Delta Comfort Plus vs First Class: Which Is Right for You? 

Deciding between Delta Comfort Plus vs First Class can shape your travel experience, balancing comfort, perks, and budget. Delta Comfort Plus enhances economy travel with extra legroom, early boarding, and premium snacks, ideal for cost-conscious travelers. Delta First Class offers a premium experience with wider seats, chef-curated meals, and Sky Priority services, perfect for those seeking luxury. This guide details the difference between Delta Comfort Plus and First Class, covering seating, baggage, dining, and more, to help you choose. 

What Is the Difference Between Delta Comfort Plus and First Class? 

The Delta Comfort Plus vs First Class comparison hinges on comfort, service, and cost. Delta Comfort Plus is an upgraded economy class, offering 2–3 inches of extra legroom (31–35-inch pitch), priority boarding (Zone 3), and complimentary premium snacks on flights over 251 miles. It’s available on most domestic and international routes, providing a budget-friendly boost over Main Cabin. Delta First Class, a true premium cabin, features wider seats (up to 21 inches), up to 8 inches of extra legroom (36–41-inch pitch), personalized service, and Sky Priority benefits (Zone 1 boarding, expedited check-in). It’s offered on domestic routes and select short-haul international flights, delivering a luxurious experience. 

Flying Tip: Check your flight’s aircraft type on delta.com to confirm First Class availability.

Flight Booking & Prices 

Booking Delta Comfort Plus or First Class is seamless: 

• How to Book: Use delta.com, the Fly Delta app, Delta’s reservation line (800-221-1212), or an IATA-accredited agency like Flying Getaway (our phone). Select your flight, then choose your cabin during seat selection. 
• Price Differences: 
• Comfort Plus: Adds $20–$150 to Main Cabin fares, depending on route and demand. For example, a Comfort Plus seat on ATL–MIA might cost $50 more. It’s an economy fare with upgrade potential for Medallion members. 
• First Class: Costs $200–$1,000+ above Comfort Plus, reflecting premium perks. A First Class seat on JFK–SFO could be $400 more than Comfort Plus. Prices vary by route, aircraft, and booking time. 
• Upgrades: Comfort Plus can be upgraded with cash or SkyMiles (except Basic Economy). Medallion members get free Comfort Plus upgrades within 5 days and First Class upgrades within 24 hours, based on availability. 

Flying Tip: Book 1–3 months ahead for Delta First Class vs Comfort Plus to secure lower fares.  

Seating 

The Delta Comfort Plus vs First Class seat width and comfort levels differ significantly.  

• Comfort Plus offers 31–35 inches of pitch (2–3 inches more than Main Cabin’s 30–32 inches), standard 17.2–18.1-inch seat width, and 3–4 inches of recline.  
• Seats are in a dedicated forward economy section across all Delta aircraft, ensuring overhead bin access.  
• First Class provides 36–41 inches of pitch, up to 21-inch-wide seats, and 5.4–8 inches of recline, with enhanced privacy due to fewer seats per row (e.g., 2-2 vs. 3-3 in economy). 
•  Available on domestic routes and select international flights (e.g., A321neo, 737-900ER), First Class seats include footrests on some aircraft and more space for relaxation. 

Example: On a 3-hour ATL–SEA flight, First Class’s wider seats and deeper recline offer a more restful experience compared to Comfort Plus’s extra legroom.  

Baggage Allowance 

Baggage policies highlight the Delta First Class vs Delta Comfort perks: 

• Checked Baggage: 
• Comfort Plus: Standard Main Cabin fees – $35 for the first bag (50 lbs, 62 linear inches), $45 for the second. Free for Medallion members, Delta credit cardholders, or active military. 
• First Class: Two free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each, 62 linear inches), a significant advantage for heavier packers. 
• Carry-On Allowance: Both allow one free carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles) and one personal item (e.g., laptop bag, purse). 
• Excess Fees: Overweight (51–70 lbs) or oversized (63–80 inches) bags cost $100–$200, regardless of cabin. 

Flying Tip: SkyMiles members can redeem miles for baggage fees at select airports.

