delta seat assignment after check in

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The Delta Seat Selection Guide

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Table of Contents

How Delta seat selection works

Delta seat selection fee, ticket types and seat selection rules, delta air lines seats for elite members, delta plane seating chart, how to pick seats on delta, final thoughts on selecting a seat on delta air lines.

Booking a Delta Air Lines flight and wondering about Delta’s seat selection? It’s no wonder — with differing benefits for elite members and strict restrictions on basic economy tickets, figuring out how and when to choose your Delta seat can quickly become overwhelming.

Here's a look at Delta seat assignments, how Delta Air Lines’ seating system works and the costs of choosing a seat.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Delta operates a variety of cabin classes on its aircraft, including economy, Premium Select, first class and Delta One seats.

Like most airlines, Delta will allow you to select your seat when booking, though the cost to do so and any upcharges will vary depending on the flight you’re taking. Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.

» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while budget airlines Frontier and Spirit charge the most.

Delta sits in the middle, charging an average of $15-plus for each flight that you'd like to select a seat for. The cost will vary depending on the type of ticket you book with the airline — which we'll discuss next.

» Learn more: How to navigate costly airline seat selection fees

How much is seat selection on Delta Air Lines? That will depend on the ticket type you’re purchasing, be it basic economy, main cabin, Premium Select (premium economy), first class or Delta One.

Basic economy

Basic economy tickets have the most restrictions of any Delta ticket, and this extends to seat selection. Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket.

If you reserve a basic economy ticket, it’s possible to purchase a specific seat starting seven days before departure. Pricing for this varies by trip and is priced by segment.

Main cabin seating, also known as regular economy, includes complimentary seat selection. As a main cabin customer, you also have the option to purchase an upgrade to preferred or Delta Comfort Plus seats while remaining an economy class passenger.

You can also book upgraded economy tickets with additional seat selection perks:

Main Cabin Preferred: Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows. These are the least expensive upgrades from standard economy seating.

Comfort Plus: When available, a Delta Comfort Plus ticket can be purchased directly while booking and the price will include seat selection. The cost to upgrade is higher than for a preferred seat in main cabin. Comfort Plus features more legroom than main cabin and offers passengers dedicated overhead bins. In addition, Comfort Plus guests will receive complimentary beer and wine on all domestic and short-haul international flights.

Main cabin passengers can also choose to upgrade to a Comfort Plus seat either before or after purchasing their ticket.

Premium Select

Premium Select is Delta’s version of premium economy, with larger seats and better recline, two free checked bags, earlier boarding and premium extras. Those who book Premium Select can choose any seat within the cabin for no additional fee.

Delta One and first class

Both first class and Delta One ticket holders can choose any seat within their cabin for free. These spacious seats come with two free checked bags, premium snacks and meals, priority boarding, and a dedicated flight attendant.

GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD

Regardless of where you sit once you're on the plane, a Delta-branded credit card can make your trip go a little smoother. Most include free checked bags and priority boarding, and some really stack up the perks. Among options:

on American Express' website

$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• Companion certificate (main cabin).

• Airport lounge access.

• Companion certificate (first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).

• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

Those who have joined the Delta SkyMiles program and earned Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights.

Main Cabin Preferred

When booking main cabin tickets, all four tiers of elite status members can select main cabin preferred seats for no additional charge.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to earning Delta SkyMiles

Comfort Plus

Platinum and Diamond level elite members (the two highest tiers) can choose Comfort Plus seats shortly after ticketing for free. Mid-tier Gold members, meanwhile, will be able to select these seats starting 72 hours prior to departure, and low-level Silver members can pick from available Comfort Plus seats starting 24 hours before departure.

Delta elite members will also receive upgrades on select first class and Delta One flights depending on their elite status.

You can find Delta Air Lines seating without needing to book a flight. To do so, you’ll want to first search for your preferred route on Delta’s website. On the search results page, you’ll find a variety of flights from which to choose.

Each flight presents a seat map, which you can preview by selecting "Seats."

Once you’ve picked "Seats," you’ll be taken to a new page that shows a live preview of your aircraft’s seats.

You’ll also be able to view the seat map during the booking process. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’ll be taken to another page prompting you to pick a seat.

