Delta Premium Select: Is It Really Worth It? Our Ultimate Review

Picture being on your dream international trip exploring the streets of Tokyo, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or relaxing on the sunny beaches of Sydney and suddenly your dreams are crashing down with the reality of sitting in a 15-hour long flight with cramped seats. Nightmare! Right? We’ve all been there staring at the screen deciding whether to book economy or spend a little more on premium and hoping it would be worth it! Well, don’t fret as Delta Premium Select international flights are ready to save your day – offering comfort you’ve never been aware of! It’s somewhere between the standard economy and luxurious Delta One. But is it worth it?

In this post, we’ll answer the question “Is Delta Premium Select’s bigger seat and fancier meal worth my money?” in detail, providing you with all the real experiences, and specifics about seats, and meals, and comparing it with others for a more informed decision.

What is Delta Premium Select?

Let’s break it down for you! Flying is not always a great experience and long flights especially can be tough but Delta Premium Select makes it a little better! You’re given more space to relax your legs, better service, a generally a more comfortable experience if you’re taking international flights in particular.

What does that mean? We’re talking about a wider seating arrangement that gives you room to breathe, more space so you’re not battling your travel companion for knee space, and you get a deeper recline for better sleep. But this class on Delta Airlines is not all about the seat but about an elevated experience. On international flights booking, this just means more thought is put into your meal options, amenities are upgraded to help you freshen up, and you’re prioritized in terms of early boarding and baggage handling.

Delta Premium Select’s main aim is to make your flying experience seem less of a chore and more tolerable if not enjoyable. You’ll arrive at your desired location feeling less tired. To get into more specifics about this flight class, keep reading.

Delta Premium Select Seats

We’ve got into seats a bit more because let’s face it – on a long flight and that too international, seats mean the world. It’s the only place you’ll be sitting, sleeping, and spending the next god knows how many hours in it.

Starting off with their width – they are wider – with an extra inch or two. Doesn’t sound that much? But really when you will be sitting in a 10-hour flight, it will be worth every penny. You will not be bumping elbows with the passenger next to you and have that space to spread out.

Next is the recline which is not just barely there but actually lean back so you can get into a position that’s a bit more comfortable for sleeping or relaxing. And speaking of relaxing, the leg rest and footrest will prove to be lifesavers as they elevate your legs, a blessing in disguise when you’re dreading in-flight swelling. As for the leg rest, it’s also a game changer and reduces the post-flight "cement legs" feeling.

Delta Premium Select international flights are more than physical comfort as you get better amenities. A larger personal entertainment screen makes in-flight movies and shows more fun. Power outlets? You don’t have to worry about that as well.

When you’re in economy class, you’re giving your best to make it work, right? Whereas in Premium Select, you are not struggling much and can enjoy your flight – that’s the difference between the two. When compared to other classes, Delta Premium Select stands out from standard economy and while it’s not “flat-bed” luxury, it’s better and makes long international flights more manageable. If comfort is something you value, Delta Premium Select is worth it.

Delta Comfort Plus vs. Premium Select

Here’s where things might get a little confusing for you and you might start wondering what’s the difference between Delta Comfort Plus and Delta Premium Select? Both are upgrades but not the same thing.

Key differences you may ask?

Seat Comfort: As a passenger on Premium Select, you can expect wider seats and a deeper recline. The leg rest or footrest combo is great for relaxing your legs. As for the Comfort Plus, it’s just extra legroom and nothing more.

Dining: On Premium Select, you get an upgraded dining experience with better meal options and presentation, and on the Comfort Plus, meals are the same as economy.

Amenities: Amenity kits and better entertainment can be expected on Premium Select while on the other one, fewer amenities are added.

Service: As for the service, Premium Select passengers are given priority, similar to higher classes.

If you just want more legroom and earlier boarding, Comfort Plus will be enough for you mainly on shorter flights and with a tight budget. On long-haul flights, comfort is the first thing on every passenger's mind, and for that Premium Select is the best.