Check-in & Boarding 

The Delta First Class vs Comfort Plus boarding and check-in processes cater to different priorities: 

• Check-in: 
• First Class: Sky Priority check-in with dedicated counters and expedited security lanes at 100+ airports, ensuring a swift process. 
• Comfort Plus: Standard check-in via delta.com, Fly Delta app, kiosks, or counters, without priority access. 
• Boarding: 
• First Class: Zone 1 boarding (Pre-Boarding or First Class), allowing first access to settle in and store luggage. 
• Comfort Plus: Zone 3 boarding, after premium cabins but before Main Cabin, securing overhead bin space. 
• Both: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure; curbside check-in available at major hubs (e.g., ATL, LAX). 

Boarding & Check-in Comparison Table: 

Feature	Comfort Plus	First Class
Check-in	Standard	Sky Priority
Boarding Zone	Zone 3	Zone 1
Security	Standard	Expedited (select airports)
Curbside	Available	Priority access

Flying Tip: Arrive early for Delta First Class to maximize Sky Priority benefits.  

Food & Drinks 

Dining is a key Delta Airlines Comfort Plus vs First Class differentiator: 

• Comfort Plus: Complimentary premium snacks (e.g., Biscoff cookies, KIND bars) on flights over 251 miles, fresh meal boxes (e.g., sandwiches) on flights over 900 miles, and alcohol (beer, wine, spirits for 21+) with Starbucks coffee on flights over 500 miles. 
• First Class: Chef-curated meals on flights over 900 miles (e.g., grilled chicken with risotto), full meal service with appetizers and desserts on flights over 2,300 miles, and a premium beverage selection (e.g., specialty cocktails, expanded wine list). Meals are served on China with metal cutlery. 

Dining Comparison Table: 

Flight Distance	Comfort Plus	First Class
251–899 miles	Premium snacks	Snacks, light bites
900–2,299 miles	Meal boxes	Chef-curated meals
2,300+ miles	Meal boxes	Full meal service
Drinks	Beer, wine, coffee	Premium cocktails, wine

Example: On a JFK–LAX flight (2,475 miles), First Class offers a multi-course meal, while Comfort Plus provides a meal box.

Entertainment 

Both cabins offer Delta Studio’s 1,100+ hours of free entertainment (movies, TV, podcasts, Spotify playlists): 

• Comfort Plus: Standard 8–10-inch seatback screens or streaming to personal devices via Wi-Fi. Complimentary earbuds on request. 
• First Class: Larger 10–12-inch screens, more power outlets, and premium earbuds on select aircraft. Enhanced content for long flights, ideal for productivity or relaxation. 
• Both: Wi-Fi available for purchase on most flights; free messaging via iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger. 

Flying Tip: Download the Fly Delta app for offline Delta Studio access to avoid Wi-Fi issues.  

In-Flight Amenities & Perks 

Amenities enhance the Comfort Plus vs First Class Delta experience: 

• Comfort Plus: Pillow, blanket, and basic amenity kit (e.g., eye mask, earplugs) on long-haul international flights. Complimentary water bottle on select routes. 
• First Class: Premium amenity kit with TUMI products (e.g., lip balm, socks), plush blanket, memory-foam pillow, and dedicated flight attendant service. Hot towel service on select flights adds a touch of luxury. 

Flying Tip: First Class’s extra space and power outlets are ideal for working on domestic flights.  

How to Book Delta First Class and Comfort Plus? 

Booking Delta First Class vs Delta Comfort is straightforward: 

1. Visit delta.com, the Fly Delta app, or call us at our phone or 800-221-1212 (Delta). 
2. Enter departure city, destination, dates, and passenger count. 
3. Select your flight from the available options. 
4. Choose First Class or Comfort Plus during seat selection. 
5. Provide traveler details and payment information. 
6. Receive booking confirmation via email. 

Flying Tip: Book Delta First Class 1–3 months ahead for the best price on airline tickets.

Is Delta First Class Better Than Delta Comfort Plus? 