How do I choose my seat on Delta?

During booking

The process for reserving a Delta seat is fairly simple. As we mentioned above, you’ll be able to pick seats when booking your flights on the website; Delta will automatically prompt you to do so before checkout.

You may not be able to select seats on codeshare flights, which are operated by Delta’s partners . In this case, you’ll want to go directly to the other airlines’ webpage to manage your seat selection.

After booking

If you need to choose or alter your seat after you’ve booked your flight, go to "My Trips" on the Delta homepage.

If you’re logged in already, you’ll be able to view all the trips you have booked with Delta. You’ll find seat selection options by going down to the "Passenger Information" section.

» Learn more: 6 ways to save on Delta flights

Delta has a variety of ticketing options available for every type of passenger. This includes the highly restrictive basic economy class ticket as well as main cabin tickets for those who prefer certainty with their seats.

Upgrading to Main Cabin Preferred and Comfort Plus seats offers better benefits for those in economy. Loyal members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can also expect to receive complimentary access to these seats and upgrades to higher classes depending on their level of status.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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General Conditions of Purchase

Delta & Delta Connection Operated Flights

This product is nonrefundable and nonchangeable. If a customer voluntarily changes his/her flight or seat selection once purchased, no refund for the original purchase will be provided and no MQDs will be awarded. We reserve the right to assign or reassign your upgraded seat at any time, even after boarding of the aircraft, for operational, safety or security reasons. The final decision resides with the ground staff and the operating crew on the day of the flight. Refunds will be issued to any reassigned customer if the customer is not moved to a comparable or better seat.

The advertised price is not an offer and is subject to change. No contract exists until you receive confirmation that payment was received and processed. Upgrades may only be purchased for Delta-or Delta Connection-operated flights and are not available for Award Tickets and certain discounted and exception fares. Additional eligibility restrictions may apply at Delta's sole discretion. All passengers within the confirmation number must be upgraded to Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+ TM , Delta Premium Select or First/Delta One fare classes. Fare Rules of your initial reservation will apply regardless of whether rules that would otherwise apply to the fare class of your upgraded ticket are less restrictive. Upgraded tickets are eligible for additional mileage, MQM, and MQD accruals due to the selection of Delta Comfort+ TM Delta Premium Select or First/Delta One and associated fare classes, and the increase in base fare or carrier imposed surcharges paid in connection with your upgrade. All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits, respectively. To review the rules, please visit Membership Guide & Program Rules . If you purchased trip insurance when purchasing your original ticket, your benefits under the trip insurance policy are limited to those applicable under your original ticket. Prices, offers, rules, and benefits are subject to change.

Exit Row Qualifications

Please confirm that the passenger meets the following criteria. Federal regulations require that passengers meet a set of criteria in order to be seated in an exit.

• You must be able to understand and speak English
• You must be able to comprehend verbal instructions for operating the emergency exit, including visually locating and operating a window exit or exit door and directing others to the exit
• You must be physically able to quickly activate the evacuation slide and help others off to it
• You must be physically able to open an exit door and lift and stow a window exit weighing up to 60lb (28kgs)
• You must not have a condition that might cause you harm if called upon to perform an applicable exit row function
• You must not require the use of a seat belt extension due to the hazard of entanglement
• You cannot be under 15 years of age or traveling with a child under the age of 15
• You cannot be traveling with an animal in the cabin of the aircraft
• You cannot be traveling with supplemental oxygen or a wheelchair
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Want a seat assignment on Delta? It could cost you

Looks like the bare-bones ticketing option is spreading beyond low-cost carriers.

Airliners like Spirit ( SAVE ) and Allegiant ( ALGT ) are known for offering low fares that charge additional fees for some amenities that come standard on other airlines. But Delta has also been getting in on the pricing structure with its "Basic Economy" tickets.

These tickets are cheaper than Delta's standard economy tickets , but the savings come at a cost: no seat assignment until after check-in, you're in the last boarding group and they can't be changed.

Related: Airline complaints soar. Here's why

The savings vary depending on the length of the flight, but the tickets tend to cost around $20-$40 less than Main Cabin tickets , according to Delta ( DAL ) spokesperson Anthony Black. Main Cabin tickets are what used to be the standard economy class tickets.

