- Travel Planning Center
- Safer Travel
- Airline Partners
- Check-in & Security
- Delta Sky Club®
- Airport Maps & Locations
- Flight Deals
- Flight Schedules
- Destinations
- Onboard Experience
- SkyMiles Cruises
- Delta Vacations
- Shop Hotels
- In-Flight Wi-Fi
- Trip Protection
- How to Earn Miles
- How to Use Miles
- Buy or Transfer Miles
- Travel with Miles
- SkyMiles Partners & Offers
- SkyMiles Award Deals
- SkyMiles Credit Cards
- SkyMiles Airline Partners
- SkyMiles Program Overview
- How to Get Medallion Status
- Benefits at Each Tier
- News & Updates
- Help Center
- Travel Planning FAQs
- Certificates & eCredits
- Accessible Travel Services
- Child & Infant Travel
- Special Circumstances
- SkyMiles Help

Airbus A350-900

In-page Links
- Seat Specifications , Go to footer note
- Seat Map , Go to footer note
- Aircraft Specification , Go to footer note
- Accessibility Information , Go to footer note
Seat Specifications
Amenities key.

Aircraft Specifications
Cruising speed.
552 mph (888 km/h)
7,275 miles (11,708 km)
2 Turbofans (wing mounted)
210 ft 0 in (64 m)
TAIL HEIGHT
57 ft 0 in (17.4 m)
208 ft 10 in (63.7 m)
Accessibility Information
- Maximum dimensions for an assistive device carried in the cargo hold: 36 in (height) x 29 in (width)
- Maximum weight for an assistive device carried in the cargo hold: 85 lb/sq ft
- Wheelchair accessible lavatory location(s): Behind Row 39, Seats DEF
- Delta One: 1C, 2 ABD, 3C, 4 ABD, 5C, 6 ABD, 7C, 8 ABD, 9C*
- Delta Premium Select: 21 - 25 BDGH
- Delta Comfort+: 30 - 33 CDFG
- Main Cabin: 34 - 39 CDFG, 41 - 54 CDFG, 55 DF
* Delta One: Movable armrests require the assistance of a Delta employee.
Our Aircraft
Airbus a220-100 (221) a220-300 (223) a319-100 (319) a320-200 (320) a321-200 (321) a321neo (3ne) a330-200 (3m2) a330-300 a330-900neo (339) a350-900, boeing 717-200 (717) 737-800 (738) 737-900er 757-200 757-300 (75y) 767-300er 767-400er (764), bombardier crj-200 crj-700 crj-900, embraer e-170 e-175.

8,160 miles (13,132 km)
212 ft 5 in (64.8 m)
55 ft 3 in (16.8 m)
218 ft 7 in (66.6 m)
- Wheelchair accessible lavatory location(s): Behind Row 34, Seats DEF
- Wheelchair storage location(s): Behind Row 5, Seats CD
- Delta One: All aisle seats*
- Delta Comfort+: All aisle seats
- Main Cabin: All aisle seats
* Delta One: Aisle seats in this cabin have capabilities that provide enhanced accessibility for passengers, including movable armrests that lower with the seat.
- Investor Relations
- Business Travel
- Travel Agents
- Comment/Complaint
- Browser Compatibility
- Accessibility
- Booking Information
- Customer Commitment
- Tarmac Delay Plan
- Sustainability
- Contract of Carriage
- Cookies, Privacy & Security
- Human Trafficking Statement (PDF)

- Comparison Charts >
- Long-haul Economy Class
Long-haul Economy Class Comparison Chart
- Short-haul Economy Class
- Short-haul First/Business Class
- Premium Economy Class
- Long-haul Business Class
- Long-haul First Class
You'll find information about Long-haul Economy and a sortable chart that can be used to compare Economy seating among different airlines.
What are some of the differences in Economy Class seating among airlines?
As you'll see from the chart below, there are slight variations in seat pitch and width among airlines and airplanes. In addition, some airlines offer in-flight video services or laptop power ports that can make your flight more enjoyable. Additional details about in-flight services or amenities are available on the individual seat map pages of our site.
Long-haul Economy Comparison Chart
The table below can be sorted by any column. Simply click a column header (i.e. Airline) to re-sort the table. Clicking the header a second time will reverse the sort. Have questions? See the Chart Key .
Comparison Chart Key Return to Top of Page
- Personal TV: The best type, you'll have an individual video screen with multiple channels at your control.
- Overhead TV: Better than nothing, there are main video monitors located throughout the cabin.
- None: You should bring a book... there's no video offered on this plane.
- All Seats: Every seat on the plane in this class of service features a power outlet.
- Some Seats: Only certain seats offer a power outlet, consult the seat map for the exact locations.
- None: Bring your extra battery, there are no power outlets offered on this plane.
- AC Power: No adapter needed, this is just like plugging into a regular outlet at home.
- DC Power: This plug, also known as a cigarette style, is the same one you'll find in your car.
- EmPower: A special adapter that has a small head and four connecting prongs.
SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.
Delta Air Lines: Delta Comfort+ vs. First Class — What Are the Differences?
- Travel /

We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Terms apply to offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details.
Delta’s first class and Delta Comfort+ products offer an improved onboard experience and are instrumental in the SkyMiles Medallion program for elite passengers to be rewarded with upgrades, depending on availability. Both classes share some important differences, so it’s key to understand what each type of extra legroom seat means for your travel experience.
Let’s compare Delta Comfort+ and first class when flying on Delta Air Lines, review the benefits of each, and offer things to keep in mind while you go through the ticket purchase process.
In many cases, you may want to purchase a ticket type over the other based on how you’d like to travel. Some Medallion elite benefits apply to both seat types, too, so you’ll want to know how your perks apply when you get upgraded.
Table of contents
First Class
Delta comfort+, standard seats, onboard experience comparison, how to access delta comfort+ and first class seats, priority boarding, deplane quickly, more legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, long-haul flight benefits, complimentary alcoholic beverages, complimentary enhanced snack basket, flying to honolulu from atlanta or minneapolis, baggage inclusions and fees, cancellation and refund policies, standing by and changing flights, more spacious seat, personal service, seats in the front, onboard food, check-in and security, final thoughts.
Table of Contents
Delta Classes of Service
Before looking at Delta Comfort+ and first-class and how they compare, it’s important to differentiate between each class of service.
Delta One is Delta’s highest level of service , which features flat-bed seats, chef-inspired meals, Sky Club lounge access , and a less-crowded onboard cabin. The Delta One experience can be found on coast-to-coast routes, as well as most long-haul international flights.
First class is Delta’s premium cabin offering for flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and some local South American destinations. First class features wider seats, onboard meals, and attentive service.

