Can You Choose Your Seat On Delta Flights?

Booking a seat on a plane may seem small in terms of the larger picture of air travel, but it can dramatically change the experience one has. One of the largest carriers in the United States, providing several choices in selecting most of the seating, is Delta Airlines. This detailed guide will walk you through all you need to know about Delta Airlines seat selection, from fare classes to how you can maximize the seating options available.

Delta’s Fare Classes

Delta Airlines has several fare classes, each with a different set of rules and benefits, regarding seat selection. Let’s take an in-depth look into each of them:

Basic Economy

Basic Economy is the cheapest fare available on Delta Airlines. It allows most price-sensitive travelers to travel at more affordable rates. Delta Airlines seat selection policy for basic economy comes with some restrictions. Let’s know some of them in depth: 

• Generally, a Basic Economy passenger does not have a choice ahead of time regarding a seat. The passenger makes a seat selection when checking in or at the gate. This may lead to the separation of families or groups, which makes it important to consider this for people who are traveling in groups.

• While not being able to pick seats might be a drawback, Basic Economy still affords the exact in-flight services and amenities as Main Cabin once you’re on board. It’s essentially like swapping seat selection for cost savings.

• Basic Economy might not be the best option for those travelers to whom sitting together is essential or some very special seating preference is required. Yet for solo travelers or those who do not mind specifically where they are seated, it can provide very significant savings.

Main Cabin

Delta’s Main Cabin represents the airline’s standard economy class, offering greater flexibility than Basic Economy in terms of seat selection. Let us know of Delta Airlines seat selection rules for the main cabin. 

• For those flying Main Cabin, Delta provides free seat selection at the time of booking or after purchase on their website or mobile app. This way, you have more control over how you are seated, which is especially important if you are flying with family or a group and want to be seated together.

• This, in turn, also means that you can be able to get the preferred locations, such as aisle seats for easy access or window seats for views. Remember, however, that some of these most desirable seats include those with extra legroom and may come with an additional fee.

• Main Cabin passengers can also make changes to seat selection later if better options become available. That process is pretty easy, using Delta’s online tools or calling customer service.

Delta Comfort+

Delta Comfort+ is an augmented version of the Main Cabin experience, offering additional perks and improved seating. Here are some things to consider for Delta Airlines seat selection on Comfort + fares. 

• Delta Comfort+ passengers are given a few extra inches of legroom compared to the standard Main Cabin; in fact, they can receive up to 3 inches more. This could make a world of difference in comfort, especially on longer flights.

• This will only provide you with more legroom, but passengers in Comfort+ do receive priority boarding and overhead bin space, so there will undoubtedly be room for your carry-on. This could be especially useful on full flights when space in the overheads may be at a premium.

• Delta Comfort+ includes seat selection with the fare, so passengers can select their preferred seat within this entire section of the aircraft. Being able to select a seat in a quieter and better-equipped cabin can make your travel experience so much better.

• Other features of Delta Comfort+ include priority boarding, so you can get on board and settle more quickly, as well as free adult beverages on all but the shortest trips.

First Class and Delta One

Delta offers first class on domestic routes and Delta One on long-haul international flights for those wishing to experience the best in comfort and service.

Those traveling in these premium cabins are also able to select complimentary seat assignments at any time, through to anytime before departure, leaving plenty of space to spread out or lock in the perfect seat long before the flight.

• First Class is bigger, with more legroom, for more comfort during the entire flight. Some aircraft even have a seat that reclines more for extra comfort.

• On long-haul international and select domestic routes, Delta One takes the comfort to the next level with lie-flat seats. These seats can become fully flat beds for sleeping on overnight flights.

• Both First Class and Delta One offer exclusive dining, premium amenities, and priority services across your entire trip, from check-in to baggage claim.

How to Choose Your Seats on Delta Flights? 

Now that we’ve discussed the fare classes along with their respective seat selection benefits, let’s elaborate further on the Delta Airlines seat selection procedures. 

Read Also: Delta Airlines Terminal at LAX

Choose Seats While Booking

The easiest way to select a seat is during the first booking process and here’s how:

• Navigate to Delta’s website or download their mobile app. Add your flight information including origin, destination, travel dates, and the number of passengers. Once you select which flights you’d like to be on you’ll be presented with available fares. Select the fare class that most closely aligns with what you need and can afford.

• After you’ve clicked on your fare, you will get an option to select your seat next. During online booking, a seat map of the airplane will pop up. The map will show open seats and may even show an icon of the level/type with different colors for regular, preferred, Comfort+ seats, et cetera. Select the seat you’d like to book. If you’re traveling with somebody else, you can do this process for more than one seat at the same time.

