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The Delta Seat Selection Guide

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Table of Contents

How Delta seat selection works

Delta seat selection fee, ticket types and seat selection rules, delta air lines seats for elite members, delta plane seating chart, how to pick seats on delta, final thoughts on selecting a seat on delta air lines.

Booking a Delta Air Lines flight and wondering about Delta’s seat selection? It’s no wonder — with differing benefits for elite members and strict restrictions on basic economy tickets, figuring out how and when to choose your Delta seat can quickly become overwhelming.

Here's a look at Delta seat assignments, how Delta Air Lines’ seating system works and the costs of choosing a seat.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Delta operates a variety of cabin classes on its aircraft, including economy, Premium Select, first class and Delta One seats.

Like most airlines, Delta will allow you to select your seat when booking, though the cost to do so and any upcharges will vary depending on the flight you’re taking. Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.

» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while budget airlines Frontier and Spirit charge the most.

Delta sits in the middle, charging an average of $15-plus for each flight that you'd like to select a seat for. The cost will vary depending on the type of ticket you book with the airline — which we'll discuss next.

» Learn more: How to navigate costly airline seat selection fees

How much is seat selection on Delta Air Lines? That will depend on the ticket type you’re purchasing, be it basic economy, main cabin, Premium Select (premium economy), first class or Delta One.

Basic economy

Basic economy tickets have the most restrictions of any Delta ticket, and this extends to seat selection. Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket.

If you reserve a basic economy ticket, it’s possible to purchase a specific seat starting seven days before departure. Pricing for this varies by trip and is priced by segment.

Main cabin seating, also known as regular economy, includes complimentary seat selection. As a main cabin customer, you also have the option to purchase an upgrade to preferred or Delta Comfort Plus seats while remaining an economy class passenger.

You can also book upgraded economy tickets with additional seat selection perks:

Main Cabin Preferred: Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows. These are the least expensive upgrades from standard economy seating.

Comfort Plus: When available, a Delta Comfort Plus ticket can be purchased directly while booking and the price will include seat selection. The cost to upgrade is higher than for a preferred seat in main cabin. Comfort Plus features more legroom than main cabin and offers passengers dedicated overhead bins. In addition, Comfort Plus guests will receive complimentary beer and wine on all domestic and short-haul international flights.

Main cabin passengers can also choose to upgrade to a Comfort Plus seat either before or after purchasing their ticket.

Premium Select

Premium Select is Delta’s version of premium economy, with larger seats and better recline, two free checked bags, earlier boarding and premium extras. Those who book Premium Select can choose any seat within the cabin for no additional fee.

Delta One and first class

Both first class and Delta One ticket holders can choose any seat within their cabin for free. These spacious seats come with two free checked bags, premium snacks and meals, priority boarding, and a dedicated flight attendant.

GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD

Regardless of where you sit once you're on the plane, a Delta-branded credit card can make your trip go a little smoother. Most include free checked bags and priority boarding, and some really stack up the perks. Among options:

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$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• Companion certificate (main cabin).

• Airport lounge access.

• Companion certificate ((first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).

• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

Those who have joined the Delta SkyMiles program and earned Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights.

Main Cabin Preferred

When booking main cabin tickets, all four tiers of elite status members can select main cabin preferred seats for no additional charge.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to earning Delta SkyMiles

Comfort Plus

Platinum and Diamond level elite members (the two highest tiers) can choose Comfort Plus seats shortly after ticketing for free. Mid-tier Gold members, meanwhile, will be able to select these seats starting 72 hours prior to departure, and low-level Silver members can pick from available Comfort Plus seats starting 24 hours before departure.

Delta elite members will also receive upgrades on select first class and Delta One flights depending on their elite status.

You can find Delta Air Lines seating without needing to book a flight. To do so, you’ll want to first search for your preferred route on Delta’s website. On the search results page, you’ll find a variety of flights from which to choose.

Each flight presents a seat map, which you can preview by selecting "Seats."

Once you’ve picked "Seats," you’ll be taken to a new page that shows a live preview of your aircraft’s seats.

You’ll also be able to view the seat map during the booking process. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’ll be taken to another page prompting you to pick a seat.

How do I choose my seat on Delta?

During booking

The process for reserving a Delta seat is fairly simple. As we mentioned above, you’ll be able to pick seats when booking your flights on the website; Delta will automatically prompt you to do so before checkout.

You may not be able to select seats on codeshare flights, which are operated by Delta’s partners . In this case, you’ll want to go directly to the other airlines’ webpage to manage your seat selection.

After booking

If you need to choose or alter your seat after you’ve booked your flight, go to "My Trips" on the Delta homepage.

If you’re logged in already, you’ll be able to view all the trips you have booked with Delta. You’ll find seat selection options by going down to the "Passenger Information" section.

» Learn more: 6 ways to save on Delta flights

Delta has a variety of ticketing options available for every type of passenger. This includes the highly restrictive basic economy class ticket as well as main cabin tickets for those who prefer certainty with their seats.

Upgrading to Main Cabin Preferred and Comfort Plus seats offers better benefits for those in economy. Loyal members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can also expect to receive complimentary access to these seats and upgrades to higher classes depending on their level of status.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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What Does “Seat Request” Mean on a Delta Ticket?

A “seat request” on a Delta flight (or on any other airline) basically means that you are requesting a seat that will be assigned to you at your boarding gate. In other words, your ticket is confirmed, but you don’t have a seat assignment yet, so you’re essentially toward the top of the standby passenger list. It’s not a big deal and has happened to me on various occasions in the past.