"A lot of customers literally only want a seat on the plane," Black said.

Basic Economy ticket holders will still earn frequent flier miles for their trip, Black said, but they can't pay for upgrades.

When selecting these fares, travelers are presented with a list detailing the restrictions.

The airline first started offering Basic Economy tickets in 2013, but they've expanded and are now available in 500 markets. Black said he expects the expansion to continue.

All passengers will still get complimentary beverages and snack when offered and can get free movies to stream on mobile devices, Black added.

Related: How to upgrade to a private jet for $300

Airplane ticket prices have been on the rise since last year. The average ticket price for domestic travel increased 1.7% to $388 in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time last year, according to the Department of Transportation.

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Delta basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more

If you're preparing for a trip and notice you've booked a Delta basic economy fare, you may have questions about what this fare allows and how your experience may be different from previous trips you've taken with Delta Air Lines . This guide aims to answer all of your questions.

What is Delta basic economy?

Delta basic economy fares often cost less than the airline's other economy fares (Main Cabin and Comfort Plus). However, Delta basic economy fares place restrictions or fees on seat assignment, boarding order, upgrades, changes, cancellations, lounge access, mileage earning, credit toward Delta elite status and — for select markets — checked baggage.

Some basic economy restrictions are waived for members with Delta Medallion status or select Delta credit cards . So, check the relevant sections near the end of this guide if you fall into either (or both) of these groups.

Related: 4 things I think about when booking basic economy

Delta basic economy baggage

If you have carry-on luggage or plan to check a bag, here's what you should know about Delta basic economy baggage policies.

Does Delta basic economy include carry-on baggage?

When flying on a Delta basic economy ticket, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. Your carry-on bag must be no larger than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, and your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. A purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag, diaper bag or laptop bag could be your personal item.

In addition to your carry-on and personal items, you can also bring a jacket, an umbrella, food or drink that you purchased after clearing the security checkpoint, duty-free merchandise, strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats and assistive devices (like crutches). You may be eligible to carry additional complimentary items if you travel with an infant-in-arms or an in-cabin pet .

However, since Delta basic economy passengers board last (more on that below), overhead bin space may be limited or unavailable when you board. As such, Delta may require you to gate-check your bag at no additional cost. Likewise, items such as strollers , wheelchairs and child safety seats may need to be gate-checked due to size.

Related: Delta baggage fees and how to avoid paying them

Delta checked bag fee for basic economy

You can check a bag when flying on a Delta basic economy fare, but you'll need to pay a fee. The fee varies by route but is often the same regardless of whether you booked a ticket in basic economy, Main Cabin or Comfort Plus.

When traveling within the U.S. on a Delta-operated flight, you'll usually need to pay $35 for your first standard checked bag and $45 for your second standard checked bag. By standard checked bag, Delta means a bag that weights less than 50 pounds and is no larger than 62 inches when you sum its length, width and height.

You'll find many exceptions and limitations — such as the fact that all passengers on flights to or from Key West are limited to one checked bag — and a useful baggage fee calculator on Delta's baggage policies page . I recommend checking Delta's baggage fee calculator to get the most up-to-date information about the basic economy baggage fees for your specific route, booking date and travel date. You can even use the calculator before booking your flight.

Related: Is Delta about to eliminate the 20-minute bag guarantee?

Delta basic economy seat selection

You can pay to select a seat when flying on some Delta basic economy fares. On a space-available basis, you can pay to select a standard economy seat — but not a Preferred or Comfort Plus seat — ahead of wholly domestic flights for a per-seat, per-flight-segment fee.

If you don't want to pay to select a seat or are flying basic economy on an international flight, you'll be assigned a seat after check-in or at the gate. However, when you fly on a basic economy fare, you aren't guaranteed a seat next to traveling companions — including family members or groups.

Related: Where is the best seat on an airplane? Here's how to choose the place to sit whenever you fly

Delta boarding process for basic economy

Delta basic economy passengers board in Group 8, the last group to board.

Gate agents may require passengers to gate-check carry-on bags by the time the boarding process reaches Group 8. As such, you should consider the possibility of gate-checking your carry-on bag when flying on a Delta basic economy fare.

