Quick Answer: Delta Premium Select is Delta's premium economy cabin offering wider seats (up to 19 inches), increased legroom (38 inches pitch), enhanced dining, and priority service at roughly double the cost of main cabin. It's available on most long-haul international routes and select domestic routes, providing a middle ground between economy and business class.

When you're planning your next international adventure, the choice between cramming into economy for 8+ hours versus splurging thousands on business class can be daunting. Enter Delta Premium Select – Delta's premium economy cabin that bridges this gap with comfort that actually makes a difference without breaking the bank.

After extensively testing this product across multiple aircraft and routes, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Delta Premium Select, from seat specifications to booking strategies, helping you decide if this upgrade is worth your hard-earned points or cash. With Delta's sophisticated AI pricing system constantly adjusting fares, understanding when Premium Select offers genuine value becomes even more crucial.

What Is Delta Premium Select?

Delta Premium Select is Delta's premium economy cabin designed to help you arrive in some of the most exciting places relaxed and ready to explore, featuring a reimagined, elevated dining experience, thoughtful amenities and spacious seats. Think of it as Delta's answer to the growing demand for something better than economy without the premium price tag of business class.

Unlike Delta Comfort+ (which is simply extra legroom seats within the main cabin), Premium Select is an entirely separate cabin with its own dedicated flight attendants, enhanced meal service, and significantly more space. Premium Select offers customers enhanced seating, amenities and service that serves as a bridge between coach and first or business class.

The cabin launched in 2017 and has steadily expanded across Delta's international network, reflecting the airline industry's focus on premium revenue streams from credit card partnerships. Delta Premium Select is available on most long-haul international routes and select domestic routes. You'll find it on routes to Europe, Asia, South America, and even some premium domestic routes like transcontinental flights.

Seat Specifications and Comfort Features

The Numbers That Matter

Delta Premium Select seats offer up to 38 inches of pitch, up to 19 inches of width and up to 7 inches of recline. To put this in perspective:

Delta Premium Select vs. Other Cabins:

• Main Cabin: 31-33 inches pitch, 17.4 inches width
• Delta Comfort+: 34 inches pitch, 18 inches width
• Premium Select: 38 inches pitch, 18.5-19 inches width
• Delta One: Lie-flat beds with direct aisle access

Comfort Features That Actually Work

Delta Premium Select seat features a fold-out adjustable footrest and leg rest, so you've got space to stretch out. These aren't just marketing gimmicks – the footrest and legrest combination genuinely transforms longer flights. Premium Select has a deployable legrest and a flip-down footrest, which greatly enhance comfort.

The memory foam padding makes a noticeable difference during longer flights. Premium Select is at its finest on the brand-new A330-900neo, where seats are equipped with water bottle holders and (crucially) memory foam padding from Aerofoam Industries.

Aircraft Variations Matter

Not all Premium Select experiences are created equal. Current illustrations are of the widebody cabin experience; seat configurations may vary depending on aircraft type and size; the foot and leg rest, 13.3" in-flight entertainment screen, and noise-canceling headphones are not available on the 757-200, 737-800 and 737-900ER aircraft.

Best Premium Select Experience:

• Airbus A330-900neo: 28 seats in 2-3-2 configuration, 18.5" width
• Boeing 767-400ER: 20 seats in 2-2-2 configuration, 19" width (every seat is aisle or window!)
• Airbus A350-900: 48 seats in 2-4-2 configuration, 18.5" width

More Limited Experience:

• Boeing 757-200: Smaller screens, no footrest, but still enhanced service and dining

The Premium Select Experience

Priority Treatment From Check-In to Baggage Claim

Delta Premium Select passengers receive Sky Priority service, which includes accelerated check-in, security and baggage service. Once it's time to board, you're among the first invited on the plane. Delta has 8 boarding zones (not including pre-boarding) and those flying in Premium Select board in Zone 2, which is right behind preboarding and Delta One and first class passengers.

This priority service genuinely saves time, especially at busy airports. You'll skip regular security lines (where available), get priority check-in, and your bags come out first – a huge advantage when you're eager to start your vacation or make tight connections.

Elevated Dining That Delivers

Enjoy premium snack baskets and elevated menu offerings exclusively curated for Delta Premium Select. The meals represent a significant step up from main cabin offerings. Meals are a big step up from what's served in economy with locally inspired menu items, such as beef with garlic ginger sauce and soba noodles on flights to Japan and bibimbap on flights to Korea. They're also served on real plates with real flatware.