Reasons you may have a Delta “seat request” include:

• When Delta changes the aircraft for a flight (resulting in a different seating configuration on the plane.
• If a flight is overbooked. You’ve probably heard airlines asking for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for a voucher.
• If you miss a connection and need to have a seat re-assigned to you for your connecting flight.
• If you haven’t selected a seat for yourself by flight time, or booked your flight at the last minute.
• If your seat was available when you booked your flight, but was assigned to another passenger before you completed the transaction.
• If you’re re-booked from another flight for any reason.
• Delta is assigning your seat at the gate in order to leave certain seats open for passengers with certain disabilities.
• It might be for weight and balance (W&B) reasons. To make sure the weight is distributed evenly throughout an aircraft, airlines sometimes have to reassign seats.
• If Delta is saving seats for preferred passengers.
• Delta might reassign you a seat if they are trying to accommodate a family that wants to sit together.

If you have an unassigned seat, it’s a good idea to keep checking the itinerary/schedule as the day of your flight approaches to make sure everything’s still OK with seats and schedules.

Related: Is Delta Comfort Plus Worth It?

Can You Choose Your Seat on a Delta Flight?

In most cases, yes, you can when you purchase your ticket. There are circumstances within which you may have a confirmed ticket, without a seat assignment, so your seat will be assigned after you check in for your flight, at the gate. Instead of a seat number on your ticket, it will say “Seat Request.” There are various reasons you may have a ticket but no seat assignment yet, including that the flight was simply overbooked, or because you missed a connecting flight and have to travel on a different aircraft (and still need to have a seat assigned).

Related: What Size Luggage Can Hold 50 LBS

Why Does Delta Assign Some Seats at the Gate?

There are a number of reasons Delta (or another airline) might assign you a seat until you’re checked in for the flight, and at the gate. Flights get overbooked sometimes, special needs passengers (or families) need to be accommodated, or perhaps you simply missed a connecting flight, but still need a seat assignment on a different flight. It’s possible to have a confirmed ticket for a flight, but without an assigned seat yet.

It also allows for frequent flyers who book their flights at the last minute (or who are flying ‘Same-Day Confirmed” or “Same Day Standby”) to get a better selection from the remaining unassigned seats. If a flight is booked full or near full capacity, sometimes the only remaining seats are near the back, between two other passengers, so last-minute seat assignments help avoid this.

What Happens If I Don’t Reserve a Seat on a Delta Flight?

If you booked your flight at the last minute, or if a flight is overbooked, you might find yourself flying with a “Seat Request” status. This is like being at the top of the standby passenger list. You have a confirmed ticket for the flight, just no assigned seat. These types of seats are assigned at the gate at the discretion of the gate representative. This works out well for travelers who are traveling by themselves and is a sometimes necessary procedure for Delta (and other airlines). 

Is It Worth Paying For Seat Selection?

It’s common for air travelers to book a flight, then have to select a seat. Many airlines now charge for “in-demand” seat assignments, like those near the front of the plane, aisle seats, or window seats. 

Should you pay for a seat selection? There are a variety of opinions on this, but basically, it just depends on how much it’s worth it to you to be comfortable. You might not want to get a “leftover seat,” sitting way in the back of the plane between two other passengers.

Back at BDL for Round 2. “Why does it say seat request if I had a confirmed seat?” Delta guy: “Oh don’t worry you have a seat.” …. I’m worried. pic.twitter.com/WAjUREFX8F — Carlin Sanderson (@carlinsanderson) July 22, 2019

Why does my Delta ticket say “Seat at Gate”?

A Delta ticket that says “Seat at Gate” or “Seat Request” means just that. You have a confirmed ticket for your flight, but no assigned seat yet. It means you’re essentially at the top, or near the top, of the standby passenger list. Delta and other airlines sometimes overbook flights and need to reassign some seats at the gate, or for some other reason, like if a passenger missed a connecting flight and needs to have a seat reassigned.

Is a Delta “Seat Request” the Same as on Standby?

Not exactly, but close. Delta “Seat Request” tickets mean that you have a confirmed ticket, but no seat assigned yet. There are a number of reasons for your being issued a “Seat Request” ticket that include a flight having been overbooked, if you’ve missed a connecting flight and have to have a seat reassigned to you on another flight, etc. “Seat Request” tickets are essentially at the top of the standby passenger list.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an Assigned Seat on Delta?

If you’ve purchased a ticket for a Delta flight, you may find yourself with a seat confirmed, but without a seat assignment yet. This means that you’re essentially at the top of the standby passenger list and that your seat will be assigned at the gate. This could happen for a number of reasons, including an overbooked flight, a passenger missing a connecting flight and needing to be assigned a seat on another aircraft, or to accommodate a special needs passenger. Sometimes, it might just be so that Delta can accommodate a family that wants to sit together.

So: What Does “Seat Request” Mean on a Delta Ticket?

Remember, if your Delta flight ticket says “seat request” it basically means your ticket is confirmed, but you don’t have a seat assignment yet, so you will be assigned one at the gate. It’s like being at the top (or near the top) of the standby passenger list. 