• When you are ready and choose your preferred seat, continue with the process of booking. If you’re on a Basic Economy fare, you likely can’t select a seat for free at this time, unless you’re willing to forego the privilege. 

Can You Choose Your Seat On Delta Flights or Change Them? 

 Assuming you haven’t selected your seat at this stage, or maybe you simply wish to change it, you can do this through the Delta website or by using the app:

• Click “My Trips” when you’re signed in to your Delta account. Your upcoming flights will show. 

• Select the flight you wish to select or reserve a seat on. On a good day, you should see an option to “Select Seats” or “Change Seats.”

• What you’ll next have in front of you is an actual current seating plan for the flight in question. available seating is going to show on which you can click.

• After finding the right seat; therefore, confirm the change. Be informed that some changes of seats, in particular, can place the customer at some additional charges if moving to a favored seating or upgrading to Comfort+.

• It will be a good consideration of one’s seat selection time after time because the availability can differ depending on other passengers changing their reservations or when the airline makes operating changes.

Some Factors to Keep in Mind When You Choose Your Seat On Delta Flights 

There are a few variables that determine your chance to choose seats—and what exactly you can choose. Consider these as you make informed choices as you select seats for your Delta Airlines flight. 

Type of Fare

As we discussed above, fare type is important while selecting your seat. You can choose freely within Basic Economy, while within the differentiating type of Premium Cabin people, there are a lot of options available.

SkyMiles Membership Status

Delta has its frequent flier program, SkyMiles, that brings tiered benefits and affects seat selection in this regard:

• Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members are allowed to select Comfort+ seats for free at the time of booking, subject to availability.

• Silver Medallion members may get Comfort+ seats for free as early as 24 hours before departure, again subject to availability.

• All Medallion members can also pick preferred seats, including exit rows and bulkhead seats, for no additional fee.

Even if you’re a very infrequent traveler, it’s free to register for the SkyMiles program itself, and there’s no reason not to take advantage of benefits that can enhance your travel experience.

Aeroplane Type

The aircraft type flying your flight can drastically alter the seating chart and availability:

• Long-haul flying is generally done by wide-body aircraft, which offer more premium seats, like Delta One Suites, on some routes.

• Narrow-body aircraft are generally used within the country or for flying on shorter international routes and may offer fewer premium seat offerings.

• Regional jets used on shorter routes typically have limited or no premium cabins and also have smaller overall seating configurations.

Flight Duration

The length of your flight can also drive the types of seats available:

• Long-haul international flights are more likely to feature Delta One suites and Premium Select (Delta’s international premium economy product).

• The shortest domestic flights may only offer First Class as the highest cabin class, with some routes operated solely by aircraft with only Main Cabin and Comfort+ seating.

 Time of Booking

The earlier you book, generally, the more seat options are available. As the flight fills up, your choices become more limited. On very popular flights during peak travel seasons, you may not have enough seat selection options if you book near the departure date.

Special Considerations When You Choose Your Seat On Delta Flights

Delta acknowledges the fact that families should be kept together, and has policies to help in this area:

• Their system will automatically try to seat families with children under 15 together at the time the reservation is made.

• If that doesn’t work, Delta encourages passengers to contact their reservation team. They often can arrange for adjacent seats—or at least seats close together—for family members.

• To improve the chances of family members sitting together, it’s best to book early and choose seats at the time of purchase.

• Even on Basic Economy fares, Delta will make an effort to seat families with young children together, but can’t guarantee it.

Customers with Disabilities

Delta accommodates customers with disabilities to ensure that their travel is as comfortable and accessible as possible. Specific seating options include:

• Seats with wheelchair access may be pre-assigned upon request to Delta. Most often, these seats are provided with swing-up armrests for easier transfer.

• Those passengers who fly with service animals can request bulkhead seats to have more space, although these are limited in number and available upon request only.

• In case you need special assistance or accommodations, be sure to notify Delta at least 48 hours in advance of your flight to enable them to accommodate your needs.

Exit Row Seats

Exit-row seats typically provide more legroom and a lot of passengers prefer this area of the plane. However, there are special requirements for passengers seated in these rows:

• Passengers sitting in exit rows must be at least 15 years of age and physically able.

• You must also be willing and able to assist in the case of an emergency. You must be capable of understanding and following crew commands in English.

• These seats may come at an additional fee unless you have elite status in the SkyMiles program.

