By Heather Benac 
Imagine sinking into a spacious seat as the Atlantic unfurls below, your journey to ancient ruins or bustling markets feeling less like endurance and more like prelude to adventure. For explorers chasing historical gems across oceans, choosing between Delta Premium Select vs Comfort Plus can make or break that refreshed arrival. Your quest for value starts here, weighing comfort against cost on those long-haul flights.
Why Premium Feels Like a Leap
As a seasoned traveler who’s logged countless miles to UNESCO sites from Ephesus to Machu Picchu, I’ve learned that mid-tier upgrades aren’t just about extra inches: they’re about arriving ready to wander cobblestone paths without jet-lag haze. Delta Premium Select positions itself as a bridge to luxury, a separate cabin on international routes that echoes the indulgence of business class without the full splurge. Think wider seats, deeper recline and legroom, plus perks like Sky Priority boarding that shave time off airport hassles, letting you focus on the cultural significance ahead.
Comfort Plus, on the other hand, amps up standard economy with dedicated overhead space and expedited deplaning, ideal for shorter hops or when you’re pinching pennies for that guided tour. It’s available fleet-wide, from domestic jaunts to international configurations, but lacks the isolated cabin vibe of Premium Select. For frequent flyers eyeing main cabin extra without breaking the bank, Comfort Plus delivers reliable value, especially on wide-body aircraft where the setup feels familiar yet enhanced.
Mythbuster: Is Premium Select just glorified Comfort Plus? Not quite. While both offer recline and legroom boosts, Premium Select’s elevated dining experience and amenity kits (Tumi or Someone Somewhere brands) transform long flights into restorative breaks, perfect for dreaming up your next hidden narrative in a far-off land.
Mapping Your Options: Cabin Breakdowns
Delta tailors these classes to flight length and aircraft, turning your seat into a strategic choice for international business class-lite travel. Premium Select shines on long-haul routes, typically on wide-body planes like the A330, A350, or 767, where configurations prioritize space: 2-3-2 on A330s for easier aisle access, or 2-4-2 on A350s. Seats here boast 18.5 to 19 inches in width, 38 inches of pitch, and up to 7 inches of recline, complete with adjustable footrests and leg rests that let you stretch like you’re lounging in a Roman villa.
Comfort Plus integrates into the main cabin, offering 17 to 18 inches wide seats with 34 to 35 inches of pitch and about 4 to 5 inches of recline. On domestic vs international setups, it adapts seamlessly, but expect no footrests or dedicated zones. For SkyMiles upgrades, both classes reward loyalty: Medallions snag complimentary spots in Comfort Plus more readily, while Premium Select often requires miles or cash for that jump.
Consider this: On a Delta Premium Select vs Comfort Plus on A330 flight to Europe, the former’s setup means fewer neighbors and more elbow room, crucial for jotting notes on restoration efforts at your destination.
Accessibility Tips: Both classes suit most travelers, but Premium Select’s leg rests aid those with mobility needs, while Comfort Plus’s front-of-cabin placement speeds exits for quick connections to local guides.
Beyond the Basics: Perks That Matter
Diving deeper, Premium Select’s thoughtful touches make it feel like a savvy investment for international travelers. Amenity kits arrive stocked with Grown Alchemist skincare, eye masks, and lip balm, paired with memory-foam pillows and plush blankets from recycled materials. Entertainment pops on 13.3-inch screens with noise-canceling headphones, streaming Delta Studio content that could include documentaries on historical context, keeping your mind engaged mid-flight.
Meals elevate the game: Pre-order options feature chef-curated dishes served on china with silverware, like braised beef or plant-based entrees, complemented by complimentary wine, beer, and spirits. It’s a far cry from Comfort Plus’s premium snacks (think granola bars and chips) and free drinks on flights over 250 miles, though international Comfort Plus does include amenity kits and blankets for consistency.
