Which is better: Delta First Class or Premium Select?

Some travelers swear by the quiet charm of Delta Premium Select. Others won’t fly without the polished ease of Delta First Class. Both offer comfort—but in very different ways. This comparison by WingsTravo breaks things down without the fluff. If you ask “Which one’s better?”, the answer isn’t as clear as it sounds. It really depends on what kind of flight a person wants.

What is the difference between Delta First Class and Delta Premium Select?

Flying with Delta Airlines offers options. But choosing between Delta First Class and Delta Premium Select can feel tricky. Both offer comfort but each brings a different mood, a different kind of journey. Here’s a real look at what sets them apart.

Route Type Makes the First Distinction

Delta First Class shows up mostly on domestic flights. You’ll see it across the U.S., and maybe on a few routes to Canada or Mexico.

Delta Premium Select, on the other hand, is built for longer trips. We're talking international flights to Europe, Asia, and other far-off places. It’s a product created for long hours in the sky.

Seat Experience: How Comfortable Are You, Really?

On Delta First Class, you get a wide seat, better legroom than the Main Cabin, and a decent recline. But the seat doesn’t lie flat.

Delta Airlines Premium Select gives you even more space. There’s a footrest, a deeper recline, and a leg rest. It’s not quite Business Class, but it’s a serious upgrade. For international flights, that extra comfort goes a long way.

So if seat comfort matters to you—and you’re flying long-haul—Premium Select wins.

Cabin Feel and Layout

The First Class cabin is near the front, has fewer rows, and feels familiar to frequent domestic flyers. You’ll find it a bit more casual, with a business travel tone.

Premium Select cabins have a more elevated look. The vibe is quieter. Seats are in a 2-4-2 layout on many wide-body aircraft, and there’s more privacy. It's clearly designed for international comfort.

Meals, Drinks, and Dining Quality

When it comes to Delta First Class food, it depends on the route. Short flights bring snacks and drinks. Longer ones bring full meals. The presentation is clean, and drinks are complimentary.

Delta Premium Select meals are upgraded from Main Cabin. On long-haul flights, you’ll usually get a multi-course meal, better cutlery, and a more refined look overall. It feels closer to Business Class when it comes to dining.

Entertainment, Screens, and Extras

Screens in Delta First Class vary. Some are built into the seat. Some flights rely on your own device. It depends on the aircraft.

But in Delta Premium Select, the entertainment setup tends to be more advanced. You’ll get a larger seatback screen, better headphones, and access to a more expanded library of content.

You’ll also receive an amenity kit, upgraded pillows, a blanket, and a more “settle-in” setup.

Priority and Boarding Perks

First Class passengers get early boarding, overhead bin space, and faster service during boarding and deplaning. That hasn’t changed.

Delta Premium Select also offers priority boarding but after Delta One and First Class. Still, you skip the lines that economy travelers go through.

Baggage Allowance and Lounge Access

Here’s a tie. Both cabins include 2 free checked bags.

But neither Delta First Class nor Premium Select includes Sky Club access by default. You’ll need elite status, a credit card with access, or a separate membership. You can call Delta at 1-800-221-1212 or 1-888-413-6950 to know more.

What are the Best Seats on Delta?

The best seats on Delta depend on your route, but Delta One suites easily take the crown. These are found on select long-haul flights and a few premium transcontinental routes. Each suite comes with a sliding door, lie-flat bed, Westin Heavenly bedding, and a massive seatback screen. Privacy is the star here. You can sleep, work, or zone out without much interruption.

If you're flying internationally but not in Delta One, Premium Select is worth a look. Seats recline deeper, come with footrests, and offer more legroom than Main Cabin or Delta Airlines Comfort+. You’ll get an amenity kit, upgraded meals, and better headphones too.

On shorter flights, domestic Delta Airlines First Class is your go-to. Bigger seats, free drinks, and early boarding make the experience smoother. It’s not a suite, but it’s still a solid upgrade. Each cabin brings its own version of comfort—it just depends how far you're flying and how much space you want.

How much do these Delta First Class and Premium Select Seats Cost?

The Delta First Class seats are often starting from $500 to $2,000 one-way. They primarily are available on domestic routes. And the prices vary on distance, demand, and booking time. A Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York, will be around $599 to over $2,000. Longer international routes can see prices escalate immensely, with round-trip fares reaching $4,000 to $15,000. This is especially during peak seasons or on high-demand routes.

Delta Premium Select costs about twice as much as Main Cabin fares. As it is designed for international long-haul flight. Round-trip fares to Europe hover around $1,500. Albeit deals can sometimes be found in the $700 to $800 range. A one-way flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo in Premium Select might be under $1,500. Call Delta at 1-800-221-1212 or 1-888-413-6950 to get exclusive deals on these seats.

Delta First Class and Premium Select were built with different flyers in mind. One is great for short trips with a touch of luxury. The other feels more at home on long-haul flights where extra space is cherry on the cake. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. But after comparing every detail, it becomes easier to see which cabin suits the moment. For questions or help with bookings, call WingsTravo or Delta at 1-800-221-1212 or 1-888-413-6950.