The Delta Comfort Plus Review: What is it & is it Worth It?

A few years ago, when Delta Airlines introduced its Comfort Plus seats, they were merely an improvement over the standard economy seats.

You had to reserve your flight at the time and then add a small surcharge to upgrade to Comfort Plus.

Today, though, Delta Comfort Plus stands on its own as a separate class that can be purchased separately and adds extra perks to your flight. This Delta Comfort Plus review will examine what you get in addition to the economy level (main cabin) and examine whether the added cost is justified.

In order to create this review, we used our own experience as well as interviews with several other passengers who had taken Comfort Plus flights once or twice in the past. This allowed us to reach an unbiased judgement on whether Delta Comfort Plus is actually worth the extra cost. To learn everything you need to know, keep reading.

Delta Comfort Plus: What is it?

Between economy class and business class on Delta Airlines is a seat level called Delta Comfort Plus. The term “Premium Economy” would be used by other airlines.

In essence, these seats are Economy Class, but they also come with extra perks like more legroom, more recline, and priority boarding, among others. Later, we’ll delve more deeply into the extras.

Differences between First Class and Comfort Plus

You might be wondering why there is a slight increase in comfort when you can just upgrade to First Class. Indeed, there are some characteristics that set the two classes apart from one another, with price being one of them.

Despite being significantly more expensive than Comfort Plus, First Class offers much more features.

One distinction is that your reclining angle will be greater in First Class than it will be in Economy or Comfort Plus. You also have much more room for your legs. As a result, Comfort Plus would be easier for you to upgrade to than First Class without making a significant dent in your wallet if your budget is within the range of Standard Economy.

Differences between Standard Economy and Comfort Plus

Budget travellers should use Standard Economy, also referred to as the main cabin.

You’re not interested in the comforts of First Class or Comfort Plus. Therefore, in Economy Class, you must put up with slightly less room, an undesignated overhead bin, and boarding after everyone else has taken their seats.

But as you’ll see in this review, Comfort Plus’ selling point is the additional room, which, in my experience, is what people dislike most about Economy Class. Is the difference in legroom noticeable? Later, we’ll talk more about that.

Additionally, Delta Comfort Plus customers receive a dedicated overhead bin, which Economy customers do not.

Principal Elements of Delta Comfort Plus

1 -class boarding

Some claim that this is what motivates them to spend more money on a Comfort Plus seat. Priority boarding doesn’t really matter to me because everyone gets on the plane eventually. Anyhow, if you have a Comfort Plus ticket, you will be permitted to board before the First Class elite and those with disabilities and after the “common folk” of Economy.

2. An exclusive overhead bin

If you’ve ever had to store your bag in an overhead bin that is far down the aisle, you’ll appreciate this benefit. You get dedicated storage with a Comfort Plus ticket, so you can rest assured that there will be somewhere for you to tuck your carry on.

3. Additional room and comfort

The extra legroom is the main reason why most passengers would choose to pay more for Comfort Plus seats. Although Delta claims that this is essentially four inches longer than in Economy, every inch counts on a long-haul flight. Later in this review, we’ll talk about whether or not the extra inches are worthwhile.

Additionally, you’ll be able to recline slightly more than in Economy (exactly 50% more). In Comfort Plus, the seat has a clever mechanism that allows it to slide forward as the backrest tilts back, providing a greater reclining angle and, as a result, more comfort than Economy.

4. Improved snacks and beverages

These premium meals and snacks are what Delta refers to. Everyone receives free meals and drinks on international flights, but domestic flights also include free alcohol, which Economy Class passengers do not receive. Additional snacks are available for Comfort Plus travellers.

5. Comfort Plus passenger amenity kits

Everyone receives a sleep kit, but if you choose Comfort Plus, you’ll also receive an amenity kit that includes earplugs, a travel toothbrush, and a small tube of toothpaste. A pillow and blanket are also provided for your use during the flight.

On international flights, the majority of these amenities are however provided for free, so if you want to upgrade to a mini toothbrush and toothpaste, stick with Economy instead.

Delta Comfort Plus Is For Whom?

It is evident from the list of features above that priority boarding, the added comfort, and the dedicated overhead bin are what set Delta Comfort Plus apart from Economy Class.

Features like complimentary snacks and beverages as well as in-flight entertainment are commonplace on international flights. However, since domestic flights do not serve alcoholic beverages and, in some cases, do not provide headsets, they provide a more obvious distinction. You’ll experience a little more care as a Comfort Plus passenger in this situation.

Therefore, I would say that Delta Comfort Plus is better suited for those who require the additional space and are willing to pay more. Particularly on an international flight, the extra comfort would be greatly appreciated by the elderly or those with knee problems.

Additionally, if you are taller than average, you might want to think about selecting a seat in Comfort Plus.

However, if for whatever reason you don’t really care about extra legroom and more reclining and you don’t mind possibly stowing your carry-on far from you, you might want to save the extra money and fly Economy. But will you be setting aside a sizable sum for the compromises? Later, we’ll talk more about the expenses.