Power ports, USB outlets, and larger tray tables in Premium Select support working on your travel journal, while Comfort Plus offers similar but standard setups. For explorers, these details add up: Imagine sipping a craft cocktail while planning accessibility tips for a site’s cultural significance.
Original Angle: Upgrading as Time-Saving Magic Beyond facts, view upgrades as portals to efficiency. Premium Select’s Sky Priority boarding means less queue time, freeing hours for beyond-the-guidebooks discoveries, like stumbling upon overlooked graffiti that reveals ancient daily life.
Savvy Upgrades: When to Splurge
The cost difference between Comfort Plus and Premium Select often tips the scale. Comfort Plus might add $50 to $300 to your fare, making it a no-brainer for domestic legs or short international ones. Premium Select, however, commands $500 or more (or 90,000 SkyMiles roundtrip to Europe), positioning it as a treat for flights over eight hours where the value shines.
Is Delta Premium Select better than Comfort Plus? For transatlantic treks to hidden historical gems, yes: the seat width vs Comfort Plus (18.5 inches versus 17 inches) and footrests justify the jump, especially if you’re upgrading from Comfort Plus to Premium Select mid-booking. But for budget-savvy souls, Comfort Plus holds its own with SkyMiles upgrades and minimal extras.
Local Secrets: Spotting True Value Chat with gate agents about last-minute deals, or use Delta’s app for real-time upgrades. Pair with credit cards for bonus miles, turning that cost into future adventures.
Here’s a practical comparison to scan at a glance:
| Feature | Delta Premium Select | Delta Comfort Plus |
| Seat Width | 18.5-19 inches | 17-18 inches |
| Legroom (Pitch) | 38 inches | 34-35 inches |
| Recline | 7-8 inches with foot/leg rest | 4-5 inches, no rest |
| Amenities | Tumi/Someone Somewhere kit, memory-foam pillow, noise-canceling headphones | Basic kit on international, pillow/blanket |
| Meals | Elevated dining, pre-order, china service | Premium snacks, free drinks on long flights |
| Boarding | Sky Priority, Zone 2 | Priority after premium cabins |
| Availability | Long-haul international, wide-body aircraft | All flights, domestic and international |
| Cost Add-On | $500+ or 90k+ miles | $50-300 |
| Best For | International flights >8 hours, comfort seekers | Domestic or short international, value hunters |
This table highlights why Premium Select edges out for those weighing Delta Premium Select amenities vs Comfort Plus on extended journeys.
FAQs
Q: What’s the most overlooked perk in Delta Premium Select?
A: The adjustable footrest, which turns reclining into near-nap mode, ideal for recovering before exploring a site’s layers of history.
Q: Can I upgrade from Comfort Plus to Premium Select mid-trip?
A: Yes, via the Delta app or at the gate, often with miles or cash, but availability varies, especially on popular routes.
Q: Is Delta Premium Select vs Comfort Plus international flight worth the extra for families?
A: For long hauls, Premium Select’s space reduces squabbles, but Comfort Plus suffices for shorter trips with kids turning flights into games.
Q: How does seat width impact comfort on A330?
A: Premium Select’s 18.5 inches feels roomier in 2-3-2 setup versus Comfort Plus’s standard width, easing shoulder rubs on overnight flights.
Q: Can I visit Delta Sky Clubs with either class?
A: Access requires separate credentials like elite status or a credit card, not included in the ticket, but Premium Select’s priority perks feel club-like.
Q: What’s the best time for SkyMiles upgrades?
A: Book early for Comfort Plus (often complimentary for Medallions), or watch for Premium Select deals off-peak, when costs drop.
Q: Does weather affect these classes year-round?
A: Both operate regardless, but Premium Select’s amenities shine in winter delays, offering blankets and meals to tide you over.
3 Explorer Tasks
Download the Delta app for instant upgrade alerts.
Mention “historical explorer” to your flight attendant for potential extra perks, like a quiet seat recommendation.
Spot the power outlet under your seat in Premium Select for charging devices, ensuring your offline map of ancient sites is ready upon landing.
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