ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) has expanded its Premium Select (premium economy) offering on premium transcontinental routes, adding new options for travelers. The product, first launched in 2024 between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), is now available on a second key domestic route.
Starting November 9, 2025, passengers flying between New York and San Francisco (SFO) will also be able to book Premium Select seats on select wide-body aircraft. This move gives travelers a mid-tier choice between economy and Delta One.
Photo- Delta News HubDelta Premium Select on JFK Route
Delta exclusively operates wide-body aircraft, primarily Boeing 767s, on its premium JFK–LAX (LAX) route and also deploys them selectively on JFK–SFO flights.
The airline has been retrofitting these aircraft with Premium Select, a product first introduced on long-haul international routes. While Delta also flies Boeing 757s on some San Francisco flights, only the 767s will feature this cabin.
Prior to September 2024, Premium Select seats were sold as Comfort+, Delta’s extra legroom economy option. Passengers benefited from wide-body seating with better legroom and a 2-3-2 layout without paying a significant premium.
However, the official launch of Premium Select meant these seats gained dedicated service, including hot meals, complimentary alcoholic beverages, upgraded amenity kits, and soft goods like pillows and blankets.
According to OMAAT, this adjustment allows Delta to monetize the mid-tier cabin more effectively while giving travelers an option between standard economy and business-class pricing.
The shift also reflects broader industry trends, as United Airlines (UA) and American Airlines (AA) already sell premium economy on competitive transcontinental routes.
Photo: Clément AlloingMarket Dynamics
Premium transcontinental markets like JFK–LAX and JFK–SFO have historically been battlegrounds for premium services. Once, business class tickets on these routes could be found for $600–$800 one way.
Today, Delta is charging similar amounts for Premium Select, with Delta One fares rising even higher.
The pricing evolution reflects demand from both business and leisure travelers seeking more comfort without paying full business class rates.
This strategy aligns with Delta’s focus on revenue optimization. By selling Premium Select separately, the airline captures revenue from passengers who might otherwise purchase Comfort+ or seek lower-cost alternatives.
It also positions Delta competitively against American’s Flagship Premium Economy and United’s Premium Plus products.
Photo: By Oliver Holzbauer – N171DZ Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332(ER)(WL) coming in from New York (KJFK) @ Frankfurt (EDDF) / 08.04.2015, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40669627Upgrade Opportunities and Loyalty Benefits
The addition of Premium Select also impacts upgrade policies for Medallion members. Upgrades from Main Cabin to Premium Select follow the same clearance windows as domestic first class upgrades:
- Diamond Medallion: Up to 120 hours before departure with priority
- Platinum Medallion: Up to 120 hours before departure
- Gold Medallion: Up to 72 hours before departure
- Silver Medallion: Up to 24 hours before departure
In addition, Medallion members remain eligible for space-available day-of-departure upgrades to Delta One. This means even travelers booked in Premium Select can move into business class if space becomes available.
For those using Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs) or Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs), the mechanics vary:
- Economy ticket + RUC/GUC → upgraded to Premium Select, with waitlist for Delta One
- Premium Select ticket + RUC/GUC → upgraded directly to Delta One, subject to availability
This layered system ensures loyalty members retain strong upgrade incentives, with opportunities for double upgrades in certain cases.
Photo: Clément AlloingStrategic Significance
Delta’s decision to expand Premium Select domestically highlights the airline’s broader strategy of product segmentation.
By offering three distinct cabins on premium transcontinental routes, Main Cabin, Premium Select, and Delta One, the airline provides travelers with clear choices based on budget and comfort.
For business travelers whose companies may no longer cover business-class fares, Premium Select offers a viable middle ground. For leisure travelers, it represents an upgrade path that balances cost and comfort, particularly on flights lasting over six hours.
This move also aligns Delta with global standards, as international carriers increasingly feature premium economy cabins on both long-haul and competitive regional routes.
It signals a shift in the US market where premium economy is no longer viewed as an experimental product but as an established, revenue-driving cabin.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrBottom Line
Delta Air Lines (DL) is expanding Premium Select across its most competitive domestic routes, offering travelers a stronger middle option between economy and Delta One.
With Premium Select now available on both New York (JFK)–Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK)–San Francisco (SFO), Delta aligns its product strategy with broader market trends while continuing to monetize its wide-body fleet effectively.
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Delta Air Lines Wants to Make New Changes to its Business Class Offerings
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