Delta First Class offers a superior experience compared to Comfort Plus, particularly for travelers valuing luxury and convenience. 

•  First Class provides up to 21-inch wide seats, 36–41 inches of pitch, and 5.4–8 inches of recline, creating a spacious, private environment.  
• Its chef-curated meals on flights over 900 miles, premium beverages, and full meal service on longer routes far surpass Comfort Plus’s snacks and meal boxes.  
• First Class also includes two free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each), Sky Priority boarding (Zone 1), and dedicated service from flight attendants, ensuring a seamless journey.  
• Comfort Plus excels for budget-conscious travelers, offering 2–3 inches of extra legroom (31–35-inch pitch), standard 17.2–18.1-inch seats, and early boarding (Zone 3) for overhead bin access.  

While it includes premium snacks and drinks on select flights, it lacks First Class’s premium amenities and personalized attention. 

Example: On a 5-hour JFK–SFO flight, First Class’s $400 premium over Comfort Plus buys wider seats, a gourmet meal, and priority services, while Comfort Plus’s $50–$100 upcharge offers value for shorter trips like ATL–MIA.  

Feature	Delta First class	Delta Comfort Plus
Seat Space	Extra space, more recline	Extra legroom
Boarding	First to board and deplane	Early boarding
Service	Dedicated attendant	Shared service
Food & Drinks	Premium meals & drinks	Snacks & drinks
Baggage	2 free checked bags	Standard baggage policy

In a Nutshell 

The Delta Comfort Plus vs First Class choice depends on your priorities. Delta First Class delivers wider seats, premium dining, and Sky Priority perks for a luxurious domestic or short-haul international experience, while Delta Comfort Plus offers extra legroom and early boarding at a lower cost, ideal for shorter flights. Ready to book? Contact Flying Getaway at our phone for the best price on airline tickets and expert flight reservations assistance. Fly comfortably with Delta! 

Also Read: Delta Premium Select vs Comfort Plus: Which Is Right for You?

FAQs 

1. Is Delta Comfort Plus the same as First Class? 

No, Delta Comfort Plus and First Class are not the same. First Class offers larger seats, premium dining, and Sky Priority® service, while Comfort Plus includes extra legroom, earlier boarding, and upgraded snacks.
Need help with Delta Airlines manage booking? Call us at our phone for expert assistance. 

2. Are seats bigger in Delta Comfort Plus or First Class? 

First Class seats are significantly wider and more spacious than Comfort Plus. While Comfort Plus provides extra legroom, it doesn’t offer the enhanced seat width and recline found in First Class. 

3. Who gets priority check-in: Delta Comfort Plus or First Class? 

Delta First Class passengers benefit from Sky Priority® check-in, ensuring quicker security and boarding. Comfort Plus offers early boarding but follows standard check-in processes. 

4. How much more does Delta Comfort Plus cost compared to First Class? 

Delta First Class is more expensive than Comfort Plus due to its premium service and added perks. Comfort Plus is more affordable and remains in the Main Cabin.
To get the best fare options, contact us at our phone. 

5. How much baggage is included in Delta Comfort Plus vs First Class? 

• First Class: Two free checked bags up to 70 lbs each. 
• Comfort Plus: One free carry-on and one personal item; checked bags require additional fees. 

6. Who gets better early boarding: First Class or Comfort Plus? 

First Class boards first with Sky Priority®, followed by Comfort Plus. Both offer priority boarding, but First Class passengers always board earlier. 

7. Can I upgrade from Delta Comfort Plus to First Class? 

Yes! Delta upgrades are possible based on seat availability. Use the Delta app or contact us at our phone for quick upgrade options and booking support. 

8. Who gets a checked bag included: Comfort Plus or First Class? 

Delta First Class fares include free checked bags. Comfort Plus does not – standard baggage fees apply based on route and ticket type. 

9. Who gets better drinks on Delta flights? 

First Class passengers enjoy a premium drink selection, including spirits, wines, and craft beers. Comfort Plus offers free beverages, but the variety is limited compared to First Class.

Last modified: August 22, 2025