Delta Comfort+ seats are extra legroom seats within the Main Cabin that also feature an enhanced refreshment service.
In the Main Cabin, most travelers will be seated in standard coach configuration seats. On narrow-body aircraft, this is usually in a 3-3 configuration and on regional jets, this tends to be a 2-2 format.
Here is a comparison chart of the different levels of seating, excluding Delta Premium Select:
There are several ways you can purchase a Delta Comfort+ or first class seat:
- As you purchase your ticket, you may be prompted to use miles or pay a small incremental amount to upgrade , depending on the ticket. This is designed to upsell you throughout the purchase process.
- After purchase, you can upgrade using miles, depending on if there is space available.
- To upgrade into first class, you can use a Delta Regional Upgrade or Global Upgrade certificate (given to some elites annually) to confirm a first class seat in advance.
- If you’re an elite passenger , you can select a Delta Comfort+ shortly after booking (if you are a high enough status), or you can be added to the upgrade list to receive a complimentary upgrade to first class within 5 days of departure.
Delta Comfort+ Benefits in Detail
Delta Comfort+ comes with several extra benefits to help enhance the travel experience. While some people will get upgraded into Delta Comfort+ for free, depending on their elite status, and others will pay, the benefits remain the same no matter how you secure one of these seats.

While you won’t be the very first folks to board the plane, you will be able to board before most Main Cabin passengers, allowing you to settle in and stow your items without a mad rush trampling you.
Delta’s boarding chart is as follows:
Since your Delta Comfort+ seat will usually be located in prime areas of the aircraft, with most being toward the front, this will allow you to exit and be on your way quickly without having to wait for the majority of the plane to exit.
Delta Comfort+ seats are usually located at the bulkheads and the first few rows behind them, as well as emergency exit rows.
Here are the locations of all Delta Comfort+ seats on all Delta planes according to SeatGuru :
Hot Tip: SeatGuru is an excellent tool to use for figuring out seat maps, aircraft, and more. Check out our guide on how to use SeatGuru to improve your travel.
With Delta Comfort+ comes extra legroom , one of the biggest benefits of this seating area. At up to 4 inches more per seat, it allows you to fly in comfort without feeling cramped.
Here are the Delta Comfort+ seat measurements on all Delta planes according to SeatGuru :
Forget about having to compete for space to stow your bags in the overhead lockers — enjoy labeled bins dedicated just for Delta Comfort+ . As Main Cabin customers walk past, they’re instructed to put their bags in their bins rather than the Delta Comfort+ bins.
You can find USB power outlets on all mainline aircraft in Comfort+. Some planes have full power outlets, so it will depend on what specific aircraft you’re on as to what power is available.
On long-haul flights, such as those to Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, or Africa, there are some extra benefits that enhance the experience. Delta Comfort+ passengers receive a complimentary blanket, pillow, headset, and amenity kit on select flights.
Those seated in Delta Comfort+ receive complimentary alcoholic beverages.

Similar to the snack basket that is passed in first class, Delta Comfort+ gets a pass of the basket containing many premium snacks.
Here is a sampling of what Delta offers :
If you’re flying on an eligible flight to Honolulu (HNL) from Atlanta (ATL) or Minneapolis (MSP), there are additional benefits you can enjoy, including an amenity kit with a pillow, blanket, eyeshades, earplugs, toothbrush, and toothpaste. For food, you’ll also receive a complimentary Luvo wrap and frozen Greek yogurt bar for flights departing from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., in addition to the usual complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Delta Comfort+ is treated the same as Main Cabin for baggage fees, which means purchasing a Delta Comfort+ ticket won’t save you any more than a cheaper Main Cabin ticket.
Most Delta Comfort+ fares do not include complimentary checked baggage. Some specific routes do, so it is wise to check your itinerary as you book to see what is included.
Hot Tip: Delta has a fairly standard baggage policy for carry-ons and the first couple of checked bags . Additional pieces and overweight or oversized bags carry pretty hefty fees, so try to stick to your regulations! We’ve covered Delta’s baggage fees and policy in-depth.
Most non-refundable Delta tickets originating from North America are now eligible for free cancellation, however, there are a few notes:
If you voluntarily switch flights and Delta Comfort+ isn’t available on the new flight, you may be able to receive the Delta Comfort+ fare as a credit toward a future flight (no refunds). If the itinerary is not changed by choice (Delta changes it), you are protected in Delta Comfort+ on the new flights, unless it isn’t available, at which point you may be compensated by Delta.
If you are traveling on a non-refundable ticket originating outside of North America, please see the updated fees and policies in our article How to Cancel a Delta Air Lines Flight [Points or Cash Ticket Purchases] .
For travel originating in North America or the Caribbean, Delta no longer charges change fees for domestic and international tickets (excluding Basic Economy after April 30, 2021). For trips originating outside of North America, a change fee applies after April 30, 2021.
If you purchase a Delta Comfort+ seat, you can standby for any other flight , but risk losing the fare you paid for Delta Comfort+. If you wish to confirm onto another flight, you can, so long as the same fare code class is available as when you booked and a Delta Comfort+ ticket is available.
Delta First Class Benefits in Detail
Here, we’ll look at the benefits of Delta’s domestic first class product, though benefits largely remain the same for international flights.

First class is usually laid out in a 1-2 or 2-2 format , depending on the aircraft, whereas Delta Comfort+ is always either a 2-2 layout on regional jets or a 3-3 layout on larger mainline planes. First class passengers get larger seats with a larger tray table, larger entertainment screen, and more places to store items.
Here are the seat dimensions on all Delta aircraft, per SeatGuru :
The first class cabin on a Delta domestic flight has 1 dedicated flight attendant serving the cabin — you will receive more personalized service, more often. Drink refills will come quickly without you having to ask!
Each seat in first class on a mainline flight features standard and USB power outlets so that you can stay plugged in.
First class seats are located in the front of the aircraft , allowing you to board and exit first.