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Delta Check-in

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How can I check in for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

You may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight with the following options:

• Online check-in (Web check-in)
• Mobile check-in
• Curbside check-in at the airport
• Self-service kiosk check-in at the airport
• Ticket counter check-in at the airport

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) have online web check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass. You may use this option if:

• you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on Delta Air Lines (DL)
• you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
• you are not a special needs passenger (for example an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)

Can I check bags with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in? : Yes, you may check bags but you must drop them at the airport baggage drop before the check-in deadline for your flight.

Can I pay bag fees with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in? : Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer mobile check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight with your mobile device starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may use this option if:

• you are not a special needs passenger (for example, an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)
• you are departing from an airport which accepts mobile boarding passes (if not, then you may check-in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter).
• you are not traveling with an infant (a printed boarding pass is required)

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer curbside check-in? (US Carriers only)

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight curbside at most U S airport locations from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number to check-in. Please check Delta Air Lines (DL) website for an exact list of participating airports.

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer self-service kiosk check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight at the airport self-service kiosk from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer ticket counter check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) charge a fee for a seat assignment?

Delta Air Lines (DL) does not charge a fee for selecting a standard seat assignment.

When do I need to check-in for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

The minimum time to check-in for an Delta Air Lines (DL) flight is:

• 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

When do I need to arrive at the airport for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

Suggested arrival time:

• 2 hours before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 3 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

Minimum required check-in time with carry-on baggage:

Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage:

When do I need to be at the boarding gate?

Boarding closes at the following times for Delta Air Lines (DL) flights:

• 15 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

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If your flight is canceled, here's what to know about securing a seat assignment on your new flight

When your flight is canceled , your mind immediately starts racing to figure out logistics. It's easy to get swept away in the details of booking a new flight, verifying your luggage will make it on your new route and more.

However, one aspect many travelers overlook when rebooking is seat assignments. While getting any seat can quickly become more important than securing your favorite seat, where you sit does matter to some people — especially families trying to sit together.

Personally, I'm team aisle when it comes to seats on airplanes, and while things happen, I wouldn't be thrilled if my aisle turned into a window seat (let alone the middle) through no fault of my own.

The good news is that travelers should be refunded for any paid seats on canceled flights, though the specifics of policies vary by airline. If you received a seat assignment without paying — such as via an elite status benefit — you shouldn't have to pay for a seat assignment on the rescheduled flight, either. Don't necessarily expect to get your seat of choice, though.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

You need to be proactive

We'll get to refunds, terms and conditions in a moment, but the first thing to know if this happens is you need to be proactive with securing a seat assignment on your new flight following a cancelation if where you sit on the plane is a priority for you.

With flights taking off as full as they are, the odds are high that there aren't going to be a ton of seats still available when you're being moved to a new flight in the final days and hours leading up to departure. Don't just assume the airline is giving you and your family seats together — there may not be any available.

However, don't despair. Be proactive in trying to select your own seat, ask the airline for help and then keep an eye on the available seats as departure nears. Sometimes, certain seats are blocked for assignment until just before departure and often a few people will either be upgraded or have a change of plans at the last minute, thus freeing up some additional choices. Also, don't be shy at asking for seats together — even if all that is left is in an extra legroom seat that normally costs extra — if the airline canceled your original flight.

You can turn to seat alerts using ExpertFlyer (owned by the same parent company as TPG) as an extra layer of help.

Paid seats will be refunded

As mentioned, a traveler who paid for seat selection on a flight that is canceled is entitled to a refund for that seat across the board, including at the big three U.S. airlines — United Airlines , American Airlines and Delta Air Lines .

United's paid seat policy

United offers maximum flexibility for travelers. The carrier automatically refunds travelers the cost of their paid seat assignments in the event of a canceled flight, whether the flight was voluntarily or involuntarily canceled.

"Any paid seating assignments, such as Economy Plus or preferred seating, will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment after the scheduled departure time of the flight," a United spokesperson wrote in an email.

Economy Plus seats feature up to 6 inches of extra legroom and are located near the front of the economy cabin. These seats and all other preferred seats are complimentary for United MileagePlus members with Premier status (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Premier 1K). Depending on their status tier, these members get free preferred seating for themselves as well as for one to eight companions.

In short, if United is unable to reseat you in the same type of seat you originally booked, expect to be automatically refunded the ancillary charge if you paid one.

"There are certain scenarios where you may be reaccommodated in a seat other than the one you've purchased, such as in instances of irregular operations, a last-minute aircraft change or an oversell," United says on its website . "In these cases, you will be issued a new boarding pass. If you find that you have not been reaccommodated in a seat of similar or greater value, fees paid for the seat will usually automatically be refunded."

Related: How to get seats together as a family on Southwest Airlines

American's paid seat policy

Like United, American refunds paid seats for flights it cancels or the airline will attempt to rebook you in your preferred seat.

"We make every effort to reseat passengers in the same seat or in a like seat when that isn't possible," a spokesperson for American said. "Customers can also use aa.com or the mobile app to view any available open seats if they'd like to make a different, available seat selection."

Customers can expect a refund of the paid seat charge if they are unable to get a similar seat to the one they had paid for.

However, unlike United, American will not extend a refund to passengers who cancel a flight on their own.

"Paid seats are nonrefundable if you change, cancel or miss your flight," according to the airline website. "Paid seats are nonrefundable if you change your seat assignment on the same flight to a lower priced or free seat."