Related: Delta rolls out new boarding process, replaces groups with numbers

Changing a Delta basic economy ticket

You cannot change a Delta basic economy flight originating in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. However, you may be able to pay a fee to change your Delta basic economy ticket if your travel originates in select regions (such as the United Kingdom) or if your travel is from select regions (such as Asia and the Pacific).

If you're flying on a Delta basic economy fare, you can't make same-day flight changes (including same-day confirmed and same-day standby).

Related: How to avoid airline change and cancellation fees

Canceling a Delta basic economy ticket

You can cancel a Delta basic economy ticket and get a full refund to your original method of payment in several situations:

• When you cancel within 24 hours of purchase
• A significant involuntary schedule change at least 72 hours before your departure
• Involuntary flight cancellation or significant delay of greater than 120 minutes within 72 hours of departure

If you decide to cancel a Delta basic economy ticket for other reasons, you can often receive a partial travel credit. Delta basic economy tickets originating in the U.S. or Canada for travel to the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico will be subject to a $99 cancellation fee deducted from the value of your ticket. Meanwhile, Delta basic economy tickets originating in the U.S. or Canada for travel to most other international destinations will be subject to a $199 cancellation fee.

However, you may face a different fee or not be able to get a partial travel credit if your Delta basic economy ticket is for travel originating elsewhere.

If you redeem Delta miles for a basic economy award ticket and then need to cancel, the cancellation fee is 9,900 miles for domestic travel within the United States and Canada and 19,900 miles for international travel. If you booked an award ticket originating outside the U.S. or Canada and then decide to cancel your ticket, you'll need to pay a redeposit fee of $150 to get your miles back into your account.

Related: Ultimate guide to canceling a flight and getting a refund with major US airlines

Does Delta basic economy earn miles?

When flying on basic economy tickets, you won't earn Delta SkyMiles or accrue Medallion Qualification Dollars . If you want to earn miles or work toward Delta Medallion status, you'll want to purchase at least a Main Cabin ticket.

Delta credit card perks

Many of the perks Delta credit cards offer still apply even when you purchase basic economy fare for Delta-operated flights. For example, you can still enjoy the following perks on Delta basic economy fares if your card offers them:

• First checked bag free (for you and up to eight other passengers traveling with you on the same reservation)
• Zone 5 priority boarding
• 20% savings (given as a statement credit) on eligible prepurchased meals and inflight food and beverage purchases

Delta Reserve cardmembers can no longer access Delta Sky Club lounges when flying on a basic economy ticket. But Delta Reserve cardmembers can still access Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. However, for access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Reserve cardmembers must pay for their flight with a U.S.-issued American Express card .

Related: How to use credit cards to defeat basic economy

If you're looking for a new consumer Delta credit card, here's a look at some of your options:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Remember Amex's one-bonus-per-lifetime restrictions when adding Delta cards to your wallet. After all, signing up for a higher annual fee Delta card with a bonus may prohibit you from earning a bonus on a lower annual fee Delta card in the future.

Related: Which credit card should you use for Delta Air Lines flights?

Elite benefits when flying Delta basic economy

When flying on a Delta basic economy fare, Delta Medallion status members and SkyTeam elite members receive many of the same benefits they'd get on Main Cabin fares. These benefits include:

• At least a first checked bag is complimentary (more for some itineraries and some elite tiers; sometimes includes up to eight companions on the same reservation)
• Priority check-in
• Priority boarding (group number varies by elite tier)

However, Medallion status members will not receive paid or complimentary upgrades (including Comfort Plus or Preferred seats) when flying on basic economy fares.

Related: How to earn Delta Medallion elite status without flying

Bottom line

Delta basic economy fares have restrictions on seat selection and boarding zone, and this type of ticket doesn't allow for upgrades or mileage earning. But, Delta basic economy passengers can bring a personal item and carry-on bag, and you can often get a partial travel credit if you must cancel a Delta basic economy flight.

Travelers with Delta Medallion status , Sky Team status or an eligible Delta credit card can avoid some of the most annoying aspects of basic economy. For example, elite members and cardholders maintain the baggage allowance and boarding zone provided by their elite status or eligible credit card. So, having a Delta credit card could pay off even if you only travel on Delta in basic economy a few times yearly.