Here are the locations of all first class seats on all Delta aircraft, per SeatGuru :
While first class is only technically on narrow-body aircraft, many times Delta will run wide-body aircraft on domestic routes. This may not include the Delta One premium service, but the aircraft will be equipped with Delta One seats, sold as first class.
This chart shows the location of all Delta One seats on Delta aircraft, per SeatGuru :
On board, you’ll receive a complimentary pillow and blanket, depending on the route, and on select flights, an amenity kit stocked with items to keep you comfortable throughout your flight.
Depending on the time of day and route, you’ll either receive a choice from a well-stocked snack basket, or a full meal service with multiple courses and a plated dessert. Food in the first class cabin is premium and designed by several world-renowned chefs.

Hot Tip: When you’re in Delta first class, be sure to preorder your meal on Delta.com so you can receive your first selection.
When you check in for your flight, you can use any Delta SkyPriority check-in counter , allowing you to check your bags faster. Upon proceeding to security, you can use the first class lanes in select airports.
You’ll get to board the aircraft after Diamond Medallions , so you can get seated, store your bags, and settle in quicker. As you find your seat, you’ll see a bottle of water awaits you.
First class gets up to 2 bags checked complimentary for free , and each bag is tagged with a priority tag that will indicate that the bag is to be among the first to come off of the carousel.
Whether you’re in Delta Comfort+ or first class, you’ll definitely be more comfortable than traditional Main Cabin seats. Both classes of service are great for elite passengers, as all elites receive complimentary upgrades to either cabin, depending on availability.
Delta Comfort+ is perfect for:
- Elite passengers who may not be able to upgrade to first class
- Passengers who want extra legroom, but may not want to pay the premium for first class
- Passengers who want extra onboard amenities such as a snack basket and complimentary alcoholic drinks
First class is great for:
- Elite passengers who are eligible to upgrade and there is availability
- Passengers who want to work or rest in comfort, with accessible power outlets, larger entertainment screens, and more privacy
- Passengers who want extra onboard amenities, such as a full meal service on select flights
Either ticket is an upgraded experience, and you won’t be disappointed onboard Delta.
Frequently asked questions
What does delta comfort+ include.
Delta Comfort+ includes:
- Extra legroom, up to 4 additional inches
- Complimentary pass of the snack basket and complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Boarding ahead of other economy class seats
- Dedicated overhead bins so you can keep your luggage nearby
What is Delta Comfort+ on Delta Air Lines?
Delta Comfort+ is Delta’s extra legroom seating located in the first few rows of economy class. These seats are in the forward part of the cabin and include up to 4 extra inches of legroom.
How much more expensive is Delta Comfort+?
Delta Comfort+ fares are variable, changing depending on the capacity and distance of the flight, and destinations. Typically, Delta Comfort+ fares start at about $20 more than Main Cabin seats and can go as high as several hundreds of dollars for long-haul flights, such as those to Sydney or Johannesburg.
What is first class on Delta called?
On most domestic and local international routes, Delta brands its first class product as first class. If the route is a premium transcontinental or international route, Delta brands the premium cabin as Delta One.
(100% of participants clicked "Yes")
Please confirm that you're not a robot.
Sending feedback...
Your feedback has been sent. Thank you!
We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site.
If you'd like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback and opinions, please click here to leave your comment.
We really appreciate it! - Alex & Erin
An error occurred please try again later
About James Larounis
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
Are Delta Comfort + passengers allowed to use the First Class rest room? Thank you.
If it is a domestic flight then yes you should be permitted. If it is an international flight then you’ll need to use the economy lavatories.
Does First Class include access to the Delta lounge?
Hi Russell,
First Class tickets do not include access to the Delta SkyClub unless you are flying in Delta One.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below! Cancel reply
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Related Posts

Advertiser Disclosure
Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with.
Which airlines have the most legroom?
Flying is the quickest way to travel, but sometimes it’s not the most comfortable. One of the amenities that we often don’t take into account is how much legroom we have on a flight.
In this article, we’re going to look at legroom by airline to see which ones give you the most room for your airfare.
Here’s how much legroom the top airlines have
When you score a cheap flight, oftentimes you’ll find that the carrier has crammed so many people on the plane that it feels like the person in front of you is in your lap.
Part of the problem is that in an effort to increase their profit margins, many carriers are trying to cram more and more passengers onto their planes — and there’s little worse than being on a packed flight and feeling like the person in front of you is in your lap.
Still, many carriers lure passengers by touting that they have extra legroom to offer. One marketing ploy is to package it with what they call “Preferred Seating,” which in many cases is simply where people “prefer” to be seated on the plane. Nonetheless, passengers are forking over extra money to sit there.
What is the standard legroom on a major airline?
Airlines have standardized the way they refer to airplane seating. The main dimensions are width and pitch. How wide your plane seats are has shrunk from 35 inches in the 1970s to about 31 inches today, according to Fortune magazine .
But “seat pitch,” aaaah, that’s the real useful measurement. It translates into how much legroom you have. On a plane, the pitch basically is the distance from a designated point on one seat to that same point on the seat in front of it.
For most first-class seating arrangements, airlines give you about 38 inches, but things tend to go downhill as you move backward into the main cabin. If you are the type of person who wants to choose your airline based on how comfortable you’ll be at 30,000 feet, here’s what kind of legroom your favorite carriers offer:
How roomy is your seat: Here is legroom by airline
Delta airlines.
Most Delta planes offer a seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches, the airline says . For more space, the Atlanta-based carrier offers Delta Comfort Plus which features up to four inches of extra legroom. Comfort Plus prices vary, but The Points Guy paid $39 for such a seat on a one-stop flight from Newark to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
In April 2019, Delta reduced the reclining space on its A320 jets by 2 inches.

American Airlines
Flying coach, American gives you 30 inches of legroom on most of its flights. They do offer another option though. “Sit back and relax with more room to stretch out at the front of the Main Cabin,” the airline says . Main Cabin Extra seating start at $20.

Southwest Airlines
Southwest’s Boeing 737 fleet has seat pitches between 31 and 33 inches, according to Seatguru.com . Seat widths average 17 inches. If you find that you’re uncomfortable in those seats, the airline’s “Customers of Size” policy mandates that you purchase another seat.

Frontier Airlines
The ultra-low fares airline with flights at rock bottom prices touts “Stretch” seating in its cabin. Like most airlines, Frontier’s fleet includes Airbus A320 series jets, which offer between 30 and 32 inches of space. Stretch seats can cost anywhere between $15 to $50, depending on the flight.

