Is Delta Premium Select Business Class? Understanding the Difference

When booking a flight with Delta Air Lines, you may come across various classes, including Delta Premium Select. Often, travelers wonder whether Delta Premium Select is considered business class due to its enhanced amenities and comfort. The short answer is no—Delta Premium Select is not business class. Instead, it is a premium economy option that offers a more comfortable experience than the Main Cabin, but it does not provide the full range of services and luxury that come with business class, such as Delta One.
In this article, we’ll explore what Delta Premium Select offers, how it differs from Delta’s business class, and which travel class is right for you.
What Is Delta Premium Select?
Is Delta Premium Select business class is Delta’s premium economy class, designed for long-haul international flights and select domestic routes. It provides an enhanced in-flight
experience for travelers who want more comfort and amenities than what is available in economy class but aren’t looking to pay the premium price for business class.
Key features of Delta Premium Select include:
● Wider Seats: Delta Premium Select offers wider seats than economy class, giving passengers more space to relax during their flight.
● More Legroom: With up to 38 inches of seat pitch, passengers enjoy significantly more legroom compared to Main Cabin or Delta Comfort+ seats.
● Reclining Seats: Premium Select seats recline more than standard economy seats, allowing for a more comfortable rest during long flights.
● Adjustable Footrests and Headrests: These features add extra support, making long-haul travel more pleasant.
● Enhanced Dining: Passengers in Delta Premium Select receive elevated meals with more gourmet options, along with complimentary beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits.
● Priority Services: Premium Select passengers benefit from priority boarding, expedited check-in, and priority baggage handling.
While Delta Premium Select provides excellent comfort and additional perks, it’s not on the same level as Delta’s business class offering, known as Delta One.
How Does Delta Premium Select Compare to Business Class?
The key difference between Delta Premium Select and business class lies in the level of luxury, service, and features offered. Delta One, which is Delta’s business class for international long-haul flights, provides a much more premium experience than Delta Premium Select. Here’s how they compare:
1.
Seating
● Delta Premium Select: The seats in Premium Select are wider than economy, offer extra legroom, and have a greater recline. They come with adjustable footrests and headrests, but they are still traditional upright seats.
● Delta One (Business Class): Delta One seats are fully lie-flat, allowing passengers to recline into a bed-like position. These seats also come with privacy partitions and direct aisle access, providing the ultimate comfort and privacy for long-haul travel.
2. In-Flight Amenities
● Delta Premium Select: Passengers receive upgraded in-flight amenities like noise-canceling headphones, a larger entertainment screen, and amenity kits containing
travel essentials. However, the experience remains more aligned with an enhanced economy option rather than a full luxury offering.
● Delta One: In Delta One, passengers receive a more luxurious in-flight experience, including premium bedding, pajamas on select flights, and access to Delta Sky Club lounges. The meal service is also more refined, with multi-course meals and chef-curated menus. Passengers also enjoy personalized service throughout the flight.
3. Dining Experience
● Delta Premium Select: Premium Select offers a step up from economy dining with enhanced meals, presented on actual dinnerware, along with complimentary alcoholic beverages.
● Delta One: In business class, dining is elevated even further with a multi-course gourmet meal, curated by top chefs, paired with premium wines and beverages. The dining service in Delta One is similar to that of a high-end restaurant, with options for customizing your meal experience.
4. Priority Services
● Delta Premium Select: Passengers receive priority boarding, expedited check-in, and faster baggage handling. While this offers convenience, it’s still a step below the full suite of priority services available to business class passengers.
● Delta One: Delta One passengers have access to Delta’s top-tier services, including exclusive check-in areas, priority security lanes, and lounge access. They also enjoy more personalized attention throughout their journey.
Who Should Choose Delta Premium Select?
Delta Premium Select is ideal for passengers who want an elevated experience on long-haul flights but aren’t willing to pay the premium price for business class. It offers significant improvements over standard economy and is perfect for travelers who want more space, better dining, and priority services without needing a fully lie-flat seat or access to luxury lounges.
For:
● Business travelers on a budget: Premium Select provides more comfort than economy but at a lower price than business class, making it a good option for business travelers who don’t need the full luxury of Delta One.
● Leisure travelers seeking comfort: If you’re flying for leisure on long international routes, Premium Select offers the comfort and space to make your trip more enjoyable without breaking the bank.
● Frequent flyers using points or upgrades: Premium Select can be a good option for passengers using miles to upgrade their experience without needing to go all the way to business class.
Conclusion: Delta Premium Select vs. Business Class
While Delta Premium Select offers many enhanced features over economy class, it is not business class. The product is designed to give travelers more comfort and better amenities than economy but without the lie-flat seats, privacy, and luxury of Delta One. If you are looking for a more affordable way to enjoy extra space, upgraded meals, and priority services on long-haul international flights, Delta Premium Select is a great choice. However, if you want the full luxury experience, with lie-flat seating, personalized service, and access to premium lounges, Delta’s business class (Delta One) is the way to go.