The difference in the level of comfort is visible and you will feel a lot better when you land but like everything, it always comes down to what you want – your personal style and budget constraints.

Is Delta Premium Select Worth It?

Yes! We’ll tell you why and then you decide. There’s no one answer that’ll solve this query of yours as it all depends on what your travel priorities and budget are.

Simply imagine you’re taking a 15-hour long flight to Sydney, Australia, and paying about $2,000 more than a standard economy seat. Will it be worth it? Absolutely! You’ll feel significantly more refreshed than if it would’ve been economy. The better meals, more space, and boarding as a priority passenger would’ve made a huge difference.

Let’s be real for a second, upgrading to Premium Select is not cheap. You’ll be paying more for extra comfort. We’re going to break it down for you so it makes more sense to you.

Think – a 12-hour long flight in standard economy class, feeling you’re folded into a suitcase. Sounds like a nightmare! But not with Premium Select, it’s where your seats will provide you more comfort, the meals will be better than the economy, and some extra benefits will make a huge impact on how you feel at the end of your flight.

For many travelers who swear by it, especially for those long flights to Asia or Australia, they say it makes a big difference arriving feeling like a zombie and being ready to hit the ground running. More energy when you land can make or break your trip if you’re running on a tight schedule.

It’s basically a trade-off – if you’re too tight on your budget and can sleep anywhere, the extra cost might not be worth it but for those who want to feel like a baby when they wake up from a recliner seat and low jet lag, Delta Premium Select is a must.

Delta Premium Select international flights will be beneficial during the following scenarios:

Long-haul flights 10+ hours: The longer the duration of your flight is, the more you will be grateful for booking a seat in Delta Premium Select.

Business trips: They’re all about being on your higher productivity levels, and Delta Premium Select international flights make sure to provide just that.

Special occasions: Planning a trip to celebrate your honeymoon or anniversary? You need that extra comfort to make your flying more enjoyable.

Limited vacation time: On short vacations, you must not waste a day or two recovering from the flight, so it’s better to book Delta Premium Select and save that time to explore.

Delta Premium Select vs. American Premium Economy – A Quick Comparison

To know the amenities and services of Delta Premium Select well, compare it with other airlines. Looking for premium economy options for international flights? It’s best to know what you’re getting before you pay the price. Both Delta Airlines and American Airlines provide the same thing that falls between economy and business class but their approach varies. They both serve good meals, but the vibe and the menu are slightly different.

Here’s a breakdown for more understanding:

Seat Comfort:

• Both airlines provide seats with a bit more width and more legroom.
• In Delta, you get seat comfort – leg rest and footrest, which can be great for longer flights.
• In America Airlines, you also get improved seating but the specifics may vary depending on the aircraft.

Dining Experience:

• Delta offers a better dining experience and more thought is put into the meal options and presentation.
• While on American Airlines, you also get improved meals than economy class but the style and quality are changed.

Amenities:

• You get an amenity kit on both airlines – only the contents vary.
• As for the entertainment part, it’s generally upgraded on both Delta and America but the interface and selection choices may vary.

Service:

• You get priority boarding and baggage handling on both airlines.
• You’ll notice that the service on the Delta is more consistent than the other airline but it can differ based on the crew and route.

So, which one is better? Depends on your preferences and your route. If seat comfort and better dining are what you want, pick Delta. If specific routes or airline loyalty benefits are what you’re after, American Airlines is a better choice.

Does Delta Upgrade to Premium Select? - The Upgrade Reality

The obvious question running through every traveler's mind, is how can we upgrade? Everyone loves an upgrade and wants to feel comfortable without paying the full price. So here are the specifics for Premium Select on those long international flights.

While upgrades are a possibility, getting upgraded to Premium Select is usually less common than you might think. The airline tends to give importance to upgrades to their higher-profit cabins like Delta One, their business class.