JetBlue Airlines
In a departure from the Airbus industry standard, JetBlue’s fleet includes the Brazilian-built Embraer 190 (E190), which offers customers the roomiest interior of any narrow-body aircraft. JetBlue’s seat width is 18.25 inches, nearly 2 inches more than some Airbus configurations. The airline’s seat pitch is 32-plus inches, according to its website .
JetBlue also promises up to 38 inches of legroom on its Even More seats , which are available on all their flights. The cost of JetBlue’s Even More seats varies by flight. A SmartTravel.com writer paid $65 for an Even More seat from Boston to San Francisco. Ouch!

United Airlines
United’s Economy seats have a pitch of 31 inches, the airline says on its website . United does, however, offer Economy Plus, which lets you stretch out more to relax and “sit near the front of the cabin so you can exit the plane easier.” Like the other airlines, Economy Plus will set you back a certain amount of dollars depending on your flight.

Spirit Airlines
Spirit’s Airbus A320 fleet offers legroom to the tune of 28 to 31 inches. They try to make up for it by giving you a better-than-average seat width of 17.75.
Spirit’s Big Front Seats, which, as they indicate, are located near the plane’s front, have a 36-inch pitch. According to Frommers.com , “On a flight between Atlanta and Dallas, they cost $20 per leg. On a trip from Chicago to Las Vegas, they cost $65.”

If you’re up for some South of the Border travel, the airline with the most legroom is Interjet, a low-cost Mexican airline. The airline boasts 34 inches of seat pitch on its 150-seat Airbus fleet, the carrier says on its website.
The reason it can offer so much space to passengers is that it forgoes about 30 seats on its planes, the company says. With flights throughout Mexico, the airline also serves several U.S. cities, including Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Finally, the good news
In April 2018, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would mandate that the FAA set minimum size standards for airline seats. Although they may enact the rule to apply only to future aircraft, it’s still a step in the right direction.
Here are some more travel-related articles you might enjoy from Clark.com :
- 9 things to know before you fly Delta Air Lines
- The best day of the week to book a cheap flight
- This handy tool is what the pros use to find cheap flights

- 7-day guided Italy escape with airfare & accommodations from $1,499
- Lubardy 17″ carry-on backpack with 3 packing cubes for $34
- Fox Rent a Car: Save up to 45% on weekly rentals
- Spirit Airlines sale: Flights from $59 to San Juan
- The best deals at Amazon right now

- TODAY’S TOP FARES
- WEEKEND DEALS
- SEARCH FARES FROM A CITY
- SEARCH FARES TO A CITY
- SEE CHEAPEST MONTH TO FLY
- SEARCH & COMPARE FLIGHT DEALS
- SET UP FARE PRICE ALERTS
- ALL AIRLINE DEALS
- ALASKA DEALS
- AMERICAN AIRLINE DEALS
- DELTA DEALS
- JETBLUE DEALS
- SOUTHWEST DEALS
- UNITED DEALS
- ALASKA AIRLINES
- ALLEGIANT AIR
- AMERICAN AIRLINES
- DELTA AIRLINES
- FRONTIER AIRLINES
- HAWAIIAN AIRLINES
- SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
- SPIRIT AIRLINES
- SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES
- UNITED AIRLINES
- AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES
- AIRLINE CODES GUIDE
- SEE ALL BLOG POSTS
- RECENT FARE SALES
- TRAVEL TIPS & ADVICE
- TRAVEL GEAR
- SEE MY ALERTS
- MY ALERTS Get Money-Saving Alerts Sign Into Your Account Get Alerts By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Statement and Terms of Use Or Sign In
- SEARCH HOTEL DEALS BY DESTINATION
- SEARCH FAVORITE HOTEL BRANDS
- SET UP ALERTS

Wild Pitch: US Airlines With the Most Legroom in Economy... and the Least
See recent posts by Ricky Radka
Finding it harder to get comfortable at 35,000 feet? You’re not alone. If you’ve flown recently, you’ve probably noticed that not only have amenities like free cabin baggage and blankets disappeared, so has your legroom.
To increase profits, airlines are reconfiguring their cabins to cram in as many seats as possible. And that comes at the cost of your comfort ( and knees) . That space needs to come from somewhere, and the most common way to find it is by reducing the seat pitch throughout the airplane. For those who aren't familiar with the term, "seat pitch" is the distance from the back of your plane seat to the seat in front of you. While reducing seat pitch has been going on for years, the recent trend of airlines moving towards Basic Economy and the low-cost carrier model has undoubtedly put a squeeze on customers.
A Guide to Seat Pitch on US-Based Airlines
• airlines with the most legroom, • airlines with average legroom, • airlines with the least legroom.
While only a couple decades ago, the average seat pitch was around 34-35 inches, nowadays, the new normal is about 30-31 inches. If you think that’s a tight fit, try out one of the ultra-low-cost carriers that really encroach on your personal space with a pitch of only 28 stingy inches.
Using airline websites, and seat maps from our sister-site, SeatGuru , I’ve created a helpful list of which U.S. airlines offer the best legroom in coach and which offer the least. While pitch will vary by aircraft, this guide will let you know which seats and planes will get you to your destination the most comfortably.
Up and Away: Most Legroom – 33-32 Inches

JetBlue touts itself as having the most legroom of any US airline with a pitch of 32-33 inches. While that is still generous among most American carriers, just a few years ago, JetBlue was offering an industry-leading 34 inches on all of its A320 airplanes. The retrofit, which finished recently, squeezed 12 more seats into those planes shaving the pitch down to 32 inches. JetBlue’s A321 jets, used mostly for transcontinental flights, are the models that feature 33 inches of pitch in economy. For those fliers willing to shell out the extra money, JetBlue's "Even More Space" seats offer the most overall legroom on any US carrier ranging from 37-41 inches of pitch, allowing enough room to stretch your legs out like you're in a yoga class.
Southwest only operates a fleet of Boeing 737’s, keeping its seating charts reasonably similar among all its planes. The Boeing 737-MAX (currently grounded) and 737-800s, offer 32 inches of pitch, while the 737-700 offers a 31-inch seat pitch. Since there is no pre-assigned seating and no upgrade options on Southwest flights, all economy seats are nearly identical. Exit row and bulkhead seats will provide extra legroom, sometimes even up to 39 inches of seat pitch. However, unless you are in the front of the line for the first boarding group, you can kiss the chances of getting those highly coveted seats goodbye. For tips on getting the seat you want on your Southwest flight have a look at our guide.
Before its merger with Virgin America, Alaska mainly operated a fleet of Boeing 737 planes fitted with 31-32 inch pitched seats. Post-merger, Alaska has acquired 67 Airbuses from Virgin that offer 32-inch pitch in standard economy. Alaska plans to refit these Airbuses with new seats, carpets, and lighting, which means the legroom might also change, and usually, it’s not for the better. Seats with legroom of 36-40 inches are available in the forms of bulkhead and exit row seats, and upgrades to those seats will cost additional.
Related: U.S. Airlines with the Widest Seats in Coach
Right down the middle: average legroom – 31-30 inches.