The majority of passengers, especially on lengthy flights, are happy to pay for the additional room. If you’ll be flying for several hours, every additional inch on a plane counts, and the increased reclining angle is especially important.

What is the difference in cost?

Domestic transport

On a domestic flight, the difference between Main Cabin and Comfort Plus is very obvious. Along with priority boarding, extra legroom, and dedicated overhead storage, you’ll also get to indulge in an alcoholic beverage as passengers in the Main Cabin enviously watch.

But how much more will you have to pay for these benefits? Below are domestic flights for Main Cabin and Comfort Plus.

• Houston to New York

The cheapest Main Cabin seat on a flight from JFK to Hobby costs $218, while Comfort Plus seats cost $292. The price difference is $74 between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

You may not have enough time to fully enjoy the advantages of Comfort Plus on this approximately one and a half hour flight. However, the price you’ll pay in addition to that is as follows: The difference between the lowest Main Cabin fare ($98) and Comfort Plus ($117) is $19.

• From Chicago to Atlanta

The lowest prices for this two-hour flight are $156 for a Main Cabin seat and $185 for a Comfort Plus seat, a $29 difference.

The extra legroom might not matter much on a flight from LA to San Francisco because you won’t be in the air for very long. Consider whether the extra space and overhead storage are worth the extra $19 or $29 before deciding. I consider these to be the main advantages over Main Cabin.

When it’s a five-hour flight, like from New York to Houston, your priorities change. The additional comfort here makes more sense, but would you pay the extra $74 for it? Keep in mind that you will board before the passengers in Main Cabin, so perhaps that will influence your choice a little.

Transatlantic flights

All passengers, whether in Main Cabin or Comfort Plus, receive complimentary snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and entertainment on international flights. Naturally, the meals and snacks in Comfort Plus differ slightly.

However, priority boarding and the extra comfort make a bigger distinction between the two. What percentage more would you pay, then? Here are a few of the most sought-after US-bound international flights.

From London to New York

You’ll be grateful for a little more space to stretch out since this flight lasts for about seven hours. The cheapest Main Cabin fare is approximately $1628 while the cost of a Comfort Plus seat is approximately $1732, a difference of $104 in price.

• Toronto to Miami

This is a well-traveled route that stops in Atlanta and lasts for roughly 5 hours. The lowest Main Cabin fare is $217, and a Comfort Plus seat is an additional $85, bringing the total to $302.

Tokyo to Los Angeles flight

The 12-hour nonstop Delta flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo is nonstop. You’ll really need more comfort on a flight like that, so think about getting a Comfort Plus. You’ll pay $629 for the extras as opposed to $479 for a Main Cabin seat. The $150 price difference is significant in this instance, but you’ll value the advantages more during a 12-hour flight.

Now that you know how much more you’ll probably pay for Delta Comfort Plus, let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s worthwhile.

Pros

• Delta Comfort Plus offers its passengers a dedicated overhead storage bin so your luggage will be close to you at all times.

• You receive priority boarding so you’ll have the opportunity to settle in earlier than the Main Cabin passengers.

• The legroom is about four inches more than in the Main Cabin, and the seats in Comfort Plus also recline a little bit more.

• You’ll get free alcoholic beverages when flying domestically, something Main Cabin passengers don’t enjoy. This indicates an increase in comfort.

• Despite the fact that every passenger on a Delta flight receives food, Comfort Plus passengers enjoy slightly superior meals to Main Cabin customers.

• On long-haul flights, Comfort Plus passengers receive an amenity kit with a few extras like toothpaste, a mini-brush, and earplugs.

Cons

• Even though you’ll pay more, you might not really get to enjoy the extra benefits on short flights because of the cost.

Questions and Answers

What is included in Delta First Class?

First-class passengers benefit from generous legroom, up to eight inches more than in the Main Cabin section. Additionally, first-class travellers benefit from personalised service and much better meals that are served on real plates.

How reclined are Delta Comfort seats?

It has 50% more seats than the Main Cabin. They actually pitch back by about 35 inches.

Which seats does Delta prefer?

The best seats are those found closer to the front, which typically offer more legroom than standard seats. They are slightly more expensive than regular seats.

The value of Delta Comfort Plus

Save the extra $20 or $30 if your flight is less than two hours long. Unless you have joint problems, the extra 3 inches aren’t worth it. For lengthy flights, such as those lasting more than five hours, it might make sense to pay more for added comfort.

Conclusion: Compared to Main Cabin seats, Delta Comfort Plus Long-Haul flights have the best cost-benefit ratio. They also provide a cosier experience.

Therefore, only choose Comfort Plus seats if you know you’ll be on a plane for a long time. Added comfort is essentially what Comfort Plus stands for. If all you want is free alcohol and snacks on international flights, don’t pay extra because everyone gets them.