Last Updated: March 2026 | Based on publicly available Delta Air Lines seating policy information. Always verify details directly with Delta before travel.

Delta Airlines seat selection allows passengers to choose their preferred seat before a flight, depending on fare type and availability. Travelers can select seats during booking, after booking through the My Trips section, or during online check-in.

Some tickets include standard seat selection, while others may charge a seat selection fee for preferred seating areas or upgrades. Delta also offers upgrade options such as Comfort+, First Class, and Delta One for passengers who prefer additional space or upgraded seating.

This guide explains how Delta seat selection works, when passengers can choose seats, and what upgrade options may be available before departure.

Seating policies referenced in this guide are based on publicly available Delta Air Lines information and general airline seating practices.

Delta Airlines Seat Types and Cabin Classes

Delta organizes its cabins into several seating categories. Understanding these helps you decide what you need before booking.

Basic Economy
The most restricted fare type. Seat selection is generally not available until check-in, and you may be assigned a seat automatically. Upgrades are typically not permitted on Basic Economy fares.

Main Cabin (Standard Economy)
Standard seats included with the fare. You can usually select a seat during booking or afterwards through the My Trips page on Delta’s website.

Preferred Seats
These are standard economy seats in more desirable locations — typically near the front of the cabin or in window and aisle positions that offer a more convenient location within the economy cabin.

Delta Comfort+
An upgraded economy experience with more legroom than standard Main Cabin seats. Comfort+ is a paid upgrade for most passengers. Medallion members may receive complimentary access depending on status and availability.

First Class (Domestic)
Premium cabin seating on domestic routes with wider seats and additional service. Available as a paid upgrade or through SkyMiles redemption when seats are available.

Delta One (Long-Haul International)
Delta’s premium business class product on select international and transcontinental routes. Includes lie-flat seats. Available via paid fare or SkyMiles upgrade when eligible.

When Can You Choose Seats on Delta Airlines

Seat selection is available at different points depending on your fare type:

• During booking — Most fare types allow seat selection at the time of purchase
• After booking — Changes can be made through the My Trips section on delta.com or via the Delta app
• During online check-in — Opens 24 hours before departure; some seat options may become available at this point
• At the airport — Gate agents may assist with seat changes, though options are limited close to departure

Basic Economy passengers are generally assigned seats automatically and cannot select in advance.

Delta Seat Selection Fees: How Pricing Works

Not all seats on Delta carry an additional fee. Here is a general overview:

Seat Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Standard Main Cabin	Often included	Depends on fare type and route
Preferred Seats	Variable fee	Better position in economy cabin
Delta Comfort+	Paid upgrade	Fee varies by route and availability
First Class	Paid upgrade or miles	Subject to availability
Delta One	Paid fare or miles redemption	Long-haul and select routes

Delta seat selection fees depend on seat location, fare type, flight distance, and demand. Pricing is shown during the booking process before seat confirmation. For a broader comparison of how airline fees work, see our airline baggage fees guide.

Travelers comparing airline seating policies can also review our airline seat selection and upgrade guide.

Delta Seat Upgrade Options

There are three main ways to upgrade your seat on Delta:

1. Paid Upgrade Available during booking, after booking through My Trips, or at check-in. Subject to seat availability and fare eligibility.

2. SkyMiles Upgrade Delta SkyMiles members can redeem miles for seat upgrades on eligible fares. Availability depends on the route and how many upgrade seats are released.

3. Complimentary Upgrade (Medallion Members) See the dedicated section below.

These upgrade choices follow general airline seat upgrade rules used across many major carriers.

Delta SkyMiles Medallion Seat Upgrade Benefits

This is where Delta’s loyalty programme directly affects seat selection. Medallion members, the frequent flyer tiers within Delta’s SkyMiles programme — receive priority consideration for complimentary upgrades based on status level and availability.

• Silver Medallion — Eligible for complimentary upgrades on domestic routes when available at check-in
• Gold Medallion — Higher priority on the upgrade waitlist; broader route eligibility
• Platinum Medallion — Upgrade eligibility extends to more routes including some international; higher waitlist priority
• Diamond Medallion — Highest upgrade priority across Delta’s network; Choice Benefits may include confirmed upgrade certificates

Complimentary upgrades are not guaranteed, they depend on seat availability at the time of upgrade processing. Medallion members are generally processed in order of status tier and then by total SkyMiles balance. Policies may change, so confirming current benefits through your SkyMiles account is recommended.

You can also explore our Delta Airlines baggage policy guide before traveling.

How to Select Seats on Delta Airlines

Passengers can choose seats using a few simple steps.

Step 1: Book your flight on Delta’s website or mobile app
Step 2: Open the seat map during the booking process
Step 3: Choose an available seat or upgrade option
Step 4: Confirm the seat selection before completing the reservation

If you already have a ticket:

Step 1: Go to the My Trips section
Step 2: Enter your booking reference
Step 3: View the seat map
Step 4: Select or change your seat if available

Seat availability may change closer to departure.

Travel Tips for Choosing Seats

A few simple tips can help travelers choose seats more effectively.

• Reviewing the Delta seat map guide during booking can help travelers understand which seats are standard, preferred, or upgraded.
• Exit row seats often provide extra legroom but may have restrictions
• Seats near the front may allow faster boarding and exit
• Aircraft type can affect seat layout and space

Checking seat reviews or aircraft seat maps before selecting a seat can help travelers avoid seats near lavatories or limited-recline rows.

For broader airport and travel preparation advice, see our airline travel tips guide.

Travelers planning their trip may also want to review airline baggage rules and carry-on policies to avoid airport surprises.

Seat selection policies referenced in this guide are based on publicly available airline information and common airline seating practices. Travelers should verify the latest rules directly with Delta before departure.

Delta Airlines Aircraft Seat Map: What to Check Before You Select

Delta operates different aircraft types across its network, and seating layouts vary depending on the plane. Domestic narrow-body aircraft typically feature Main Cabin, Comfort+, and First Class seating. Wide-body aircraft used on international routes may include Delta One suites with lie-flat seats.

Reviewing the seat map during booking helps travelers make more informed choices. The map shows the following : 

• Seat location
• Legroom availability
• Exit row seats
• Cabin configuration

This is useful for passengers in identifying seats near lavatories or rows with limited recline before confirming a selection.

Things to Know Before Selecting Your Seat on Delta

Standard seats are included in many Delta fares, while preferred seats, Comfort+, First Class, and Delta One may require an additional fee or loyalty benefits depending on the ticket type. Reviewing the seat map and understanding your fare conditions before departure can help travelers choose seats that match their comfort preferences and travel budget. Because seat availability and upgrade pricing may vary by flight, passengers should verify current options directly with Delta before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MyBaggageInfo provides independent travel guidance and is not affiliated with Delta Air Lines.

Disclaimer: All information on MyBaggageInfo is provided for general travel guidance only. Airline policies, baggage rules, and fees can change at any time without prior notice. While we strive to keep our content accurate and updated, travelers should always verify details directly with the airline before their journey. MyBaggageInfo is not responsible for any errors, delays, or decisions made based on the information provided.