American
American Airlines operates a wide range of aircraft, so it will be tough to pinpoint exactly how much pitch you will get in your economy seat unless you do a little research on which plane layout you'll be flying on ( which you can find here ). For the most part, it will be between 31-32 inches, but most likely, 31. Unless you are flying an Airbus A319, Boeing 757, or 737 MAX (currently grounded), then you can expect a tighter 30-inch pitch. Luckily, American reversed its decision to fit the newer 737 MAX's with a measly 29-inch pitch following public outcry and complaints from employees. But don't worry about flying those as they are still sitting parked waiting for FAA approval to fly again. By purchasing a “Main Cabin Extra” fare, you can expect to receive two to three more inches of legroom (33”-36”) depending on which aircraft you are traveling.
United
If you are flying United, you can expect a 31-inch pitch across most of its Boeing planes. The exceptions being routes operated on its Airbuses and some 737 aircraft that slim down to 30 inches and 787-8 Dreamliner service, which inch you up to 32. United seems to be a bit more generous than American when you pony up the cash for its “Economy Plus” option. On average, you will receive an extra three to four inches of legroom, leaving you with 34-37 inches of pitch. If you are planning a trip on United Airlines or already have a flight booked and know which aircraft will operate on that route, you can check here to see seating specifics .
Much like American, Delta operates a broad array of aircraft , which will vary its pitch per airplane. Most fliers can expect a 30-32 inch pitch while traveling on Delta, with the 31-inch pitch being the most common of its fleet. Delta Comfort+ seats offer customers a couple of extra inches with 34-35 inch pitches. On its new Airbus A350s, those willing to pay extra for "Delta Premium Select" will get a generous 38-inch pitch. Flights on A319s, A320s, A321s, and Boeing 757s are the ones you'll want to avoid, as those come cramped with the 30-inch pitch layout.
Hawaiian operates a fleet with a mix of Airbus A330, A321s and Boeing 717s. On the Airbuses, you can expect 31-32 inches of seat pitch. While on the smaller Boeing 717s mostly used for inter-island service, travelers will get 30 inches. For passengers wanting to stretch out a bit more on their journey over the Pacific, Hawaiian offers “Extra Comfort” seats. These extra-cost seats are available on Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 and A321 flights and offer a seat pitch of 36-inches.
Related: How to Choose the Best Seat on a Plane
Tight and inside: least legroom – 29-28 inches.

Allegiant Air
Budget carrier Allegiant Air offers a below-average 30 inches of seat pitch on all of its planes. Allegiant also provides the option to buy up to Legroom+, which will get you an additional 4 inches of pitch. Legroom+ seats are located in the first-row bulkhead section of the plane and the exit rows over the wing. All seats on Allegiant do not recline, so in addition to a tight pitch, you’ll also have to nap upright.
No surprise here, Spirit, known for its nickel and diming fees, scrimps out on its legroom with an industry-low 28-inch pitch on all its planes. Similar to Allegiant, Spirit’s seats are “pre-reclined,” which is just industry speak, meaning they have no recline ability at all. Spirit’s “Big Front Seat” option will get you a 36-inch pitch and sits you up in the front of the plane, but it will also cost you a lot more and negate any savings you thought you’d get by flying on Spirit in the first place.
Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier also tries to cram you in with just 28-31 inches of pitch on its Airbuses. Travelers can expect the lower end of that figure, though, as only a few older A319s offer the 31-inch pitch, and Frontier is in the process of phasing them out. Frontier has put in an order for 100+ additional A320neo aircraft from Airbus, which will also roll out of production with a measly 28-29 inch pitch on its pre-reclined seats. For an extra charge, you can buy your way into more legroom by purchasing “Stretch” seats on Frontier. Rows 1-3 have a 36” pitch while lucky Row 13 over the wing will give you 38 inches to stretch across.

Related: How to Avoid Paying Airline Seat Fees
All over the plate: varied legroom – 29-33 inches, sun country.
Minneapolis-based Sun Country is in the process of transitioning into an ultra-low-cost model, and, in doing so, the airline is increasing the number of seats on its 737-800 aircraft. To fit these new 18 seats, the airline will be shrinking the average seat pitch to a much tighter 29 to 30 inches. The carrier will keep some locations with a 33-inch pitch on those airplanes, but they will most likely require an additional fee to select. As for now, the 737-700 aircraft that Sun Country operates will remain the same, with a 31-32 inch seat pitch in coach. So depending on the route and if the plane has received the retrofit, seat pitch can vary from a squished 29-inch to a much more reasonable 31 to 32 inches of legroom.
Related: Do You Have to Switch Seats on a Flight If Someone Asks?
Stay on top of breaking sales, fare drops, and more! Follow us on Twitter @Airfarewatchdog . And make sure to sign up for FREE airfare alerts to be notified when prices drop.
Featured image: vvoe / Shutterstock
More stories you'll love, 10 things not to wear on a plane, the 8 most important travel tips for couples, airline hub guide: which u.s. cities are major hubs and why it matters.
- Should I Get Travel Insurance?
Trending Stories
7 best wireless headphones for 2021, the best cyber monday flight deals 2021, the best black friday flight deals 2021, today's top stories.

JetBlue's Big Winter Sale—Ends Tomorrow!

