If you're planning a long-haul trip and wondering whether Delta Premium Economy—officially called Delta Premium Select—is worth the upgrade, you're not alone. Travelers across the U.S. and around the world often debate whether the extra legroom, comfort, and upgraded service justify the added cost.
In this in-depth guide, we break down everything you need to know: seat comfort, meals, entertainment, baggage policies, pricing, pros and cons, comparisons with other airlines, real passenger experiences, and whether Delta Premium Economy is truly worth the money in 2025.
Delta Premium Economy, known as Delta Premium Select 1-866-558-7496, is the airline’s enhanced cabin class positioned between Main Cabin (Economy) and Delta One (Business Class). It’s designed for travelers who want more comfort and amenities without paying business-class prices.
Premium Select is currently available on most international long-haul flights, including:
Europe routes
Asia (Japan, Korea, China)
Australia
Transatlantic & transpacific routes
Some South America flights
It's available on aircraft like the Airbus A350, A330-900neo, and select Boeing 767s.
YES — Delta Premium Economy is worth it for most long-haul travelers 1-866-558-7496, especially those who value:
Extra legroom & wider seats
Premium dining
Priority check-in & Boarding
More baggage allowance
Better sleep comfort
Higher-quality service
However, it may not be worth it if you’re only flying short routes or traveling on a strict budget.
Later in the article, you’ll find detailed comparisons, pricing breakdowns, and real-world scenarios to decide what works best for you.
To understand whether it’s worth it, let’s break down the key differences between Delta Economy vs Premium Economy.
Delta Premium Select offers a noticeable upgrade over the Main Cabin. While Economy seats are 17–18 inches wide 1-866-558-7496, Premium Select seats expand to 18.5–19 inches with a much larger 37–38 inches of legroom compared to 30–32 inches. The seat recline also improves from just 3–4 inches in Economy to up to 7 inches. Unlike the Main Cabin, Premium Select includes a full legrest and footrest, and instead of standard seats, you get recliner-style premium seating that makes long flights far more comfortable.
Premium Select seats are significantly larger, deeper, and more cushioned. This makes a major difference on flights over 6–8 hours.
Premium Economy passengers receive:
Welcome drink (sparkling wine or juice)
Upgraded three-course meals
Served on actual plates with metal cutlery
Premium snacks
Complimentary beer, wine & spirits
Economy meals are usually one-tray, smaller portions, and served with disposable cutlery.
Large 13.3” entertainment screens (vs 9–11” in Economy)
Noise-reducing headphones
TUMI amenity kit (eyemask, socks, lip balm, lotion)
Extra-comfort pillow & blanket
Economy passengers receive only the basics.
Premium Select passengers get:
2 FREE checked bags (up to 50 lbs each)
1 carry-on + personal item
Economy usually includes only 1 checked bag on some routes, and none on others unless you pay extra.
If you typically check 2 bags, this benefit alone can justify the upgrade.
Premium Select passengers enjoy:
Priority check-in
Priority security lanes (on select airports)
Priority boarding (before Economy)
Faster baggage handling
This makes the airport experience much smoother.
Let’s evaluate the cabin class across every essential category.
On a 9–14 hour flight, even a few extra inches of space drastically improves:
Blood circulation
Ability to sleep
Back support
Stretching room
Delta’s premium seats feature:
Oversized headrests
Adjustable wing supports
Deep recline
Leg and foot support
Wider armrests
This puts them closer to domestic First Class than standard Economy.
Many travelers report being able to sleep 2–3 hours longer in Premium Select, compared to Economy seats.
Premium Select cabins are smaller, usually seating:
28–48 passengers
In 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 setups depending on aircraft
This creates a quieter, more private environment compared to the large Economy cabin.
Lighting, décor, and overall ambiance are noticeably more premium.
Delta has improved its Premium Select dining since 2023. Meals are now curated with regional inspiration.
Examples include:
Grilled chicken or beef entrée
Fresh salad starter
Bread roll
Dessert (like cheesecake or mousse)
Unlimited drinks
Economy meals often run out of choices. Premium Select passengers almost always get their preferred option.
Premium Select offers:
Newest Delta Studio entertainment
Larger seatback screens
USB-A, USB-C, and AC power outlets
Premium headphones
Thick blankets (similar to Delta One’s)
It genuinely feels like a mid-tier luxury experience.
