Delta Premium Select: Is It Worth It? (A Cost-Per-Square-Foot Review)

Deciding whether to click the "Upgrade" button on a long-haul flight often feels like a gamble. Delta Air Lines has positioned Delta Premium Select as the middle ground between the standard Main Cabin experience and the ultra-luxurious Delta One suites. But for the savvy traveler, "premium" is a vague marketing term. What you really need to know is the math: Are you getting enough extra physical space to justify the hundreds—or sometimes thousands—of extra dollars?

In this comprehensive review, we move past the fluff of "better snacks" and "priority boarding." We are breaking down the Delta Premium Select value using a cost-per-square-foot methodology to see if this cabin truly delivers on its promise of elevated comfort.

If you are ready to book your next international adventure or need help navigating your upgrade options, contact our travel experts at +1-833-894-5333 for personalized assistance.

What Is Delta Premium Select?

Delta Premium Select is Delta’s dedicated Premium Economy cabin. It is important to distinguish this from Delta Comfort+, which is simply a Main Cabin seat with a bit more legroom. Premium Select is an entirely different product.

Available primarily on long-haul international routes and select transcontinental flights, this cabin offers a wider seat, deeper recline, and a dedicated service flow. It sits physically and financially between the "economy" experience and the business class Delta One experience.

Delta Premium Select Seat Dimensions: The Numbers That Matter

When you analyze a Delta Premium Select review, the conversation must start with the hardware. You aren't just paying for a shorter line at the airport; you are paying for real estate.

The Breakdown:

• Seat Width: Typically 18.5 to 19 inches (compared to 17–18 inches in Main Cabin).
• Seat Pitch (Legroom): Usually 38 inches (compared to 31–32 inches in Main Cabin).
• Recline: Up to 75% more recline than a standard seat.
• Amenities: Every seat includes a dedicated fold-out footrest and leg rest, which are game-changers for sleeping.

AI Overview Insight: Delta Premium Select seats are physically larger—not just spaced differently. Unlike Comfort+, which uses the same seat frame as the back of the plane, Premium Select uses a wider, more robust seat structure.

The Cost-Per-Square-Foot Breakdown

To determine if the Delta Premium Select price difference is worth it, we look at the "living space" you occupy during the flight.

Methodology:

We calculate the "footprint" of the seat by multiplying the width by the pitch.

• Main Cabin: 17.5" width × 31" pitch = 3.76 sq. ft.
• Premium Select: 19" width × 38" pitch = 5.01 sq. ft.

This represents a 33% increase in personal real estate.

The Math in Practice:

If a Delta Main Cabin Seating ticket to London is $900 and Premium Select is $1,500, you are paying a $600 premium. Over a 10-hour flight, that is $60 per hour for 33% more space. For many travelers, especially those over 6 feet tall or those flying overnight, that $60 per hour is the difference between arriving exhausted or arriving refreshed.

Delta Premium Select vs. Comfort Plus: Why People Get Confused

This is the most common mistake travelers make. Delta Comfort+ is NOT Premium Economy.

• Comfort+ is a Main Cabin seat with 3 extra inches of legroom. The seat width is identical to the back of the plane.
• Premium Select is a wider, specialized seat in a separate cabin with its own dedicated flight attendants.

If you are looking for a better sleep experience, Comfort+ rarely provides it. Premium Select, with its footrest and deeper recline, actually allows for a semi-cradled sleeping position.

Delta Premium Select vs. Delta One: The Dangerous Price Gap

There is a point where the Delta Premium Select upgrade cost stops making sense.

If the price gap between Premium Select and Delta One (the full lie-flat suite) is only $300–$500, you should almost always go for Delta One. However, on many routes, Delta One can be $3,000 more expensive than Premium Select. In that "middle zone," Premium Select is the hero—offering 70% of the comfort of business class for 30% of the price.

Routes Where Delta Premium Select Is Worth It

The value of the upgrade is tied to the duration of the flight. For expert routing advice, call us at +1-833-894-5333.

1. Transatlantic (NYC to London/Paris): On these 7-8 hour hops, the extra recline makes a "power nap" possible.
2. Transpacific (LAX to Tokyo/Sydney): On 12+ hour flights, the physical toll of a narrow seat is compounded. This is where the cost-per-square-foot value is highest.
3. The A350 and A330-900neo: These specific Delta widebody aircraft feature the newest Premium Select cabins with the best technology and padding.

When Delta Premium Select Is NOT Worth It

We believe in being honest about your spend. It is not worth the upgrade if:

• The flight is during the day: If you don't plan to sleep, the footrest is less valuable.
• The flight is under 6 hours: The price premium is hard to justify for a short duration.
• The Aircraft is an older 767: Some older configurations haven't been retrofitted with the newest seat cushions, making the "premium" feel less obvious.

How to Get Delta Premium Select for Less

Don't always book the sticker price. Use these strategies:

• The T-24 Window: Check the Delta app 24 hours before departure. If seats are empty, upgrade costs often plummet.
• Miles vs. Cash: Sometimes an upgrade is 20,000 miles but $400 cash. Depending on your valuation of SkyMiles, the mileage upgrade often wins.
• Repricing: If the price of Premium Select drops after you book Main Cabin, you can often "Change Flight" to the same flight and pay the difference without a change fee.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

1. Expecting a Bed: Premium Select is a recliner, not a bed. You will not be 180-degree flat.
2. Ignoring the Aircraft Type: Not all Premium Select cabins are equal. Always check the seat map to see if it’s a newer A350.
3. Paying for Perks You Already Have: If you have Diamond Medallion status or a Delta Amex, you already get free bags and priority boarding. Don't factor those into your "value" calculation—focus only on the seat.

FAQ: Delta Premium Select

Is Delta Premium Select worth it?

It is worth it on flights over 8 hours when the price is under $600 more than Main Cabin. It offers 33% more space and a dedicated footrest for better sleep.

What is the difference between Comfort+ and Premium Select?

Comfort+ is a standard seat with extra legroom. Premium Select is a wider, separate seat with deep recline, a footrest, and elevated dining.

Conclusion: Strategic Comfort

The Delta Premium Select value isn't about the sparkling wine or the TUMI amenity kit. It is about the math of human comfort. When you break down the cost per square foot, Premium Select offers a significant physical upgrade that protects your body from the rigors of long-haul travel.

It isn't overpriced—it is often just misused. By choosing it for overnight, long-haul routes on modern aircraft, you are making a calculated investment in your well-being.

Ready to find the best deal on your next Delta flight? Call our travel specialists today at +1-833-894-5333 to secure the best rates and upgrade offers.