How Not to Embarrass Yourself in the TSA Line

$99 First-Class Ticket Sale on Breeze Airways

6 Travel Predictions for 2022
- Terms of Use
- Update Preferences
- Privacy and Cookies Statement
- Cookie Policy
- Cookie Consent

Get Low Fares & Money Saving Tips
See only the best flight deals we find each day
Congratulations, you have successfully subscribed!
U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules

- Federal Aviation Administration Follow
March 3 (Reuters) - Airline passengers who have long felt squished in cramped seats suffered a setback on Friday as a U.S. appeals court refused to order the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to adopt minimum requirements for seat size and spacing.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said an advocacy group, FlyersRights.org, had no right to force the FAA to adopt seating rules because it was not "clear and indisputable" that tight seating, while uncomfortable, was also dangerous.
Congress had in 2018 given the FAA one year to establish minimum seating dimensions including pitch, the distance between seatbacks, that were "necessary" for passenger safety.
No such rules yet exist, though airlines must be able to evacuate passengers within 90 seconds in emergencies. Airline margins could suffer if carriers were forced to reconfigure planes.
Writing for a three-judge panel, Circuit Judge Justin Walker rejected FlyersRights' claims that tight seating materially slowed emergency exits and posed medical risks such as blood clots, saying the FAA had no compelling evidence of either.
Latest Updates
- Criminal category South Carolina attorney Murdaugh sentenced to life for murdering wife and son , article with video Video
- Litigation category Ripple says recent Supreme Court ruling weighs in its favor in SEC case , article with image
View 2 more stories
"To be sure, many airline seats are uncomfortably small. That is why some passengers pay for wider seats and extra legroom," Walker wrote. "But it is not 'clear and indisputable' that airline seats have become dangerously small.
"Unless they are dangerously small, seat-size regulations are not 'necessary for the safety of passengers,'" he added.
Paul Hudson, president of FlyersRights, said the decision ignored Congress' intent that minimum standards be considered, and passengers could expect seating to shrink to "torture class" if the FAA did nothing.
FlyersRights is directly petitioning the FAA for new rules.
"Even rules codifying the status quo would stop seat dimensions from getting even smaller," its lawyer Michael Kirkpatrick said in an interview.
The FAA declined to comment. Airline trade groups have opposed new seating rules.
In November, six Democratic U.S. senators led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the FAA to ban airlines from further shrinking seat sizes and leg room.
FlyersRights has said typical average seat pitch has shrunk four to seven inches, to as little as 28 inches (71 cm), and seat width has also shrunk since airline deregulation in 1978, while passengers have gotten larger.
The case is In re Flyers Rights Education Fund Inc, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 22-1004.
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Read Next / Editor's Picks
- Criminal category Judge enters second not-guilty plea for lawyer Tom Girardi , article with image 9:17 PM UTC . Updated undefined ago
- Litigation category U.S. court says French, Swiss groups cannot restrict 'gruyere' cheese label , article with image 9:17 PM UTC . Updated undefined ago
- Product Liability category L'Oreal to face Ben Crump among other lead counsel in hair relaxer litigation , article with image 9:07 PM UTC . Updated undefined ago
- Gallery World category Biden administration announces plan to stop water plant hacks , article with gallery 8:49 PM UTC . Updated undefined ago

Industry Insight

Tom Snavely

Thomson Reuters Institute

Richard Satran

Kenneth Jones, Nadine Ezzie, Esq.
U.S. Court Won't Require FAA to Make Airplane Seat Size, Spacing Rules
U.S. Court Won't Require FAA to Make Airplane Seat Size, Spacing Rules
FILE PHOTO: Video screens are shown built into the backs of passenger seats on board a Delta Airlines Boeing 737-900ER aircraft in San Diego, California, U.S., January 10, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Reuters
By Jonathan Stempel
(Reuters) -Airline passengers who have long felt squished in cramped seats suffered a setback on Friday as a U.S. appeals court refused to order the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to adopt minimum requirements for seat size and spacing.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said an advocacy group, FlyersRights.org, had no right to force the FAA to adopt seating rules because it was not "clear and indisputable" that tight seating, while uncomfortable, was also dangerous.
Congress had in 2018 given the FAA one year to establish minimum seating dimensions including pitch, the distance between seatbacks, that were "necessary" for passenger safety.
No such rules yet exist, though airlines must be able to evacuate passengers within 90 seconds in emergencies. Airline margins could suffer if carriers were forced to reconfigure planes.
Writing for a three-judge panel, Circuit Judge Justin Walker rejected FlyersRights' claims that tight seating materially slowed emergency exits and posed medical risks such as blood clots, saying the FAA had no compelling evidence of either.
"To be sure, many airline seats are uncomfortably small. That is why some passengers pay for wider seats and extra legroom," Walker wrote. "But it is not 'clear and indisputable' that airline seats have become dangerously small.
"Unless they are dangerously small, seat-size regulations are not 'necessary for the safety of passengers,'" he added.
Michael Kirkpatrick, a lawyer for FlyersRights, said he was disappointed with the decision, and that the group was directly petitioning the FAA for new rules.
"Even rules codifying the status quo would stop seat dimensions from getting even smaller," he said.
The FAA declined to comment. Airline trade groups have opposed new seating rules.
In November, six Democratic U.S. senators led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the FAA to ban airlines from further shrinking seat sizes and leg room.
FlyersRights has said typical average seat pitch has shrunk four to seven inches, to as little as 28 inches (71 cm), and seat width has also shrunk since airline deregulation in 1978, while passengers have gotten larger.
The case is In re Flyers Rights Education Fund Inc, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 22-1004.
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Copyright 2023 Thomson Reuters .
Join the Conversation
Coronavirus Bulletin
Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.
Sign in to manage your newsletters »
Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .
You May Also Like
The 10 worst presidents.
Not all U.S. presidents are missed once they leave the White House.
U.S. News Staff July 6, 2021

Cartoons on President Donald Trump
Feb. 1, 2017, at 1:24 p.m.

Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes
A collection of moments during and after Barack Obama's presidency.
April 8, 2022

Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden?
The former vice president has become the Democratic front-runner with primary victories across the country.
March 11, 2020
The Winter COVID-19 Surge That Wasn’t
Is it the first surge-less winter of many? Or could it make Americans complacent and fuel an increase once immunity levels have waned?
Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder March 3, 2023

Recommended Articles
You’re our first priority. Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .
Delta Comfort Plus: What to Know Before You Book

