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Delta Air Lines: Delta Comfort+ vs. First Class — What Are the Differences?

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James Larounis
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James Larounis

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James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in...
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Delta’s first class and Delta Comfort+ products offer an improved onboard experience and are instrumental in the SkyMiles Medallion program for elite passengers to be rewarded with upgrades, depending on availability. Both classes share some important differences, so it’s key to understand what each type of extra legroom seat means for your travel experience.

Let’s compare Delta Comfort+ and first class when flying on Delta Air Lines, review the benefits of each, and offer things to keep in mind while you go through the ticket purchase process.

In many cases, you may want to purchase a ticket type over the other based on how you’d like to travel. Some Medallion elite benefits apply to both seat types, too, so you’ll want to know how your perks apply when you get upgraded.

Delta Classes of Service

Before looking at Delta Comfort+ and first-class and how they compare, it’s important to differentiate between each class of service.

Delta One

Delta One is Delta’s highest level of service, which features flat-bed seats, chef-inspired meals, Sky Club lounge access, and a less-crowded onboard cabin. The Delta One experience can be found on coast-to-coast routes, as well as most long-haul international flights.

First Class

First class is Delta’s premium cabin offering for flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and some local South American destinations. First class features wider seats, onboard meals, and attentive service.

Delta Air Lines First Class
Delta first class is considered one of the best premium cabin products for domestic U.S. travel. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

Delta Comfort+

Delta Comfort+ seats are extra legroom seats within the Main Cabin that also feature an enhanced refreshment service.

Standard Seats

In the Main Cabin, most travelers will be seated in standard coach configuration seats. On narrow-body aircraft, this is usually in a 3-3 configuration and on regional jets, this tends to be a 2-2 format.

Onboard Experience Comparison

Here is a comparison chart of the different levels of seating, excluding Delta Premium Select:

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Basic EconomyMain CabinDelta Comfort+First ClassDelta One
AvailabilityDomestic and internationalDomestic and internationalDomestic and internationalDomestic and select internationalLong-haul international and select domestic
Seating ExperienceNo advanced seat assignmentAdvanced seat assignmentAdvanced seat assignmentAdvanced seat assignmentAdvanced seat assignment
ReclineStandard, up to 4 inchesStandard, up to 4 inches>Up to 50% more than Main Cabin seat*

*Available on long-haul international and select domestic flights

Up to 50% more than standard Main Cabin seat180-degree flat-bed seat
LegroomStandardStandardUp to 4 inches moreUp to 8 inches more76 to 82 inch bed
Overhead Bin SpaceDedicatedDedicatedDedicated
Seat Selection Prior to Check-in
Amenity/Sleep Kit and Inflight BeddingSleep kit on long-haul internationalSleep kit on long-haul internationalAmenity kit on DTW-HNL ATL-HNL, MSP-HNL, and long-haul internationalPre-set pillowTUMI premium kit and Westin Heavenly Bedding
In-cabin Service
Complimentary Snacks or MealsSnacks, meals on long-haul internationalSnacks, meals on long-haul internationalPremium snacks, meals on long-haul international and select domestic flightsFine dining options*

*Based on flight distance

Chef-curated meals and plated fine dining
Complimentary Non-alcoholic Beverages, Including Starbucks
Complimentary Beer, Wine, and CocktailsLong-haul international flights onlyLong-haul international flights onlyTop shelf liquor and sommelier-select wine
Personalized Service/In-cabin Flight Attendant
Media
Seat-back Entertainment
Screen Varies by Aircraft
Up to 9 inchesUp to 9 inchesUp to 9 inchesUp to 11 inches>Up to 15.4 inches
Complimentary Delta Studio Access
In-seat Power
Varies by Aircraft
USBUSBUSBUSB and standard power outletUSB and standard power outlet
Wi-Fi for PurchaseAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Complimentary HeadsetsLong-haul international flights onlyLong-haul international flights onlyLong-haul international flights onlySelect flightsNoise-canceling
Airport and Baggage Services$$$
SkyPriority Boarding AccessComplimentary, SkyPriorityComplimentary, premiumComplimentary, premium
SkyPriority Check-in
SkyPriority Expedited Baggage Handling & Security
Concierge Access/Bag DeliveryAt select check-in locations
Delta Sky Club AccessComplimentary access

How To Access Delta Comfort+ and First Class Seats

There are several ways you can purchase a Delta Comfort+ or first class seat:

  • As you purchase your ticket, you may be prompted to use miles or pay a small incremental amount to upgrade, depending on the ticket. This is designed to upsell you throughout the purchase process.
  • After purchase, you can upgrade using miles, depending on if there is space available.
  • To upgrade into first class, you can use a Delta Regional Upgrade or Global Upgrade certificate (given to some elites annually) to confirm a first class seat in advance.
  • If you’re an elite passenger, you can select a Delta Comfort+ shortly after booking (if you are a high enough status), or you can be added to the upgrade list to receive a complimentary upgrade to first class within 5 days of departure.