There are two paid seat options, which are complimentary for AA Advantage Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold status holders: Preferred seats and Main Cabin Extra. As you might suspect, preferred seats are located in preferred areas of the plane, which could mean they are closer to the front or in a row of two seats instead of three. Main Cabin Extra seats provide additional legroom (33 to 43.5 inches of pitch, depending on the aircraft, versus the 30 to 33 inches you'll find in standard economy seats). Those sitting in Main Cabin Extra seats will also receive a free alcoholic beverage.

Delta's paid seat policy

As is the case with both United and American, Delta will refund any paid seat charges for canceled flights to your original payment form, while also attempting to rebook you in your desired seat.

"We will absolutely work to accommodate customers in their desired seat on an individual basis in these cases," a Delta spokesperson said via email. "We will be able to refund these payments to the original form of payment in the event that's not possible."

Like American, when Delta rebooks customers on a new flight after canceling their flight , their seat selection will carry over to the new flight (based on availability).

But if a customer purchases a ticket with a preferred seat, and then cancels their ticket, the preferred seat is not eligible for a refund, per a Delta spokesperson.

"If the customer is impacted by an involuntary cancelation scenario, they would be eligible for a refund," they told me.

All Delta Medallion status holders — specifically Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion — receive free preferred seating, which may include seats at the front of the plane or in exit rows. Delta flyers can also upgrade to the carrier's extra-space economy class known as Comfort+, which provides up to 3 inches of additional legroom, among other perks. Unlike United's Economy Plus and American's Main Cabin Extra, Delta's Comfort+ is a separate fare class that requires Medallion members to get on a list for an upgrade; these members, especially top-tier ones, generally don't have issues clearing.

Unpaid seats

In the case of free seat selection, you essentially start from square one.

An airline will often automatically give you the same seat if it's available or a similar one if it is not; it may also allow you to pick your own seat once it rebooks you, but you are basically at the mercy of the airline in this case.

Bottom line

Overall, if an airline cancels your flight, it should refund you for any paid seats. If you choose to rebook a new flight in response to a cancelation, your airline will rebook you in the same seat as your original reservation (if available) or a similar seat. If not, you can pick your own seat once you're rebooked.

This process can be frustrating, especially when multiple people are traveling together, because sometimes one person in your party may get a seat assignment while another does not.

Airlines could soon be changing their ways, though. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation sent a letter to airlines urging them to adopt policies that minimize the chances of families getting separated on planes. When the USDOT begins monitoring this in November, it may respond with new regulations enforcing such rules.

For families booking flights and hoping to sit together, TPG senior family writer Tarah Chieffi has some advice for the three airlines we've discussed:

• American: The only way to guarantee seats together on American is by choosing seats for your whole family at the time of booking.
• United: Purchase a United economy fare or higher that includes complimentary seat assignments at the time of booking.
• Delta: Avoid booking a Delta basic economy fare because those do not include advance seat selection; book your children on the same reservation as the adults in your party.

Read her guide for more tips on increasing the likelihood of getting seats together.

While airlines do their best to assign you a specific seat and keep families together, they do not guarantee this in the case of rebookings, especially last-minute ones. The flight you'll be joining is probably already quite full and it may only have a few available seats.

Don't lose all hope, though. Some gate agents may take pity on you and give you an even better seat than originally booked — for free.

"Oftentimes agents feel bad for you and can give you a seat that would normally be a paid one for free in that scenario," TPG senior aviation reporter Ethan Klapper told me. "And you can often ask an agent for a better one, like an exit row."

Related: What you can ask from an airline after a delayed or canceled flight

Secure a better seat: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta flights

D elta Air Lines' Medallion elite status has plenty of perks, including same-day confirmed changes, international lounge access and Choice Benefits . Still, one perk sits above all others when it comes to chasing status: the allure of a free seat upgrade.

There's nothing quite as magical as paying for one class of service and being upgraded into a superior cabin, be it premium economy, business class or first class. However, the upgrade process remains shrouded in mystery. For example, who is eligible for upgrades? When do these upgrades process?

From complimentary elite upgrades, SkyMiles upgrades and Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates to understanding the upgrade priority process, we're here to demystify it all. So, buckle up and keep reading to find out how you can snag a seat in the front of the Delta plane.

Complimentary Delta upgrades

All Delta Medallion elite members are eligible for day-of-departure unlimited complimentary upgrades to the Delta One experience on flights within the U.S., including flights to Hawaii.

While it pays to understand the intricacies below, it's worth mentioning that Delta is systematically selling more first-class tickets. Its revenue maximization models are pricing first-class tickets to encourage more people to buy them outright. Therefore, you may notice this when you view a Delta reservation and are offered a buy-up upgrade.

Unfortunately, the more first-class tickets Delta sells, the fewer are available for complimentary upgrades.

Below are the Delta products that are eligible for complimentary upgrades, including paid tickets, SkyMiles award tickets, Pay with Miles tickets and SkyMiles Companion Certificates:

• Delta Comfort+ (typically offered on Delta-operated flights and select international flights)
• First class (typically offered on Delta-operated domestic flights and flights to nearby destinations like the Caribbean and Central America)
• Delta One (typically offered on long-haul international flights and certain cross-country domestic flights)

Delta's top-tier Medallions (Diamond) get preference over lower-tier Medallions, and timing is everything. Diamond and Platinum Medallion members can immediately clear from Main Cabin into Comfort+ upon booking if space is available. At the same time, Gold members must wait until 72 hours before departure to clear into Comfort+, and Silver members must wait until 24 hours before departure.

For flights with heavy passenger loads — from New York to San Francisco, for example — the Comfort+ cabin is often full when Gold and Silver Medallions are eligible to clear. However, last-minute upgrades at the gate can happen.