But it’s not an impossible thing and these factors might increase your chances:

• Delta Medallion Status: If you are a member of Delta’s frequent flyer program, you will be their priority and will get upgrades.
• Upgrade Certificates: Medallion members of Delta might earn upgrade certificates but make sure to check the terms and conditions as they can be limited.
• Using Miles: Use your Delta SkyMiles to get an upgrade to Premium Select but this will all depend on if the seats are available and the fare class of your original ticket.
• Operational Upgrades: There are times when airlines need to move their passengers due to operational reasons. In these times, you might be one of the lucky ones and get upgraded to Premium Select.
• Check for Offers: Always be on the lookout for emails and the Delta App to get paid upgrades at discounted rates closer to your date of travel.

We’ve listed a few tips to improve your chances although they are not guaranteed:

• Always be polite as it never hurts to be friendly to the gate agents.
• If you can check in early, do it as upgrades are generally processed before the gate.
• Take flights during less popular travel times as they might have more availability.

Lounge Access with Delta Premium Select - What You Need to Know

Now let’s come to the perks that come with booking international flights on Delta Premium Select – the lounge access. Do you also think there’s nothing better than escaping the crowds at a busy airport and relaxing in a calm lounge area?

There are some tickets on Delta Premium Select that do not include complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs or partner lounges. Unlike their business class which gives access to visit the lounge, Premium Select passengers do not get their perk.

But here are a few ways you can apply to be able to access a lounge even with this ticket:

• Delta Sky Club Membership: If you have a membership of Delta Sky Club – either bought directly or through a credit card, you’ll be able to access the Sky Clubs no matter which ticket you hold.
• Delta Medallion Status with International Flights: Members of Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion may get access to SkyTeam lounges when on international flights even if they’re not Delta One passengers.
• Credit Cards: Some credit credits may allow you lounge access as a perk but check the terms and conditions of your card to see if you're eligible or not.
• Day Passes: Sometimes, you can buy a day pass to a Delta Sky Club but this can be costly and not always available.

Benefits of Lounge Access If You Can Get It:

Managed to get lounge access – congrats! Here are the perks you’ll be getting:

• Complimentary snacks, meals, and drinks including alcoholic ones will be provided in most lounges.
• You can get a strong Wi-Fi connection.
• Some lounges may also come with a shower facility, a lifesaver on a long layover.
• You’ll experience quieter than the main terminal and be able to relax or get some work done.

What Do You Really Get for Premium Economy? - The Perks Breakdown

We’ve covered seats, upgrades, and lounges. Now it’s time to know what you actually get on Delta Premium Select on an international flight. And to be honest, it’s more than a slightly bigger seat.

Here are all the benefits of buying a Premium Select ticket:

Enhanced Seating:

• The seats are wider, with more space.
• Seats go way down for better comfort.
• You are provided with a leg rest and footrest to elevate your legs.

Upgraded Dining:

• More thought is put into the meals and their presentation plus you get real plates and glassware than normal plastic and paper.
• You get choices between meals for example between a delicious Chicken Parmesan and a Cacio e Pepe Lasagna.
• You even get a tablecloth.
• Among all this, you can expect complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails served in real glasses.

Enhanced Amenities:

• On Premium Select, you can expect amenity kits with all the essentials like a lip balm, a sleep mask, and a toothbrush for long flights.
• Entertainment screens are much larger.
• You get power outlets so all your devices are charged.
• Plus, you’re provided with noise-canceling headphones.
• Memory foam pillow is given for extra comfort.

Priority Services:

• As a Premium Select passenger, you get priority boarding and your baggage is handled.
• Faster check-ins and security lines make a big difference.
• Your bags are tagged with neon yellow Sky Priority – to be one of the first ones off the luggage carousel.

Basically, Delta aims to make your long flights comfier and more enjoyable by minimizing the stress and discomfort that often is associated with international travel.

When compared to the standard economy, we get this:

• In economy, you feel cramped and have limited legroom plus basic meals.
• In Premium Select, you get more space, better food, and extra benefits.

Conclusion - Is Delta Premium Select Worth It? The Final Verdict