• When you reserve an exit-row seat, you may be asked to acknowledge the responsibilities that come with sitting there by requesting your verbal agreement.

Maximizing Your Seat Selection on Delta Airlines

To maximize seat selection on Delta Airlines, consider these tips and strategies:

• Book Early: The earlier you book your flight, the more seat options you will generally have available. This is particularly important if you have special seating preferences or if you are traveling as a group.

• Join SkyMiles: Even if you don’t fly much, joining Delta’s SkyMiles program can give you advantages that improve your journey, including advanced seat selection.

• Early Check-in: If you haven’t selected a seat or want to change your selection, early check-in (up to 24 hours from the time of departure) may reveal seat selection options that have opened up.

• Use Delta’s Mobile App: The Delta mobile app is quite user-friendly in managing your reservation, including changes to seat assignments, on the go. It’s great for tracking seat availability or making those last-minute seat changes.

• Consider Upgrading: If your favorite seat is not available in your booked fare class, then upgrade yourself for more seats. Sometimes, the price difference that comes may be worth it for a more comfortable journey, especially on longer flights.

• Be Flexible: If your ideal seat isn’t available, have a backup plan. Sometimes, being near the front of the plane to deplane faster or having an aisle seat for easy access could prove just as important as extra legroom.

•  Keep Checking: Availability of seats is subject to change until flight time due to other passengers’ modifications or changes in operational requirements. If you don’t like your assigned seat, then keep checking periodically for openings.

Understanding Seat Maps and Aircraft Configurations

Understanding seat maps and aircraft configurations can allow you to make better choices in terms of Delta Airlines seat selection:

Reading Seat Maps

In most cases, seat maps are presented directly above the aircraft layout, with different seat types—standard seats, exit rows, bulkheads, etc.—being denoted by different symbols. Other maps may have details on legroom, recline, or proximity to lavatories and galleys—all very useful information while selecting seats.

Popular Aircraft Types

Delta operates varied aircraft that make up its fleet each having its own seating configuration. Here are some common ones:

• Boeing 737: Narrowbody aircraft that does domestic and short-haul international flights. It’s usually configured with First Class, Comfort+, and Main Cabin.

• Airbus A320 Family: The siblings of the 737s, also doing the short to medium-haul flights. The seating layout would be pretty much the same as the 737.

• Boeing 767: Widebody aircraft that flies longer routes within the country and abroad. Features Delta One—business-class seats; some are configured for lie-flat.

• Airbus A330: Another widebody, mainly flown for international, long-haul routes. Normally, this has a Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin configuration.

• Boeing 757: This is where you’ll find the Swiss Army knife of aircraft. It flies everything from domestic to international routes. Configurations can be all over the board, including some with lie-flat Delta One seats.

Knowing these configurations can thus help you choose the best seat for your needs, whether you value legroom, window views, or proximity to emergency exits.

What to Do If You Can’t Get Your Preferred Seat?

Even with your best effort, you will not always be able to secure the seat you want. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Keep Checking: Seats may become available when other passengers change their reservations. Check frequently, especially on the days just before your flight.

• Contact Delta Directly: Delta’s customer service may be able to accommodate special seating requests, or they might have other options if your preferred seat is unavailable.

• Inquire at Check-In: Sometimes, superior seats become available when checking in. Whether you check in online or at the airport, it never hurts to ask about seat availability.

• Inquire at the Gate: Gate agents may be able to seat you elsewhere on your flight. They can often accommodate last-minute seat changes, especially if you have specific needs or concerns.

• Consider Same-Day Changes: You may find better seating on another flight if your fare allows it. Sometimes, Delta’s same-day change policy can be a convenient tool for improving your seating situation.

Conclusion

Knowing all the fare classes, how to walk through the selection process, and what factors can turn out to be very problematic for your choices can enhance your travel experience a great deal.

Keep in mind that while Delta does its best to accommodate the preferences of passengers with seat selection, it is still based on availability and operational needs. Flexibility and planning are the key aspects to keep in mind during Delta Airlines seat selection.

From extra legroom to a quiet workspace or cozy nook to relax during flight, the varied seating options available through Delta give travelers a chance to customize the onboard experience. By following these tips and other information in this guide, you will be well-placed to make some smart decisions about your seat on the next Delta flight.

Just because policies and procedures do change, you may wish to check Delta’s official website or seek their customer service regarding seat selection for the latest information. Bon voyage, and may your next Delta flight turn out to be comfortable and a nice one!

Frequently Asked Questions