Related: Delta Medallion status: What it is and how to earn it

For Delta One domestic upgrades, Medallion members will clear on the day of departure following the same clearance priority hierarchy as with first-class upgrades, subject to upgrade availability.

Even if your upgrade doesn't clear in advance, you may still clear at the gate. If an upgrade is still not confirmed at your upgrade window or when you check in, your pending upgrade request will automatically be added to the airport standby list for a potential upgrade at the gate before you board. You may view your spot on the standby list in the "My Trips" section of the Delta app and at the gate information display at the airport.

Medallion members are also eligible for complimentary upgrades on Aeromexico-operated flights within Mexico and between Mexico and the U.S., Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia and Ecuador. Upgrades are available to all ticketed passengers except those seated in basic economy. Medallion members can be upgraded to Premier on Aeromexico flights but not AM Plus. Once a SkyMiles number is added to an eligible Aeromexico reservation, Medallion members will automatically be added to the upgrade list.

Complimentary upgrade hierarchy

Here's how Delta will determine your spot on the upgrade list:

• Medallion status
• Fare class groupings — higher-priced fares are ranked above lower-priced fares per the following order: B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X and V, then SkyMiles award tickets, then Pay with Miles
• Million Miler status
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders
• Delta corporate travelers (ticket must include your employer's corporate ticket designator)
• Medallion Qualification Dollars earned in the current calendar year
• Date and time of upgrade request

Related: Earn more SkyMiles with these current Delta Amex credit card welcome bonuses

If two members are identical at a given level, it goes down the above list until the tie is broken. For instance, if two Platinum Medallion members are traveling on K-fare tickets and one has a Delta Reserve credit card and the other does not, the card-holding passenger will be prioritized.

Diamond and Platinum Medallion members will clear first-class upgrades beginning 120 hours (or five days) before departure. Gold Medallion members will clear beginning 72 hours (three days) before departure, and Silver Medallion members will clear beginning 24 hours (one day) before departure, subject to upgrade availability.

It's also worth noting that upgrade certificates ( Regional Upgrade Certificates and Global Upgrade Certificates ) and upgrades with miles are prioritized ahead of these complimentary upgrades.

Exclusions and fine print on Delta upgrades

Unfortunately, not all tickets are eligible for complimentary upgrades — here's what's excluded:

• Basic economy (E) fares are not eligible for paid or Medallion complimentary upgrades, regardless of Medallion or other elite status.
• Delta Premium Select fares are not eligible for a complimentary Medallion upgrade outside of the U.S.
• Delta One seats on flights that start or end outside of the U.S. do not qualify for a complimentary Medallion upgrade.
• Complimentary upgrades are not available for selection by any passenger while aboard the aircraft, regardless of status or fare class.
• Except for eligible Pay with Miles tickets and eligible award tickets, complimentary upgrades are not available on basic economy fares.
• Companions who change their itinerary and no longer travel with the higher-tiered Medallion after the change are not eligible for a complimentary upgrade at the higher-tiered member's clearance window. If an upgrade were confirmed before the itinerary change, a reservation for a companion without Medallion status would be changed to reflect the original class of service for the new itinerary, and they would no longer be eligible for a complimentary upgrade. If the companion is a Medallion member, the reservation will be changed to reflect the original class of service. It will continue to be eligible for an upgrade at the companion's own clearance priority. If the Medallion or partner airline elite member is no longer traveling on their original reservation, the companion traveling on the original reservation will no longer be eligible for complimentary Delta Comfort+ seating. Their Delta Comfort+ seat assignment may be removed.

Improving your chances of a Delta upgrade

Beyond racing for a higher tier of Delta's Medallion status, you can better your chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade by opening a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card . These cards also net you 15 visits per year (effective Feb. 1, 2025) to Delta's global network of Sky Club airport lounges . To earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.

If possible, consider booking a corporate ticket through your employer. Also, if you're a Platinum/Diamond Medallion with free same-day change abilities, you can sniff around and change to a less popular route on your day of departure. ExpertFlyer — owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures — is an excellent tool for searching flights. You can use the "Flight Availability" functionality to understand how many seats remain open/unsold.

You'll often have a better shot at an upgrade if you avoid peak business travel periods. This lets you compete with fewer frequent flyers. Generally, this means avoiding flying on Sunday night, Monday morning and pretty much all day Friday if you want to sidestep top-tier business travelers.

Delta upgrade certificates

Delta offers two types of dedicated upgrade certificates, known as Global Upgrade Certificates and Regional Upgrade Certificates . The only way to get them is to earn Platinum or Diamond Medallion status and select them using your Choice Benefits .

Upgrade certificates have a higher priority than complimentary upgrades and may be requested and, subject to availability, cleared when you book your ticket. In other words, they're a hyper-exclusive and extremely powerful way to sit in the front of the plane.

GUCs, available exclusively for Diamond Medallion members, offer upgrades on both international and domestic flights with Delta, along with select flights with KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air and Aeromexico. RUCs, available for Diamond and Platinum Medallion members, offer upgrades on the same routes as complimentary upgrades, including all flights with first class and the domestic Delta One experience.

Related: The ultimate guide to Delta Choice Benefits

As a Choice Benefits selection, Diamond Medallion members may choose any of the following three options:

• Four global upgrades
• Eight regional upgrades
• Two global upgrades and four regional upgrades

Platinum Medallion members may choose four regional upgrades as their single Choice Benefits selection.