Delta Comfort+ Benefits in Detail

Delta Comfort+ comes with several extra benefits to help enhance the travel experience. While some people will get upgraded into Delta Comfort+ for free, depending on their elite status, and others will pay, the benefits remain the same no matter how you secure one of these seats.

Delta 737 Comfort+
Delta Comfort+ seating includes extra legroom and complimentary drinks and snacks. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

Priority Boarding

While you won’t be the very first folks to board the plane, you will be able to board before most Main Cabin passengers, allowing you to settle in and stow your items without a mad rush trampling you.

Delta’s boarding chart is as follows:

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Boarding OrderEligibility
Pre-Boarding
  • Customers needing assistance or additional time to board
  • Active duty U.S. military personnel with ID
Delta One
  • Delta One customers
First Class or Delta Premium Select
  • Early boarding for customers traveling with car seats and strollers
Delta Comfort+
  • Delta Comfort+ customers
SkyPriority
Main Cabin 1
Main Cabin 2
  • Main Cabin customers
Main Cabin 3
  • Main Cabin customers booked in T, X, and V fares
Basic Economy
  • Basic Economy customers (E)

Deplane Quickly

Since your Delta Comfort+ seat will usually be located in prime areas of the aircraft, with most being toward the front, this will allow you to exit and be on your way quickly without having to wait for the majority of the plane to exit.

Delta Comfort+ seats are usually located at the bulkheads and the first few rows behind them, as well as emergency exit rows.

Here are the locations of all Delta Comfort+ seats on all Delta planes according to SeatGuru:

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Delta Comfort+ Seat Locations on Delta by Aircraft
Wide-body Jets
AircraftRowsSeats
Airbus A330-200 (332)Rows 10-13A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J
Airbus A330-300 (333)Rows 10-14
Airbus A330-900neo (339)Rows 30-36
A350-900 (359)Rows 30-33A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J
Boeing 767-300ER (76T/76W) Layout 1Rows 17-21A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Boeing 767-300ER (76L) Layout 2Rows 16-21
Boeing 767-300ER (76H/76Z) Layout 3Rows 13-17
Boeing 767-300ER (76Z) Layout 4
Boeing 767-400ER (76D) Layout 1Rows 15-18
Boeing 767-400ER (764) Layout 2Rows 30-33
Narrow-body Jets
Airbus A220-100 (CS1)Rows 10-12A, B, C, D, E
Airbus A319 (319)A, B, C, D, E, F
Airbus A320 (32K) Layout 1
Airbus A320 (32M) Layout 2
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 1Rows 10-14
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 2
Boeing 717-200 (717)Rows 10-13A, B, C, D, E
Boeing 737-700 (73W)Rows 10-12A, B, C, D, E, F
Boeing 737-800 (73H)Rows 10-15
Boeing 737-900ER (739)Rows 10-13
Boeing 757-200 (757)Rows 19-23
Boeing 757-200 (75D)Rows 15-17
Boeing 757-200 (75G)Rows 10-13
Boeing 757-200 (75P)Rows 15-22
Boeing 757-200 (75S)Rows 19-25
Boeing 757-300 (75Y)Rows 15-19
Embraer E-170 (E70)Rows 4-6A, B, C, D
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 1Rows 5-7
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 2 – SkyWestRows 5-9
McDonnell Douglas MD-88 (M88)Rows 10-14A, B, C, D, E
McDonnell Douglas MD-90 (M90)
Regional Jets
Bombardier CRJ-700 (CR7)Rows 4-7A, B, C, D
Bombardier CRJ-900 (CR9)Rows 5-9
Bombardier CRJ-900 Atmosphere Cabin (CR9)

Hot Tip: SeatGuru is an excellent tool to use for figuring out seat maps, aircraft, and more. Check out our guide on how to use SeatGuru to improve your travel.

