Is Delta Comfort+ worth the upgrade, or is it just a pricey promise of extra legroom? On domestic flights, Delta offers multiple seat options, but today we’re diving into what you actually get with Comfort+—and whether it’s worth paying extra.
For most U.S. domestic flights, you’ll usually see these options:
- First Class – Delta’s premium domestic product, with wider seats, more space, and upgraded service (amenities vary by route and aircraft).
- Delta Comfort+ – Extra-legroom seats in the forward part of the Main Cabin, typically with earlier boarding and “dedicated” overhead bin space (availability can vary on full flights).
- Main Cabin – Standard economy seating. Delta also sells some Main Cabin seats as Preferred (same seat, but more desirable locations), and offers Basic Economy as a more restrictive fare.
Delta segments its Main Cabin offerings by selling “Preferred” seats and Basic Economy fares—both of which use the same Main Cabin seat. Comfort+ is treated as an upgrade because you’re primarily paying for the extra legroom and a few added perks, even though the seat itself is the same style as Main Cabin.
Boarding
Delta Comfort+ passengers get preferred status in the Delta boarding process. Comfort+ typically boards in Zone 3, after pre-boarding and Zones 1–2 (which include First Class and certain top-tier Medallion members).
Comfort+ seats are also marketed with dedicated overhead bin space near the Comfort+ cabin, although bin availability can still vary depending on how full the flight is.
Seating
The seat in Comfort+ is the same style you’ll find in Delta’s Main Cabin. The main difference is extra legroom, and on some aircraft Comfort+ also includes certain bulkhead or exit-row seats (the exact rows vary by plane).
Get situated and stretch out with up to 3 more inches of legroom on all flights, compared to a standard Main Cabin seat.
Because Comfort+ is generally located toward the front of the Main Cabin, you’ll often be among the first economy passengers off the plane—especially if you’re seated closer to the front of the section.
In-Flight Service
In Comfort+, you’ll get the same snacks as the rest of the Main Cabin passengers. In addition, Comfort+ includes complimentary alcoholic beverages on most flights: beer and wine are typically included on flights over 251 miles, and spirits are typically included on flights over 500 miles (21+).
Is it worth it?
The price for Comfort+ varies by route, flight length, and the seat you select. Seats in the most desirable locations (like front-of-cabin seats, aisle/window seats, and extra-legroom rows, where applicable) often cost more than middle seats.
However, many people sitting in Comfort+ aren’t paying for those seats.
Delta Diamond and Platinum Medallion members can confirm Comfort+ at booking (if available). Gold Medallion members can typically upgrade into Comfort+ starting 72 hours before departure, while Silver Medallion members can typically upgrade starting 24 hours prior—subject to availability. As higher-status members clear into First Class, more Comfort+ seats become available.
But if you’re paying for the seats, is it worth it?
On our trip, Comfort+ was the only way to sit together in the seats we wanted. In my opinion, it’s not worth $79 for 3 inches of extra legroom and complimentary alcoholic beverages on a 2-hour flight.
Delta’s Main Cabin is relatively comfortable, and I can usually use my MacBook on the tray table without feeling cramped. With some other airlines, that extra space matters more. And if I’m going to pay for extra room, I’d often rather pay for Spirit’s Big Front Seat or JetBlue’s Even More, which can offer significantly more legroom.
If you get the upgrade for free, the extra space is nice—but I generally don’t feel it’s worth paying extra for Delta Comfort+ on a typical short domestic flight. Your Mileage May Vary.
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