What to Expect:

• Multi-course meals served on real plates
• Complimentary premium alcoholic beverages
• Enhanced snack baskets between meals
• Locally-inspired menu items based on destination

The enhanced dining experience pairs perfectly with Delta's growing partnerships, including their recent Delta and Uber collaboration for earning miles on rides to and from the airport.

Entertainment and Amenities

Whether you watch on our best-in-class entertainment screen at each seat or on a personal device, enjoy complimentary Delta Studio. Premium Select passengers on the A339 get a 13.3-inch seatback entertainment screen, Comfort+ and Main Cabin passengers have a 10.1-inch panel.

The amenity kit includes travel essentials like eyeshades, socks, LE LABO facial mist, and lip balm – thoughtful touches that enhance longer flights. For complete details on Delta Premium Select amenities, visit Delta's official Premium Select page.

Routes and Availability

Where You'll Find Premium Select

Delta Premium Select is available on most long-haul international routes and select domestic routes. The cabin is primarily deployed on:

International Routes:

• Transatlantic to Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.)
• Transpacific to Asia (Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, etc.)
• South America (including new routes to Colombia and Ecuador)
• Some seasonal routes to vacation destinations

Domestic Routes:

• Transcontinental flights (JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO)
• Select routes to Hawaii
• Some premium leisure routes

Aircraft Deployment Strategy

Delta strategically deploys Premium Select on its newest, most comfortable aircraft. You're most likely to find the best Premium Select experience on:

• Airbus A330-900neo
• Airbus A350-900
• Retrofitted Boeing 767-400ER
• Select Boeing 777-200ER aircraft

Pricing and Value Analysis

Cash Pricing Reality Check

Generally, round-trip fares in Delta premium economy are at least twice the cost of regular economy. The most alluring reason to spring for Premium Select — which is typically double the price of a main cabin economy ticket — is the sheer space.

Typical Price Ranges (Round-trip):

• Main Cabin: $600-1,200 to Europe
• Premium Select: $1,200-2,400 to Europe
• Delta One: $2,400-6,000+ to Europe

SkyMiles Award Pricing

Using miles for Premium Select can offer decent value, but it's not always the sweet spot. We priced the round-trip award in Premium Select for the same dates at 177,500 miles plus taxes and fees. That's right around 1.26 cents per mile.

Typical Award Pricing:

• Europe: 140,000-200,000 SkyMiles round-trip
• Asia: 160,000-220,000 SkyMiles round-trip
• Domestic Transcontinental: 50,000-80,000 SkyMiles round-trip

When Premium Select Makes Sense

Strong Value Propositions:

• Flights over 7 hours where comfort significantly impacts your trip
• When cash upgrade price is $300-500 over main cabin
• If you can secure it with a reasonable SkyMiles upgrade
• For special occasions where the experience matters

Skip It When:

• The price difference exceeds $800-1,000 over main cabin
• You're comfortable in regular economy for the flight duration
• Delta One is available for less than 2x the Premium Select price

Booking Strategies and Tips

Cash vs. Miles Decisions

Book with Cash When:

• You're earning elite status (Premium Select earns more MQDs than award travel)
• The cash price offers better than 1.2 cents per mile value
• You need the flexibility of a paid ticket

Book with Miles When:

• You have excess SkyMiles with limited good redemption options
• The award availability is good and taxes/fees are reasonable
• You're not working toward elite status

For booking flights, consider using Skyscanner to compare Delta's Premium Select prices across different dates, or check Expedia for package deals that might include Premium Select at a discount.

Upgrade Opportunities

Whether you'd like to upgrade your seat to Delta One, Delta Premium Select, First Class, Delta Comfort+ or want to select a Preferred Seat or Exit Row Seat on a Delta flight, it's easy to do on delta.com.

Upgrade Paths:

1. Paid upgrades during booking or later via the app
2. SkyMiles upgrades if award space is available
3. Medallion elite upgrades for qualified members
4. Credit card benefits for certain Delta Amex cardholders

As a SkyMiles Member with a Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Platinum Business Card, you are eligible for unlimited Complimentary Upgrades after Reserve Card Members to Delta First (First Class) and Delta Comfort (Delta Comfort+), plus, day-of-departure Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to the Delta One® experience and the Delta Premium Select experience on flights within the U.S. 50 – including flights to Hawaii.

