When flying with Delta Air Lines, many travelers seek an affordable way to upgrade their in-flight experience without breaking the bank for premium cabins like First Class or Delta One. Enter Delta Comfort Plus—an ideal middle ground that offers extra perks such as more legroom, early boarding, and enhanced services for a more comfortable journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and comparisons of Delta Comfort Plus to help you determine whether upgrading is worth it on your next flight.

What is Delta Comfort Plus?

Delta Comfort Plus is a cabin class designed to enhance the standard Main Cabin experience. Positioned between Economy and Premium Select, this seating option offers a set of premium perks that can make a big difference on both domestic and international flights.

Travelers who choose Comfort Plus gain access to more spacious seating, extra amenities, and priority services that make the overall travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. It’s perfect for those who don’t want the full cost of Business or First Class but still want an upgrade over Economy.

Who Should Choose Comfort Plus?

If you’re looking for extra legroom, quicker boarding, and better snacks, Comfort Plus is the ideal upgrade. Frequent travelers, those on long-haul flights, and passengers who want a bit more comfort without the premium price tag of First or Business Class will find Comfort Plus a good balance.

Key Features of Delta Comfort Plus

Comfort Plus comes with several features designed to improve your flight, making the extra cost worthwhile for many passengers. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Extra Legroom

One of the most significant benefits of Delta Comfort Plus is the additional legroom. Comfort Plus seats provide an additional 3 to 4 inches of seat pitch compared to standard Economy seats. On most Delta aircraft, Comfort Plus seats offer 34 to 36 inches of legroom, compared to 30 to 32 inches in Main Cabin.

For taller passengers or anyone who prefers a bit more space to stretch out, especially on longer flights, this extra legroom makes a big difference in comfort. While it may not seem like a huge number, those extra few inches can significantly improve your ability to relax during the flight, particularly on long-haul international routes.

2. Priority Boarding

Delta Comfort Plus passengers benefit from Sky Priority boarding, which allows you to board before the majority of Main Cabin passengers but after First Class. This means you’ll be among the first passengers to access the overhead bins, ensuring space for your carry-on bag. Early boarding also gives you more time to settle into your seat and get organized before takeoff, reducing the stress of the boarding process.

If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of boarding later in the process, only to find the overhead bins full, this perk can be a game-changer.

3. Dedicated Overhead Bin Space

In addition to priority boarding, Delta guarantees that Comfort Plus passengers will have access to dedicated overhead bin space. This benefit is particularly valuable on flights where overhead bins tend to fill up quickly, allowing you to secure a spot for your carry-on without worrying about storage space running out.

This perk ensures that you won’t be forced to gate-check your carry-on bag due to lack of space, which is a common frustration for Economy travelers on crowded flights.

4. Complimentary Premium Snacks and Beverages

In Comfort Plus, passengers enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, throughout the flight. Delta also offers premium snacks, which are more substantial than what’s typically provided in the Main Cabin. On longer flights, especially international routes, you’ll receive upgraded meal service that’s comparable to what is served in Main Cabin Extra.

While the meals in Comfort Plus aren’t as extensive as the offerings in First Class or Delta Premium Select, they are a step up from standard Economy fare.

5. Increased Recline (on select flights)

On select long-haul international flights, Comfort Plus seats feature enhanced recline, making it easier to get comfortable and sleep during the flight. This added recline can be particularly beneficial on overnight flights where passengers want to rest before arriving at their destination.

However, it’s important to note that not all Comfort Plus seats have this extra recline—so checking your specific flight details is key if this feature is important to you.

6. In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi

Every seat in Delta Comfort Plus is equipped with a personal seat-back screen that offers access to Delta Studio, the airline’s in-flight entertainment system. Delta Studio includes a wide variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games, giving passengers plenty of options to stay entertained throughout the flight.

For those who prefer staying connected during their flight, Wi-Fi is available on most Delta aircraft for an additional fee. Wi-Fi enables passengers to browse the internet, send emails, and stay connected to work or personal communications throughout the flight.

7. Sky Priority Benefits

In addition to priority boarding, Comfort Plus passengers on select routes also enjoy Sky Priority benefits. This can include faster security screening at participating airports and priority baggage handling, meaning your checked bags will arrive sooner after the flight.

These added perks streamline the entire travel experience, making it smoother from airport check-in through baggage collection.