So if you want one of the coveted GUCs, you'll need first to achieve Diamond status, Delta's highest published Medallion tier.

Related: Last-minute strategies for Delta Medallion elite status

Important notes about Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates

These certificates have several quirks and nuances you must know.

These certificates only offer confirmed upgrades for one cabin higher than originally purchased. Main Cabin tickets will upgrade to Premium Select on flights with a Premium Select cabin. Then, the elite member processing the upgrade will be placed on a Delta One upgrade waitlist 24 hours before departure. The good news is that there will be last-seat upgrade availability in Premium Select on international flights. Likewise, last-seat availability will be when you use your GUC to upgrade to a domestic flight, even on Delta One routes.

An RUC or GUC is for one-way travel, so you'd need to burn four to take you and a guest on a round-trip itinerary. You can apply an RUC or GUC to a paid ticket, a SkyMiles award ticket, a Pay with Miles ticket and a companion ticket. Crucially, you cannot apply an RUC or a GUC to a basic economy (E fare) ticket, regardless of your Medallion status level.

While these certificates are not fully transferable to others, Delta will allow you to apply your RUC or GUC to a guest's ticket if that person is traveling on the same flight as you. Even if you're booked on separate reservations (e.g., your company books your economy ticket, and you book your spouse's economy ticket later), you can use your upgrade certificates for both passengers.

Each GUC or RUC will expire at the end of the Medallion Year that was associated with the Choice Benefits selection. Each certificate may be used to upgrade flights operated by Delta Air Lines or Delta Connection booked in the P, A, G, W, Y, B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X or V fare classes, and may also be used to upgrade on SkyMiles awards, Pay with Miles tickets and companion certificates.

Upgrading on Delta partner flights with certificates

You can also use GUCs to upgrade select partner flights. GUCs applied to Air France and Virgin Atlantic flights will only move you from economy to premium economy unless you book a premium economy ticket outright. Note that all partner upgrades must be confirmed 24 hours before departure.

These are the rules for upgrading partner-operated flights:

Upgrading KLM flights

• Delta-marketed, KLM-operated flights: Main Cabin seats booked in Y, B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X or V to Z class (business class). This is because KLM does not offer a premium economy cabin on many flights.
• KLM-marketed, KLM-operated flights: Economy seats booked in Y, B, M, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R or V class can be upgraded to Z (business class).
• Air France-marketed, KLM-operated flights: Economy seats booked in Y, B, M, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R or V class can be upgraded to Z class (business class).
• For flights departing Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Global Upgrade Certificates must be applied prior to check-in with a KLM ticketing agent or at a KLM Crown Lounge.

Upgrading Air France flights

• Air France-marketed, Air France-operated flights: Economy seats booked in Y, B, M, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R or V class can be upgraded to A class (premium economy) or from W, S or A class to Z class (business class).
• KLM-marketed, Air France-operated flights: Economy seats booked in Y, B, M, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R or V class can be upgraded to A class (premium economy) or from W, S or A class to Z class (business class).
• Delta-marketed, Air France-operated flights: Economy seats booked in Y, B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X or V class can be upgraded to A class (premium economy) or from W, S or A class to Z class (business class), or from P, A or G class to Z class (business class).

Upgrading Virgin Atlantic flights

• Delta-marketed, Virgin Atlantic-operated flights: Economy seats booked in W, S, Y, B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X or V class can be upgraded to P class (premium economy), or from P, A or G class to Virgin Atlantic's G class (business class).

Upgrading Aeromexico flights

• Delta-marketed, Aeromexico-operated flights: Economy seats booked in W, S, Y, B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X or V class can be upgraded to O class (business class).

Upgrading Korean Air flights

• Delta-marketed, Korean-operated flights: Seats booked in J class can be upgraded to Korean Air's A class, Y or B class booked can be upgraded to Z class, or if you're booked in M class, you can be upgraded to Korean Air's O class.

How to use a Delta upgrade certificate

Until recently, you had to call to apply a GUC or an RUC to a Delta-operated ticket. Now, you only have to do this for existing tickets, as new tickets can be upgraded online.

Upgrading a new Delta booking with a certificate

Delta allows you to upgrade new bookings online (but not on the Fly Delta app). You'll see the option to upgrade your ticket with a GUC or an RUC on the checkout page.

Look for the "Upgrade Certificate Request" box and select the flight you'd like to upgrade. Then, select the type of upgrade certificate you'd like to use.

The upgrade certificate will be automatically applied when you complete your booking.

Upgrading an existing Delta booking with a certificate

For existing bookings, you must dial the phone number given with your associated Medallion tier or the general hotline at 800-323-2323 and make the request. Be sure to call at least three hours before departure to apply your certificate, though 24 hours before departure is strongly recommended.

If you want to confirm an upgrade immediately, search for your flight on the Delta website. Upgrade availability is shown underneath the flight times. Make sure you're logged in to your Delta account, as upgrade availability only shows on elite accounts.

If you can avoid waitlisting, do so. Waitlist upgrades are not guaranteed to clear, and they're known to rarely clear on particular routes — such as West Coast gateways to Hawaii.

On itineraries with connections, ask the Delta agent to place upgrade priority on the leg that matters most to you. If you don't clarify this, upgrades can clear on relatively unimportant/short legs while you remain waitlisted on the long leg. The upgrade certificate is considered used if you don't prioritize the hard-to-get leg and the upgrade clears on any other leg of your itinerary.