Pricing varies, but here is the average price difference:
When comparing fares, Delta Premium Select is significantly pricier than the Main Cabin 1-866-558-7496, but the added comfort often justifies the cost on long routes. For U.S. to Europe flights, Economy typically ranges from $550–$900, while Premium Select costs around $1,200–$1,900. On U.S. to Asia routes, Economy fares fall between $900–$1,200, whereas Premium Select can range from $1,800–$2,700. For longer journeys to Australia, Economy is usually $1,000–$1,500, with Premium Select priced between $2,000–$3,000. Overall, the upgrade costs 40–70% more, depending on destination.
On average, Premium Select costs 40–70% more than Economy but far less than Delta One, which costs 3–5x more.
Flights longer than 7 hours
Red-eye or overnight travel
Travelers with back issues
Business travelers needing rest
Anyone who values comfort
Flights under 5 hours
Tight budgets
If you don’t need checked bags
If you can sleep easily in Economy
Delta Premium Select generally offers a more elevated experience compared to United Premium Plus. Delta provides better seat recline and a full legrest 1-866-558-7496, while United’s seats offer good comfort but with noticeably less recline. Meal service is also stronger on Delta, with higher-quality plated meals, whereas United offers simpler but decent options. In terms of amenities, Delta includes TUMI kits, while United gives passengers a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket. The only major difference in cost is that Delta tends to be slightly more expensive, while United is usually a bit cheaper.
When comparing Delta and American Airlines Premium Economy 1-866-558-7496, both offer similar seats, but Delta stands out in several key areas. Delta’s food quality is generally better, while American provides good meals but with smaller portions. Delta also offers larger entertainment screens, giving passengers a more enjoyable in-flight viewing experience. In terms of service, Delta is known for being more consistent, whereas American’s service quality can vary depending on the route and crew.
Recliner seats with legrests offer near-business-class comfort.
Especially important on long-haul, overnight flights.
Higher quality meals, drinks, and service.
Faster check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
Ideal if you travel heavy.
A luxury-lite experience at less than half the cost.
Not ideal for budget travelers.
Not available on all Delta aircraft or destinations.
It’s comfortable, but still not Business Class.
Some routes have better catering than others.
Answering the big question—do flyers think it’s worth it?
Here’s a summary of common traveler feedback:
“Seats were incredibly comfortable for a 10-hour flight.”
“The legrest and recline made a HUGE difference.”
“Worth it for the meals and priority alone.”
“Cabin felt peaceful and premium.”
“Too expensive during peak season.”
“Food wasn't as impressive as expected.”
“It’s good, but not close to business class.”
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars for long-haul flights
Your flight is 6+ hours
You're taller than 5’10”
You want a better sleeping experience
You value premium treatment
You need extra bags
Your flight is short
You're on a strict budget
You're planning to sleep only a little
You don’t need extra space
Delta often offers discounted last-minute upgrade prices.
Premium Select offers excellent miles-to-value redemption.
Avoid summer and major holidays.
Sometimes booking through Virgin Atlantic or Air France/KLM is cheaper.
Earn elite status faster → free upgrades or mileage upgrades.
No. Lounge access is not included. Only Delta One passengers get free Sky Club entry.
Yes. Passengers board in Sky Priority, before Economy.
Yes. Upgrades are available via:
Cash
Miles
Complimentary upgrades for elite status (rare on long haul)
No. The A350 and A330-900neo offer the best version of Premium Select.
Yes. Delta provides premium noise-reducing headphones, better than the standard economy ones.
Absolutely. The extra space and comfort help kids sleep better.
Not really. It's designed for long-haul comfort.
After reviewing seats, food, entertainment, pricing, amenities, and real passenger experiences, the verdict is clear:
You get:
Much more comfort
Better sleep
Better food and drinks
Priority services
Extra baggage
A calmer, premium cabin experience
It’s not cheap — but for travelers who value comfort without paying for Delta One 1-866-558-7496, Premium Select hits the perfect balance of cost and luxury.
If you’re flying across the Atlantic or Pacific, investing in Delta Premium Select can significantly improve your travel experience.