How to Upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus

There are several ways to secure a Comfort Plus seat on Delta flights, whether you’re booking it directly or upgrading after your initial reservation.

1. Booking Directly

The easiest way to secure a Comfort Plus seat is to book it during your initial reservation. When booking through Delta’s website or app, you’ll have the option to select Comfort Plus as your cabin class. The cost of the upgrade will vary depending on your route, the duration of the flight, and demand for these premium seats.

2. Upgrading After Booking

If you initially booked a standard Main Cabin seat, you can still upgrade to Comfort Plus after booking. Simply manage your reservation through Delta’s website or app, and select the option to upgrade. Delta often offers discounted upgrade opportunities closer to the flight date, so keep an eye out for promotional offers sent via email.

3. Medallion Elite Members’ Complimentary Upgrades

If you’re a member of Delta’s Medallion elite program, you’re eligible for complimentary upgrades to Comfort Plus. The timing and availability of these upgrades depend on your Medallion status level:

Diamond and Platinum Medallion members are eligible for instant upgrades upon booking, subject to availability.
Gold Medallion members can receive upgrades 72 hours before departure.
Silver Medallion members are eligible for upgrades 24 hours before departure.

For frequent flyers, this benefit is one of the most valuable perks of the Medallion program, offering a free upgrade to a more comfortable seat without any extra cost.

Is Delta Comfort Plus Worth It?

Whether or not Comfort Plus is worth the extra cost depends largely on the length of your flight and your personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of situations where Comfort Plus may be worth the upgrade, and when you might want to skip it:

When Comfort Plus is Worth It:

Long-Haul Flights: For flights over 3 hours or long international trips, the extra legroom, increased recline, and upgraded meal service make Comfort Plus a great option for those seeking more comfort without splurging on First Class.
Frequent Flyers: If you’re a Delta Medallion elite member, the ability to receive complimentary upgrades makes Comfort Plus a no-brainer. The added perks make frequent travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
Priority Boarding and Bin Space: If you value being one of the first to board and want to ensure you have overhead bin space for your carry-on, the priority boarding benefit makes Comfort Plus a worthwhile choice.

When Comfort Plus May Not Be Worth It:

Short Domestic Flights: For flights that last less than 2 hours, the added comfort might not be as noticeable, making the upgrade less of a priority unless you need the extra legroom.
Budget Travelers: If your primary concern is price, you might find that the cost of upgrading to Comfort Plus doesn’t offer enough additional value compared to sticking with standard Economy and saving money for other parts of your trip.

Delta Comfort Plus vs. Main Cabin vs. Premium Select

Here’s a comparison of Comfort Plus against Main Cabin and Premium Select, Delta’s other popular seating options:

Delta Comfort Plus vs. Main Cabin

Legroom: Comfort Plus offers 3-4 more inches of legroom, while Main Cabin provides the standard 30-32 inches of seat pitch.
Priority Boarding: Comfort Plus includes Sky Priority boarding, whereas Main Cabin passengers board later in the process.
Food and Beverages: Comfort Plus passengers enjoy premium snacks and complimentary alcoholic drinks, while Main Cabin offers standard snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Delta Comfort Plus vs. Premium Select

Seat Features: Premium Select offers even more legroom and wider seats compared to Comfort Plus, making it a more premium experience on long-haul flights.
Cabin Class: Premium Select seats are in a separate, dedicated cabin, providing a more exclusive feel compared to Comfort Plus, which is still part of the main cabin.
Meal Service: Premium Select provides a more upscale meal service, with multi-course meals and enhanced dining options compared to the snacks and meals served in Comfort Plus.
Cost: Premium Select is more expensive than Comfort Plus, but it provides a higher level of service and comfort for long-haul international travelers.

Conclusion

Delta Comfort Plus is an excellent choice for travelers seeking more comfort and convenience than Main Cabin offers without paying for premium cabins like First Class. With benefits like extra legroom, priority boarding, complimentary drinks, and dedicated overhead bin space, it’s an attractive option for both frequent and casual flyers alike.

For long-haul flights, the upgrade can make a significant difference in your travel experience. However, for shorter trips or budget-conscious travelers, it may not always be worth the extra cost. Understanding your preferences and flight needs will help you decide whether Comfort Plus is right for you.