For example, you don't want to burn a valuable GUC on a 45-minute domestic positioning leg when the leg that matters is the long-haul ride from the U.S. to Europe, Asia, Oceania, etc. Remember, there's no way to "undo" an upgrade clearing. Once it's burned, it's burned.

While upgrade requests on the waitlist can be cleared before you get to the gate, it is more likely that they will be cleared at the gate before departure. If your certificate doesn't clear, it will be automatically reissued to your account and can be used on a future flight.

Related: How not to 'waste' your Delta Regional and Global Upgrade Certificates

Delta SkyMiles mileage upgrades

While we typically recommend storing up SkyMiles until you can exchange them for a true award ticket, that's not always practical for infrequent flyers. Delta allows its passengers to upgrade their existing tickets with SkyMiles regardless of status.

You can use Delta's Upgrade with Miles feature to upgrade to Delta One, Delta Premium Select, first-class or Delta Comfort+ for eligible flights. If your reservation is eligible for an upgrade, you'll see the option to upgrade in your trip summary.

Delta typically prices mileage upgrades by placing a value of roughly 1.07 cents on each SkyMile. In other words, if Delta is charging $60 for a particular seat upgrade, it'll also allow you to part ways with roughly 5,600 SkyMiles to achieve the same upgrade. Just note that you may be able to achieve marginally higher value by booking an award ticket outright.

Buy-up upgrades can also come in handy if you're chasing elite status. You'll earn Medallion Qualification Dollars on the cash or SkyMiles you spend on an upgrade, boosting you toward the next status tier. If you use SkyMiles to upgrade, you'll earn MQDs on the award ticket based on the cash amount of the ticket purchased, excluding taxes and fees.

Related: How I used SkyMiles to upgrade my Paris flight from coach to Delta One

Bottom line

Getting upgraded for "free" is a glorious thing, and you can better your chances by climbing Delta's Medallion elite ranks and holding a Delta SkyMiles Reserve card or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card . You'll also be wise to choose flights that aren't during peak business travel periods, and if there's a connection involved, avoid Delta's largest hubs like Atlanta, Minneapolis, New York (LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport) and Los Angeles.

Using a stash of SkyMiles to upgrade can be a great way to boost your flight experience. Still, you'll want to think carefully before using Upgrade with Miles — Delta will only allow you to extract roughly 1.07 cents per SkyMile via this method.

Upgrade certificates are the most exciting option, but you must reach Platinum or Diamond status to secure them. If you're fortunate enough to have a few in your account, you can strategically plan a dream trip, pay cash for an OK seat and fly there in a great seat.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Delta: New York – Tampa, Florida (and vice versa). $120 (Basic Economy) / $200 (Regular Economy). Roundtrip, including all Taxes

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A good sale for nonstop service to/from Tampa

The $200 fare is a regular economy fare with advance seat assignment and normal size carry-on included.

Delta also has a $120 fare but that is a Basic Economy fare. Delta Basic Economy fares do not include advance seat assignments, changes, cancellations and boards last.

Sign up for our Real Time Newsletter to receive economy class deals for your city about an hour before they are even posted on our website and social media channels - all for about a nickel a day.

Interested in Business Class, First Class or Premium Economy deals? Signup for our Premium Newsletter for about a quarter a day.

Tampa, Florida – Photo: John T Howard via Flickr , used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)

Sample Travel Date:

• May 1st – 8th
• This is just ONE SAMPLE travel date, for more availability, please follow the “Fare Availability” and “How to Search for Availability” instructions below

Fare Availability:

• Valid for travel from late April – mid May. Availability is limited. Must purchase at least 7 days in advance of departure
• Please note that while this fare is valid at time of posting, if this post is more than two days old, the fare is likely gone.

How to Search for Availability:se

• This is just to search for availability. To buy your tickets, scroll down to “How to Buy” section of this post
• Origin: LGA
• Routing Codes : DL
• This is instructing Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to search for the Basic Economy fare. Use those dates on Delta and you will be presented with the option to upgrade to the regular economy fare.
• Destination:   TPA
• Extension Codes :
• (Click on Advanced Codes link to enable advanced routing code input)
• Select “See calendar of lowest fares”
• Duration “3-10” (This is just a sample, you can use any 7 day date range like 3-10, 7-14 etc)
• Beginner’s Guide on How to Use Matrix by ITA Software
• How to Read Airfare Rules and Use It to Your Advantage
• The Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software search page should be like below when all values are inputted

• You cannot buy tickets using Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software. To buy, follow our instructions in the “How to Buy” section below.

Fare Class :

• E (Basic Economy)
• V (Regular Economy)

Elite Qualifying Dollars :

• LGA – TPA (Tampa)  – ORD
• Miles Flown: 2,022 miles or 5.9 cents per mile (Basic Economy) / 9.8 cents per mile (Regular Economy)
• Redeemable Miles: 790 miles

How to Buy:

• Book on  Delta with dates found on Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software .

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American / Delta – $329: Baltimore / Boston / Albany / Buffalo / Charlottesville / Hartford / Providence / Richmond / Rochester / Syracuse – Bogota, Colombia. Roundtrip, including all Taxes

United – $597: Newark – Shanghai, China. Roundtrip, including all Taxes

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A passenger had to sit with an exposed bolt digging into his head for a 7-hour flight because his seat had no headrest

• A British Airways passenger says he had to sit in a seat with no headrest for seven hours.
• The missing headrest left a one-inch bolt exposed in the seat, he said. 
• British Airways initially offered him and his partner a £50 ($61) voucher as compensation.