More Legroom

With Delta Comfort+ comes extra legroom, one of the biggest benefits of this seating area. At up to 4 inches more per seat, it allows you to fly in comfort without feeling cramped.

Here are the Delta Comfort+ seat measurements on all Delta planes according to SeatGuru:

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Delta Comfort+ Seat Measurements
Number of Delta Comfort+ Seats Seat Pitch (Inches)Seat Width (Inches)
Wide-body Jets
Airbus A330-200 (332)323518
Airbus A330-300 (333)403518
Airbus A330-900neo (339)563418
A350-900 (359)363416.19 to 17.4
Boeing 767-300ER (76H/76Z) Layout 3353517.9
Boeing 767-300ER (76L) Layout 2323517.9
Boeing 767-300ER (76T/76W) Layout 1293517.9
Boeing 767-300ER (76Z) Layout 4293517.9
Boeing 767-400ER (76D) Layout 1283517.9
Boeing 767-400ER (764) Layout 2283418.1
Narrow-body Jets
Airbus A220-100 (CS1)153418.6
Airbus A319 (319)183418
Airbus A320 (32K) Layout 1183418
Airbus A320 (32M) Layout 2183418
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 1293418
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 2293418
Boeing 717-200 (717)203418.1
Boeing 737-700 (73W)183417.2
Boeing 737-800 (73H)363417.2
Boeing 737-900ER (739)213417.2
Boeing 757-200 (757)2134 to 3517.2
Boeing 757-200 (75D)293417.2
Boeing 757-200 (75G)213417.2
Boeing 757-200 (75P)413417.3
Boeing 757-200 (75S)443517.2
Boeing 757-300 (75Y)323417.2
Embraer E-170 (E70)123418.3
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 1123418.25
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 2 – SkyWest203417.2
Regional Jets
Bombardier CRJ-700 (CR7)143417.3
Bombardier CRJ-900 (CR9)203416.85 to 17.17
Bombardier CRJ-900 Atmosphere Cabin (CR9)203417.2

Dedicated Overhead Bin Space

Forget about having to compete for space to stow your bags in the overhead lockers — enjoy labeled bins dedicated just for Delta Comfort+. As Main Cabin customers walk past, they’re instructed to put their bags in their bins rather than the Delta Comfort+ bins.

Power

You can find USB power outlets on all mainline aircraft in Comfort+. Some planes have full power outlets, so it will depend on what specific aircraft you’re on as to what power is available.

Long-haul Flight Benefits

On long-haul flights, such as those to Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, or Africa, there are some extra benefits that enhance the experience. Delta Comfort+ passengers receive a complimentary blanket, pillow, headset, and amenity kit on select flights.

Complimentary Alcoholic Beverages

Those seated in Delta Comfort+ receive complimentary alcoholic beverages.

Delta Comfort+ Refreshments
Delta Comfort+ includes complimentary snacks and beverages, a more upgraded experience than in the Main Cabin. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

Complimentary Enhanced Snack Basket

Similar to the snack basket that is passed in first class, Delta Comfort+ gets a pass of the basket containing many premium snacks.

Here is a sampling of what Delta offers:

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Delta Comfort+ Snack Basket Offerings
A.M.BakeryDancing Deer Apple Cinnamon Walnut Cookie
Breakfast BarThis Bar Saves Lives Wild Blueberry Pistachio Bar
P.M.ChipsSun Chips
CookieNature Box Vanilla Box Wafers
CandyMars Milky Way 100 Calorie Bar

Flying to Honolulu From Atlanta or Minneapolis

If you’re flying on an eligible flight to Honolulu (HNL) from Atlanta (ATL) or Minneapolis (MSP), there are additional benefits you can enjoy, including an amenity kit with a pillow, blanket, eyeshades, earplugs, toothbrush, and toothpaste. For food, you’ll also receive a complimentary Luvo wrap and frozen Greek yogurt bar for flights departing from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., in addition to the usual complimentary alcoholic beverages.

Baggage Inclusions and Fees

Delta Comfort+ is treated the same as Main Cabin for baggage fees, which means purchasing a Delta Comfort+ ticket won’t save you any more than a cheaper Main Cabin ticket.

Most Delta Comfort+ fares do not include complimentary checked baggage. Some specific routes do, so it is wise to check your itinerary as you book to see what is included.

