better meals but at a fraction of the cost of first-class tickets.
On the other hand, Delta One is the best solution for long-haul, overnight flights if the goal is to arrive well-rested after sleeping on a flat bed. In general, both options can be considered as comfortable upgrades from standard economy classes. But make sure to research ticket prices, aircraft details, fare rules, and other benefits before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Delta One is Delta Air Lines business-class product, available on domestic and international routes. It offers lie-flat seating, premium bedding, elevated dining, priority airport services, and lounge access for eligible tickets.
Delta Premium Select is Delta’s premium economy cabin, available on select international flights. It features wider seats, greater recline, additional legroom, enhanced dining, and premium amenities on eligible flights.
Delta First is primarily offered on domestic U.S. routes and routes between the United States and Canada. Premium Select is a premium economy cabin available on select international routes.
No, a Premium Select ticket does not automatically include access to the Delta Sky Club. Lounge access is reserved for Delta One passengers, travelers holding qualifying premium credit cards, or those with high-tier Medallion elite status.
Yes, passengers in both cabins receive complimentary beer, wine, and spirits during the flight. The Delta One cabin simply features an elevated beverage menu with higher-end, curated selections.
Yes. If lie-flat seats are still available, passengers can often purchase an upgrade to Delta One through the airline’s website or mobile app using cash or SkyMiles before departure.
Yes, both tickets include SkyPriority benefits. Delta One passengers board first in Zone 1. Premium Select passengers board shortly after in Zone 2, making it very easy to settle in and secure overhead bin space before the main economy cabin begins boarding.
No. Premium Select features a wide recliner seat with an adjustable footrest and leg rest. Only the Delta One cabin features seats that convert into completely horizontal beds.
