Delta Premium Economy: The Real Deal

Delta Premium Select: A Comprehensive Review

Delta Air Lines’ Premium Select cabin aims to bridge the gap between economy and business class, offering enhanced comfort and amenities on select international routes and, increasingly, some domestic flights. This review delves into the experience, exploring everything from pre-flight upgrades to the in-flight service and overall value proposition.

Upgrading to Premium Select

Securing an upgrade to Premium Select can be a bit of a puzzle. While many airlines offer upgrade options at check-in, Delta’s policy seems less straightforward. It’s recommended to inquire about paid upgrades to business class well in advance, ideally more than 24 hours before departure, by contacting Delta directly.

Delta’s website suggests that upgrades can be initiated anytime after purchasing a ticket until three hours prior to departure or when the check-in window closes. Passengers are advised to check their “My Trips” page for upgrade banners. However, the process lacks clarity, especially regarding what to do if no banners appear or if specific timings influence upgrade availability.

A key consideration is that post-purchase upgrades typically apply to all passengers within a single booking. Additionally, itineraries not wholly operated by Delta or Delta Connection may not be eligible. It is important to check carefully for codeshare flights. Miles can be used for upgrades, and both paid and mileage upgrades earn points.

Check-in and Boarding

One of the perks of Delta Premium Select is access to Delta’s Sky Priority service. This includes expedited check-in, security screening, and baggage handling. Passengers also enjoy priority boarding, allowing them to settle in comfortably before the general boarding process begins.

Premium Select passengers are entitled to two complimentary checked bags, a generous allowance for most travelers. However, lounge access is not included with a Premium Select ticket.

The Premium Economy Cabin

The Premium Economy cabin on some aircraft, such as the A330-200/300, shares visual similarities with the standard economy cabin, albeit with slightly wider leather seats. The cabin’s smaller size, often with just a few rows, can contribute to quicker and more attentive service.

The seating configuration in Premium Economy varies depending on the aircraft. On the A330-200/300, it’s typically 2-3-2, while the A350-900 features a 2-4-2 configuration.

A notable advantage of the Premium Economy cabin is the placement of power sockets. Instead of the often-awkward under-seat location, the sockets are conveniently positioned between the seats in front, offering easy access for charging devices. Both a standard power outlet and a USB port are provided.

Delta provides passengers with an information card detailing the features and benefits of Premium Select. This card outlines seat adjustments, complimentary beverage options, the memory foam cushion, and entertainment highlights, including themed Spotify playlists. This proactive approach ensures passengers are aware of and can fully utilize the available amenities.

Amenities and Comfort

Delta refreshed its Premium Economy offerings in September 2022, focusing on enhanced seat comfort and improved amenity kits.

While the memory foam pillow is adequate, the blanket might show signs of wear. The leather seat itself is comfortable, with dimensions of 18.5 inches in width, 38 inches of pitch, and 7 inches of recline. This compares favorably to the main cabin, where seats are 18 inches wide with a pitch of 31-33 inches, and Comfort Plus with 34 inches of pitch. The extra inches of pitch in Premium Select can significantly enhance comfort, especially on long-haul flights.

The wide armrest between seats provides added privacy and personal space compared to economy class. Separate buttons control the seat extension, backrest recline, and footrest adjustment. The angled footrest and adjustable leg rest contribute to a more relaxed seating position.

The provided toiletries bag is a standout feature, containing a wooden toothbrush with toothpaste, earplugs, Alchemist brand hand cream and lip balm, and an eye mask.

High-quality noise-canceling headphones are provided for in-flight entertainment. Delta Studio offers a wide selection of content, boasting over 1,000 hours of movies, TV shows, and music. The seatback screen is larger than those in economy (13.3 inches versus 10.1 inches), enhancing the viewing experience.

It’s important to note that certain amenities, such as the foot and leg rest, 13.3″ in-flight entertainment screen, and noise-canceling headphones, may not be available on Delta’s 757-200 aircraft.

Food, Drinks, and Service

On overnight flights, the cabin crew typically begins dinner service promptly after the seatbelt sign is switched off. Service is generally efficient and friendly, with staff attending to passenger needs throughout the flight.

The meal service is often presented in a style reminiscent of economy class, lacking tablecloths and serving everything at once. While the taste of the food is generally acceptable, the presentation may not be as refined as in other premium economy experiences. However, experiences can vary, with some reviews reporting tablecloths and a more premium dining experience.

A printed menu might offer a selection of entrees, with additional menu options accessible via a QR code. However, the actual meal choices presented may differ from the printed menu. For example, instead of the menu offerings, passengers might be offered a choice between chicken or pasta. While the main course is satisfactory, details like the absence of bread can detract from the overall experience. The accompanying quinoa salad and a dessert of salted caramel ice cream provide enjoyable complements to the meal.

Breakfast typically consists of an English muffin with egg, a small amount of cheese, and fresh fruit, along with coffee and orange juice.

Aircraft Variations

The overall Premium Select experience can be significantly influenced by the type of aircraft. Older, “reconditioned” planes may not offer the same level of premium features and comfort as newer aircraft like the A330-900. The A330-900 boasts seats made with memory foam cushions and specialized lighting in the Premium Economy cabin, creating a more elevated atmosphere. This information can be valuable when deciding between Delta Comfort Plus and Premium Select.

Delta Premium Economy: Is it Worth It?

For flights exceeding four or five hours, or when sleep is a priority, Premium Economy can be a worthwhile investment, especially if the price difference is reasonable. Booking early can often result in a smaller price gap between economy and premium economy fares.

On shorter flights, the benefits of Premium Economy may not be as pronounced, as the primary advantage is increased seat pitch, which is less crucial on shorter routes.

Delta Premium Select offers a solid foundation for a premium economy experience, with comfortable seats, palatable food, decent toiletries, and ample entertainment. However, the overall ambiance might lack a truly premium feel, both in terms of cabin aesthetics and food presentation.

The Premium Select offering can vary considerably depending on the specific aircraft. When booking, checking the aircraft details can provide insights into the expected experience. If possible, opting for a flight on the A330-900 can significantly enhance the Premium Economy experience.