Hot Tip: Delta has a fairly standard baggage policy for carry-ons and the first couple of checked bags. Additional pieces and overweight or oversized bags carry pretty hefty fees, so try to stick to your regulations! We’ve covered Delta’s baggage fees and policy in-depth.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

Most non-refundable Delta tickets originating from North America are now eligible for free cancellation, however, there are a few notes:

If you voluntarily switch flights and Delta Comfort+ isn’t available on the new flight, you may be able to receive the Delta Comfort+ fare as a credit toward a future flight (no refunds). If the itinerary is not changed by choice (Delta changes it), you are protected in Delta Comfort+ on the new flights, unless it isn’t available, at which point you may be compensated by Delta.

If you are traveling on a non-refundable ticket originating outside of North America, please see the updated fees and policies in our article How to Cancel a Delta Air Lines Flight [Points or Cash Ticket Purchases].

Standing By and Changing Flights

For travel originating in North America or the Caribbean, Delta no longer charges change fees for domestic and international tickets (excluding Basic Economy after April 30, 2021). For trips originating outside of North America, a change fee applies after April 30, 2021.

If you purchase a Delta Comfort+ seat, you can standby for any other flight, but risk losing the fare you paid for Delta Comfort+. If you wish to confirm onto another flight, you can, so long as the same fare code class is available as when you booked and a Delta Comfort+ ticket is available.

Delta First Class Benefits in Detail

Here, we’ll look at the benefits of Delta’s domestic first class product, though benefits largely remain the same for international flights.

Delta Airbus A220 First Class Cabin
Delta Airbus A220 first class cabin. Image Credit: Greg Stone

More Spacious Seat

First class is usually laid out in a 1-2 or 2-2 format, depending on the aircraft, whereas Delta Comfort+ is always either a 2-2 layout on regional jets or a 3-3 layout on larger mainline planes. First class passengers get larger seats with a larger tray table, larger entertainment screen, and more places to store items.

Here are the seat dimensions on all Delta aircraft, per SeatGuru:

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First Class Seat Measurements
Number of First Class Seats Seat Pitch (Inches)Seat Width (Inches)
Narrow-body Jets
Airbus A220-100 (CS1)123621
Airbus A319 (319)123621
Airbus A320 (32K) Layout 1163621
Airbus A320 (32M) Layout 2163621
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 1203621
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 2203721
Boeing 717-200 (717)123719.6
Boeing 737-700 (73W)123721
Boeing 737-800 (73H)163821
Boeing 737-900ER (739)203721
Boeing 757-200 (757)2437 to 3821
Boeing 757-200 (75D)203721
Boeing 757-200 (75G)203721
Boeing 757-300 (75Y)243721
Embraer E-170 (E70)93720
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 1123720
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 2 – SkyWest123721
Regional Jets
Bombardier CRJ-700 (CR7)93619
Bombardier CRJ-900 (CR9)123719.6
Bombardier CRJ-900 Atmosphere Cabin (CR9)123621

Personal Service

The first class cabin on a Delta domestic flight has 1 dedicated flight attendant serving the cabin — you will receive more personalized service, more often. Drink refills will come quickly without you having to ask!

Power

Each seat in first class on a mainline flight features standard and USB power outlets so that you can stay plugged in.

Seats in the Front

First class seats are located in the front of the aircraft, allowing you to board and exit first.

Delta Airbus A220 First Class Seats 3A 3B
First class seats are wider and located in the front of the aircraft. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Here are the locations of all first class seats on all Delta aircraft, per SeatGuru:

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First Class Seat Location on Delta by Aircraft
Narrow-body Jets
AircraftRowsSeats
Airbus A220-100 (CS1)Rows 1-3A, B, C, D
Airbus A319 (319)
Airbus A320 (32K) Layout 1Rows 1-4
Airbus A320 (32M) Layout 2
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 1Rows 1-5
Airbus A321 (321) Layout 2
Boeing 717-200 (717)Rows 1-3
Boeing 737-700 (73W)
Boeing 737-800 (73H)Rows 1-4
Boeing 737-900ER (739)Rows 1-5
Boeing 757-200 (757)Rows 1-6
Boeing 757-200 (75D)Rows 1-5
Boeing 757-200 (75G)
Boeing 757-300 (75Y)Rows 1-6
Embraer E-170 (E70)Rows 1-3A, C, D
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 1Rows 1-4
Embraer E-175 (E75) Layout 2 – SkyWest
Regional Jets
Bombardier CRJ-700 (CR7)Rows 1-3A, C, D
Bombardier CRJ-900 (CR9)Rows 1-4
Bombardier CRJ-900 Atmosphere Cabin (CR9)

While first class is only technically on narrow-body aircraft, many times Delta will run wide-body aircraft on domestic routes. This may not include the Delta One premium service, but the aircraft will be equipped with Delta One seats, sold as first class.