For couples or families, consider how the Delta companion certificate works, which can help offset Premium Select costs when traveling together.

Comparison with Competitors

How Delta Premium Select Stacks Up

Strengths:

• Consistent product across most routes
• Excellent service and dining
• Good aircraft selection
• Strong route network

Areas for Improvement:If there's any room for improvement, it's in seat width. At just 18.5 or 19 inches wide, depending on the aircraft, Delta's Premium Select seats are far smaller than some of the top products on the market. Virgin Atlantic, for instance, has Premium seats that are 21 inches wide.

Competitor Comparison:

• United Premium Plus: Similar comfort, slightly different meal service
• American Premium Economy: Comparable seats, varies by aircraft
• Virgin Atlantic Premium: Wider seats but limited route network
• Lufthansa Premium Economy: Strong product but higher prices

According to Skytrax's World Airline Awards, premium economy continues to be one of the fastest-growing cabin classes as airlines recognize passenger demand for middle-tier products. Delta consistently ranks among the top airlines for premium economy service globally.

Who Should Consider Premium Select?

Ideal Premium Select Passengers

Leisure Travelers heading on special trips where comfort enhances the experience. If you have a flexible budget but are not looking to shell out thousands for Delta One, Premium Select is a pretty solid happy medium.

Business Travelers who need to arrive refreshed but don't have unlimited budgets for Delta One.

Tall Passengers who find main cabin genuinely uncomfortable on longer flights.

Couples or Families who can secure the 2-seat configuration for privacy.

When to Skip Premium Select

Budget-Conscious Travelers who are comfortable in main cabin and prefer to spend money on experiences at their destination.

Elite Members who can potentially upgrade for free or at reduced cost through Delta's medallion program benefits.

Short Flight Passengers where the premium isn't worth the extra cost. For insight into different cabin experiences, check out our comprehensive plane seat comparison.

Maximizing Your Premium Select Experience

Seat Selection Strategy

Best Seats:

• Window seats for couples (2-seat configuration)
• Forward cabin seats for quicker deplaning
• Avoid seats near galleys/lavatories

Aircraft-Specific Tips:

• Boeing 767-400ER: All seats are aisle or window in 2-2-2 config
• A330-900neo: Choose sides for couple privacy
• A350: Avoid center section if traveling as a couple

Earning and Using Miles

Delta Premium Select Classic: Earn 5 miles per $1, Delta Premium Select Extra: Earn 7 miles per $1. The Extra fare class offers better earning and more flexibility, making it worth considering for frequent flyers.

Credit Card Strategy

Consider applying for a Delta SkyMiles credit card before booking Premium Select. Basic Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve American Express Card Members, as well as Basic Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve Business American Express Card Members (each, an "Eligible Card"), can get at least a fifteen percent (15%) discount off the mileage portion of an Award Ticket (the "TakeOff 15" benefit).

The Bottom Line: Is Premium Select Worth It?

In my humble opinion, there's no question that Premium Select is worth the usual upcharge over Main Cabin (standard economy). 31 inches of pitch is fairly miserable on a transcontinental flight. On international trips of 8+ hours, it's darn near painful for adults.

Premium Select makes sense when:

• Flying 7+ hours internationally
• The upgrade cost is reasonable ($300-600 over main cabin)
• Comfort significantly impacts your trip enjoyment
• You're celebrating a special occasion

Skip Premium Select when:

• The premium exceeds $800-1,000 over economy
• You're comfortable in main cabin for the duration
• Delta One is available for reasonable additional cost

If you can book Delta Premium Select for only slightly more than economy — either in cash or miles — I would say it's worth it. The key is finding that sweet spot where the additional comfort justifies the extra cost without breaking your travel budget.

For most travelers on international routes, Premium Select represents the best balance of comfort, service, and value in Delta's cabin lineup. While it may not revolutionize your flight experience like Delta One, it certainly makes those long hours in the sky much more pleasant – and sometimes, that's exactly what you need to start your trip refreshed and ready for adventure.

Keep in mind that focusing on transferable points over airline-specific miles often provides more flexibility for booking premium cabins like Premium Select, especially when Delta's award availability is limited.