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .
The biggest advantage of Delta Comfort Plus seats is more legroom.
Passengers also get a premium snack and drink in Comfort Plus.
Checked bags are not free on domestic flights, similar to main cabin tickets.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is the second-largest airline in the world by number of flights. From basic economy to domestic first class and international business class, it offers all kinds of service to all kinds of travelers.
Whether flying domestically within the U.S. or cross an ocean for a farther destination, you might want to do it in comfort. Perhaps you prefer something a little better than economy but less fancy than business class, especially on long-haul flights. Delta’s Comfort Plus, the airline’s premium economy cabin level, might offer just what you're looking for.
Here’s an overview of what you get when flying domestically and internationally in Delta Comfort Plus, including your baggage allowance, seat pitch and in-flight service.
What to expect flying premium economy with Delta Air Lines
Delta Comfort Plus is a step above main cabin, which is the airline’s name for economy class. When you fly Delta Comfort Plus, expect to see the following benefits on your flight.
Bag allowance: Unless you have Medallion status , a Delta co-branded credit card or active military status, there’s no free checked bag allowance on domestic Delta Comfort Plus. You have to pay $30 for the first checked piece of luggage. But passengers flying on international flights are allowed to check one piece of luggage weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) at no cost.
Boarding: Delta Comfort Plus passengers receive an early boarding call before SkyPriority members and have dedicated overhead bin space, which can sometimes be tough to come by in economy.
Premium food: Starbucks coffee, beer and wine are offered to flyers who are over 21 on flights of at least 251 miles, and complimentary liquor is available on flights of at least 500 miles. Premium snacks are offered on flights of 900 miles or longer without meal service.
Seats: When flying Delta Comfort Plus, you’ll get about 34 inches of seat pitch. That means, if you measure the distance between any point on one seat and the same point on a seat directly in front of or behind it, there will be 34 inches in between. That's several inches more than a standard economy seat.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
How to book a premium economy ticket with Delta
Whether you’re redeeming Delta SkyMiles or paying cash, you can book Delta Comfort Plus tickets directly on the airline’s website.
On Delta’s homepage , select your departure and destination cities, dates of travel and the number of passengers. When the search results pop up on the next page, each class of service is clearly marked: basic, main, Comfort Plus and first.

Comfort Plus is more expensive than a standard economy ticket, so you have to decide whether the upcharge is worth having more legroom and access to complimentary premium beverages, especially if you’re flying domestically.
On select international routes, you’ll see the Premium Select cabin in addition to Comfort Plus, which is an even more expensive fare type with additional perks.

» Learn more: Basic economy vs. main cabin
Change and cancellation policy for Delta Comfort Plus tickets
Delta Comfort Plus tickets for domestic and international travel originating in North America are eligible for free changes and cancellations. Travel between the Caribbean and the U.S. or Mexico also has the same free eligibility.
The fees to change international bookings are currently waived until further notice.
Although you won’t receive a direct refund, you will receive an eCredit in the original amount valid toward any Delta flight purchased by Dec. 31, 2023, for travel through the end of 2024.
Delta economy vs. Comfort Plus
So is Delta Comfort Plus premium economy that much better than a standard economy ticket? Take a look at some of the differences.
When comparing Delta Comfort Plus seats with main cabin, you typically get an extra 2 to 3 inches of room in Delta Comfort Plus. Delta’s economy class seats have 31 to 32 inches of pitch (varies by aircraft), and premium economy seats measure at about 34 inches.
As mentioned above, Comfort Plus passengers receive a premium snack selection and complimentary alcoholic beverages on select domestic flights. Main cabin passengers get a smaller snack selection and have the option to pay for premium drinks.
As for checked luggage, travelers in both classes of service will have to pay for bags, with exceptions for elite status, certain credit card holders and military.
Delta Comfort Plus vs. Delta Premium Select
Some aircraft, such as Airbus A350 and Boeing 757-200 (75H), have been decked out with Delta Premium Select seats on select international routes. On the Airbus A350, Premium Select is located between Delta One and the main cabin. On the Boeing 757-200, it’s the best seat on the plane at the front of the cabin. Some international flights, such as those operated by Airbus A330-900neo, feature both Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort Plus seats.

Depending on the aircraft, Delta Premium Select seats feature a pitch length of 37 to 38 inches, width of 18.5 to 21 inches and an adjustable footrest, leg rest and headrest. Compared to 34 inches in Comfort Plus, it’s an upgrade. Additionally, Premium Select seats can feature a serious recline of up to 7 inches.
Passengers can watch movies on an up-to-13.3-inch seatback screen and charge their devices using an in-seat power outlet. Tumi amenity kits also come with a Premium Select seat.
On the ground, Premium Select passengers get to experience SkyPriority benefits, such as a priority check-in lane, expedited baggage delivery and premium boarding. Two free checked bags are also included with the ticket, whereas Comfort Plus flyers get one bag on the same international flights.
» Learn more: How to get free upgrades on flights
If you’re looking to fly in Delta Comfort Plus
If you’re flying within the U.S., Delta's premium economy class, Delta Comfort Plus, isn’t a bad way to travel. You’ll have more legroom, enjoy free alcohol and have access to a designated overhead compartment.
Upgrade from Comfort Plus to Premium Select on select international routes to Europe or Asia and enjoy even more comfort on your flight by having a reclining seat, a large screen and an amenity kit.
Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Yahoo Finance