A British man said British Airways left him to sit in a seat with a missing headrest, leaving a one-inch bolt exposed, for a seven-hour flight, UK-based Kennedy News first reported. Multiple news organizations have since republished the story.

He took a seven-hour flight with his partner from Heathrow Airport, London, to Toronto that reportedly cost £2,500 ($3,100) for the round-trip.

However, as he boarded, he found that his seat was missing its headrest and revealed a one-inch bolt sticking out of it. A flight attendant told him he was unable to move to another seat as the plane was full, but had the option to disembark or to use a pillow from first class to cover the bolt.

Related stories

The couple decided to stay on board. The man told Kennedy News that he had to sit sideways for the flight.

"The whole flight was very uncomfortable as if I leant back I could still feel the bolt in my head as the pillow was that thin.

"It was a major safety issue. If I had hit my head on the bolt in the seat it would have cut my head," he said.

It wasn't the end to the couple's problems — his partner said she was only given a bread roll to eat during the flight due to the lack of vegan options despite pre-booking a meal, and on their return flight, his in-flight entertainment screen broke for several hours.

Last year, it was reported that British Airways was testing out not loading flights with meals for every passenger to avoid food waste. Previous catering issues have meant that one British Airways flight took off on a 12-hour journey without any meals and had to serve passengers KFC.

British Airways initially offered the couple a £50 ($63) voucher for their next trip but upped the amount after being contacted by journalists, Kennedy News reported.

"This was the first time we have flown with BA and we would not fly with them again," he said.

A spokesperson for British Airways told Business Insider: "We are sorry for our customers' experience and have been in touch with them to apologise and resolve the matter."

Watch: 5 dangerous flight moments passengers and crew won't forget soon

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Just booked two tickets on Delta from MSP to Jamacia. There were no seats to select, only upgrade options. Wondering if we should be concerned about getting seat assignments?

And, again...this is why I fly Southwest...lol I used to fly one to two times a year before life changes have prohibited flying at this point.

I do not want to wade through all of the different choices to try to figure out what I am getting and what I am not getting. I don't want to be surprised to find out, because I didn't research each and every choice they had, that I cannot take on a cabin bag....or I can take on a cabin bag, but I cannot check luggage....or that I can't choose my seat, and I lost that option for a measly $20. And for those that only fly once every few years, well, what a surprise they will have when they try to figure out the "new" choices they have.

I know, I know.....many of you say that it is up to the consumer to know what they are buying, and you are absolutely right! But, this new "choice" has caused a lot of confusion. Those that had always bought the lowest fare, knowing that they weren't flying first class or business, but that everything else was included, are being caught off guard. (and if my son had told me he was flying on Delta, I would have told him about this new ticketing BEFORE he found out that on the trip he thought he carefully planned - where he was going to meet his girlfriends mother and ask for her permission to marry her daughter, and then propose .....he finds out that the ticket he purchased did not allow him to sit next to her - and worse than that, they are in middle seats all the way). Is it the end of the world if people cannot choose their seats - of course not. But try to put me in a middle seat and I will freak out....aisle all the way due to a bit of claustrophobia. I know with SW, that with an extra $15, I am guaranteed that option. It's just so simple with them, and for infrequent flyers, simple works. United had an equipment change once and my very carefully booked aisle seat became a middle seat.......my sister-in-law thought we were going to have to deplane! I am not a dramatic person....I just froze, and the tears started, and miraculously an aisle seat was found for me. The the FA acted really peeved and could not understand what my problem was.

Just my opinion. I stay on TA so that I can keep up with what is going on - so that when I am able to travel again, I will be up to date!

All of you contributors are really life-savers when it comes to figuring out the ins and outs of travel and I really appreciate that!

Southwest doesn't let you choose your seat so you can get stuck in a middle and you can be separated from travel-mates. Southwest is *on average* more expensive. There is not a single airline that will not allow you to check bags, or put bags in an overhead bin.

Jem--not everyone can fly WN unless they service as many cities as the major carriers. They are still a limited market carrier.

GeoMedic, that kind of my point.

I never actually book a flight without looking at the available seating on the possible flights .

GeoMedic - Even though I had usually flown only two to three times a year for the last 12 years or so, I have always been able to get an aisle seat with WN and sit with my seatmate, either by calling at exactly 24 hours before or paying the EB price. Maybe I have just been lucky, but as I said, the only time I was put in a middle seat was on United when I had booked an aisle seat and they changed it.

Thanks for your reply.

You definitely have to call Delta directly and tell about your pain. They will give you a seat # if they have any.

They help when people with problems.

This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

This is typical American company money grubbing. Americans will accept anything as long as it is happening to those people then when they see they are those people they get upset about it. We are seeing the results of this not assigning seats pratice.

Most have stockholders to answer to, so are in business, to make a profit.

Now, some use different business models. Some of those work, but some do not. For the ome's, which do not work, the company has but two choices/ change/adapt, or perish.

As for selecting seats on CodeShare flights , that can be a bit tough, to completely impossible.

Delta does allow you to select seats providing you do not buy THE cheapest fare class, E. You know up front you can't select your seat when booking that class.

BTW Dows it was not too long ago most major American Airlines were in bankruptcy. Making a profit is NOT a sin.

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