Delta Air Lines – The different fare types

Flying these days has become more and more affordable. And one of the ways the airlines have been able to drop their prices is by offering various flying experiences from money-saving economy class (Basic Economy) to premium First and Business class services. However, Delta Air Lines on its own has 6 different fare types that are tailored made to suit your travel expectations and your budget. I will go in-depth at the different fare types Delta Air Lines offers and what you can expect on your next Delta Flight.

Basic Economy

If you don’t mind where you sit, basic economy represents the best value on domestic and international flights. You can’t choose your seat in advance, It includes one piece of hand luggage, but you might not be able to bring it into the cabin and may need to be gate-checked on busy flights. You are provided with a sleep kit, complimentary snacks, meals, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on long-haul flights. On shorter flights, you can purchase food and drinks.

Depending on the aircraft type, you’ll have an in-flight entertainment screen of up to nine inches, in-seat power, free headsets (on long-haul flights 5+ hours), and you can purchase WiFi access on many flights. Complimentary Delta Studio gives you access to music, games, TV, and movies. With the basic economy, ticket changes and upgrades are not allowed. Delta Air Lines still allows you to bring a carry-on bag, unlike its competitor JetBlue Airways which has recently removed carry-on bags from their Blue Basic fares.

Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and simple snacks are available on all flights.

Main Cabin

The Main Cabin experience is the standard economy class that you have come to know and love. It is a step up from basic economy and allows you to choose where you sit in advance. For a small fee, Main Cabin passengers can choose a Preferred Seat, which may be near the front of the plane, or one of those near the emergency exits, which offer more legroom. Medallion Members can get preferred seats at no additional cost when they book a Main Cabin Economy Fare. And for those who want the luxury of the Sky Priority benefits, you can also sign up for SkyMiles Select.

Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and simple snacks are available on all flights.

Delta Comfort+

Booking a Delta Comfort ticket gets you priority boarding. Once you’re aboard, you’ll have a seat that reclines up to 50% further than standard Main Cabin seats (personally, I can barely notice it). It offers up to four inches more legroom, which you can feel the difference, especially if you are in the bulkhead seats right behind first class. You are allocated dedicated overhead bin space so you can keep your belongings conveniently close. On long-haul international flights, in addition to a sleep kit, you are given an amenity kit with eyeshades, earplugs, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

Complimentary drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks), premium snacks are available on all flights. On arrival at your destination, an expedited baggage service ensures that you get your luggage first.

First Class

First Class is the branding used by Delta for domestic and short-haul international flights where the seats are slightly larger and are 2×2, giving you more comfort on all sides. This is not the same level of experience as First Class in other international carriers. By stepping up to First Class, you’ll benefit from accelerated check-in, security, and baggage handling with Sky Priority. You’ll have a spacious seat with up to eight inches of extra legroom, a pre-set pillow, an in-seat power port, and an entertainment screen of up to 11 inches.

Complimentary drinks, snacks, and fine dining meal options are available on all flights, and you get the personalized service of a dedicated flight attendant. On arrival at your destination, an expedited baggage service ensures that you get your luggage first.

Delta Premium Select

Delta Premium Select offers a wider seat on select international flights on widebody aircraft with extra reclining and an adjustable foot and leg rest. On the Airbus A350, the entertainment screen is up to 13.3 inches.

Complimentary drinks, snacks, and fine dining meal options are served on premium flatware for an enhanced experience. You’ll receive a complimentary Tumi amenity kit with Malin & Goetz travel essentials, socks, eyeshades, a hand cleansing towelette, and more.

Delta One

Delta’s top-tier service on international and select domestic long-haul flights is Delta One. Before you board, you have access to the Delta Sky Club lounge. Onboard the aircraft, you can stretch out on the 180 -degree flat-bed seat, wrap yourself in the oversized duvet and enjoy the luxury pillow. Indulge yourself with chef-curated meals and the sommelier select wine list.

Complimentary drinks, snacks, and fine dining meal options are served on premium flatware for an enhanced experience. You’ll receive a complimentary Tumi amenity kit with Malin & Goetz travel essentials, socks, eyeshades, a hand cleansing towelette, and more.

On some flights, you may even get to experience the Delta One Suites, where you will have extra privacy with a sliding door.

Which delta fare class is right for you?