This chart shows the location of all Delta One seats on Delta aircraft, per SeatGuru:

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Delta One Seat Location by Aircraft
Wide-body Jets
AircraftRowsSeats
Airbus A330-200 (332)Rows 1-6A, C, G, J
Airbus A330-300 (333)Rows 1-9
Airbus A330-900neo (339)Rows 1-8
Airbus A350-900 (359)Rows 1-9A, B, C, D
Boeing 767-300ER (76H/76Z) Layout 3
Boeing 767-300ER (76L) Layout 2
Boeing 767-300ER (76H/76Z) Layout 3
Boeing 767-300ER (76Z) Layout 4Rows 1-7
Boeing 767-400ER (76D) Layout 1Rows 1-10
Boeing 767-400ER (764) Layout 2Rows 1-9
Narrow-body Jets
Boeing 757-200 (75P)Rows 1-5A, B, C, D
Boeing 757-200 (75S)Rows 1-4

Amenities

On board, you’ll receive a complimentary pillow and blanket, depending on the route, and on select flights, an amenity kit stocked with items to keep you comfortable throughout your flight.

Onboard Food

Depending on the time of day and route, you’ll either receive a choice from a well-stocked snack basket, or a full meal service with multiple courses and a plated dessert. Food in the first class cabin is premium and designed by several world-renowned chefs.

Delta first class
In Delta first class, meals on longer flights are complimentary. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

Hot Tip: When you’re in Delta first class, be sure to preorder your meal on Delta.com so you can receive your first selection.

Check-in and Security

When you check in for your flight, you can use any Delta SkyPriority check-in counter, allowing you to check your bags faster. Upon proceeding to security, you can use the first class lanes in select airports.

Priority Boarding

You’ll get to board the aircraft after Diamond Medallions, so you can get seated, store your bags, and settle in quicker. As you find your seat, you’ll see a bottle of water awaits you.

Baggage

First class gets up to 2 bags checked complimentary for free, and each bag is tagged with a priority tag that will indicate that the bag is to be among the first to come off of the carousel.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in Delta Comfort+ or first class, you’ll definitely be more comfortable than traditional Main Cabin seats. Both classes of service are great for elite passengers, as all elites receive complimentary upgrades to either cabin, depending on availability.

Delta Comfort+ is perfect for:

  • Elite passengers who may not be able to upgrade to first class
  • Passengers who want extra legroom, but may not want to pay the premium for first class
  • Passengers who want extra onboard amenities such as a snack basket and complimentary alcoholic drinks

First class is great for:

  • Elite passengers who are eligible to upgrade and there is availability
  • Passengers who want to work or rest in comfort, with accessible power outlets, larger entertainment screens, and more privacy
  • Passengers who want extra onboard amenities, such as a full meal service on select flights

Either ticket is an upgraded experience, and you won’t be disappointed onboard Delta.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Delta Comfort+ include?

Delta Comfort+ includes:

  • Extra legroom, up to 4 additional inches
  • Complimentary pass of the snack basket and complimentary alcoholic beverages
  • Boarding ahead of other economy class seats
  • Dedicated overhead bins so you can keep your luggage nearby

What is Delta Comfort+ on Delta Air Lines?

Delta Comfort+ is Delta’s extra legroom seating located in the first few rows of economy class. These seats are in the forward part of the cabin and include up to 4 extra inches of legroom.

How much more expensive is Delta Comfort+?

Delta Comfort+ fares are variable, changing depending on the capacity and distance of the flight, and destinations. Typically, Delta Comfort+ fares start at about $20 more than Main Cabin seats and can go as high as several hundreds of dollars for long-haul flights, such as those to Sydney or Johannesburg.

What is first class on Delta called?

On most domestic and local international routes, Delta brands its first class product as first class. If the route is a premium transcontinental or international route, Delta brands the premium cabin as Delta One.

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About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

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