S&P 500
Russell 2000, bitcoin usd, cmc crypto 200.
U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules
By Jonathan Stempel
March 3 (Reuters) - Airline passengers who have long felt squished in cramped seats suffered a setback on Friday as a U.S. appeals court refused to order the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to adopt minimum requirements for seat size and spacing.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said an advocacy group, FlyersRights.org, had no right to force the FAA to adopt seating rules because it was not "clear and indisputable" that tight seating, while uncomfortable, was also dangerous.
Congress had in 2018 given the FAA one year to establish minimum seating dimensions including pitch, the distance between seatbacks, that were "necessary" for passenger safety.
No such rules yet exist, though airlines must be able to evacuate passengers within 90 seconds in emergencies. Airline margins could suffer if carriers were forced to reconfigure planes.
Writing for a three-judge panel, Circuit Judge Justin Walker rejected FlyersRights' claims that tight seating materially slowed emergency exits and posed medical risks such as blood clots, saying the FAA had no compelling evidence of either.
"To be sure, many airline seats are uncomfortably small. That is why some passengers pay for wider seats and extra legroom," Walker wrote. "But it is not 'clear and indisputable' that airline seats have become dangerously small.
"Unless they are dangerously small, seat-size regulations are not 'necessary for the safety of passengers,'" he added.
FlyersRights and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FAA declined to comment.
In November, six Democratic U.S. senators led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the FAA to ban airlines from further shrinking seat sizes and leg room.
FlyersRights has said typical average seat pitch has shrunk four to seven inches, to as little as 28 inches (71 cm), and seat width has also shrunk since airline deregulation in 1978, while passengers have gotten larger.
The case is In re Flyers Rights Education Fund Inc, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 22-1004. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Simple Flying
Delta vs american airlines - domestic extra legroom.
Delta and American are two of the largest airlines in the United States and are in fierce competition with each other. And, across the country on a number of routes, the two airlines compete heavily for economy passengers. Both airlines also offer economy class passengers the opportunity to upgrade themselves to extra-legroom seats. So, which airline, Delta or American, is better in economy with extra legroom?
The onboard product
Extra-legroom economy class products are very similar to economy class configurations discussed in a previous post. Here is a bit of a refresh: Across both Delta and American’s mainline fleet, economy class on narrowbody Airbus A320 family aircraft, Boeing 737 family aircraft, and Boeing 757s are in a 3-3 configuration. The only exception is Delta’s Airbus A220 which is in a 2-3 configuration in coach.
Delta brands its extra-legroom economy as Comfort+ while American sets it as Main Cabin Extra.
Seat pitch is pretty standard at about 34-36 inches on both American and Delta.
I’m 5’8″ and I found that having the extra legroom was fantastic– even with a backpack under the seat in front of me.
Comparing levels of comfort
While some avid Simple Flying readers will remember my jaunts in Lufthansa First Class or Singapore or KLM Business Class , a decent number of my flights end up being in economy. And, in several cases, I either get an upgrade thanks to status or else pay outright for a seat in extra-legroom economy.
I had the opportunity to fly on a reconfigured AA ‘Oasis’ 737 from DCA to JFK en route to testing out American’s new food and Flagship First Dining Experience . Like the economy seat, the seat on this aircraft was very lightly padded and, toward the end of this short flight, started to become quite uncomfortable. On a longer flight (especially a red-eye) this could be an issue. Granted, I did find that the Main Cabin Extra legroom section to be far less constricting– compared to the usual.
Delta's padding seemed far better as shown in the photo below:
Entertainment onboard
Delta is well-renowned for having seatback screens on most mainline aircraft. The only ones that do not are the MD-series and the Boeing 717. So, on most aircraft, you will have access to on-demand seatback screen entertainment.
Meanwhile, the view on American’s retrofitted aircraft looks like this:
American instead encourages passengers to bring their own device onboard and connect to American’s WiFi for free streaming entertainment. Passengers can also plug their devices into the USB outlet located near the tablet holder. While not the best option, it is better than having nothing. Still, during meal and snack services, it is nice to have seatback screens.
Overall: Comfort+ vs Main Cabin Extra
There are two big variables on this. One variable in extra-legroom economy is meal service. On both Delta and American, most main cabin routes feature free snacks and soft drinks. However, on some premium routes, both airlines also offer some upgraded complimentary meal options– for example between JFK and LAX or else long-haul routes to destinations like Hawaii.
At the end of the day, Delta does edge out American in extra-legroom economy with inflight entertainment and a more comfortable, widespread product. American is continuing to retrofit aircraft with uncomfortable seats that lack seatback screens, although the airline is still keeping the option of on-demand entertainment for passengers.
But, in terms of price, I have consistently found American to beat out Delta. American charges a minimum of $20 for a Main Cabin Extra seat. But this can increase depending on route length. Still, I have found that American offers a far better value. Extra-legroom economy is not premium economy so this is a huge consideration to keep in mind when considering price.
Do you prefer American or Delta in domestic economy? Let us know your preference in the comments!
Interested in other Delta - American comparisons? We've written comparisons of their domestic first class , and regular economy as well.
No, you can't move into that empty extra legroom seat on your flight. They cost extra

Krunal Patel didn't mind his window seat on a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Rochester, New York, in early September, but he spied a better one.
Rows of them.
So he asked a flight attendant if he could move out of crowded row 22 into a row with empty seats.
The response: It'll cost you. The seats were Economy Plus seats, extra legroom seats United peddles to passengers for a fee during or after ticket booking.
Patel, 32, an addiction specialist nurse, turned to Twitter from his seat to criticize the policy. United issued its stock response on the topic: Letting passengers move to those seats, it said, is ''not fair to the customers who did pay for the upgrade.''
Patel pressed the issue, arguing that there's no harm in letting passengers move to empty seats after the doors closed so they can have a better flight experience.
United fired back with an analogy that went viral.
"The customers who choose to pay for economy plus are then afforded that extra space. If you were to purchase a Toyota, you would not be able to drive off with a Lexus, because it was empty.''
Patel said in an interview that he didn't know they were Economy Plus seats when he asked to move. But he maintains passengers should be able to move into them once the plane is in the air and says flight attendants on some flights have allowed him to when he asked. Unlike first class seats, where passengers get free food, drink and other perks, the main feature of Economy Plus is extra legroom. (American and Delta, in contrast, offer free drinks as a perk in their extra legroom seats.)
"It's literally just legroom,'' he said. "The company doesn't lose money by letting passengers move up. They can only win in customer satisfaction.''
Wherever you fall on the debate – Patel was slammed as a whiny cheapskate and worse on Twitter and deactivated his account for a week – the stream of questions airlines field about their cushier economy seats underscores passenger confusion when it comes to seat options.
Unlike first class or business class cabins, which are unmistakable as you board the plane and often curtained off in flight, it's easy to overlook the section of premium seats that extend from the start of the economy cabin through the exit row seats on United, American and Delta when boarding.
Yes, they have extra legroom, but there's no partition that screams this is a special seating section, at least on domestic flights.
Airlines carved up the economy cabin for two reasons: to create a perk for frequent flyers, who are upgraded to the more plush economy seats for free when available, and to cash in on travelers who want something comfier than a standard economy seat.
Unlike so-called preferred seats – ordinary aisle, middle and window seats scattered throughout the plane, which airlines also charge to reserve because they are in what the airline considers a favorable location on the plane – these seats come with extra legroom and other perks.
Want to reserve a seat on your flight? More and more, it will cost you
Here's what first-timers need to know about extra legroom economy seats on American, United and Delta
American calls its extra legroom seats Main Cabin Extra; United, Economy Plus; and Delta, Comfort+.
On some international flights and select longer U.S. flights, the airlines also offer a pricier, more exclusive extra legroom option, a step up from the main cabin but down from first class and business class. American calls it Premium Economy; United, Premium Plus; and Delta, Premium Select.
Sample prices are for seats on a round trip flight Nov. 1-3 for domestic flights and Nov. 1-8 for international/long-haul flights. Prices vary based on route, date, time, competition and time of purchase. Some airlines sell the seats as an upgrade when picking a seat, others as a type of ticket.
American Airlines
Main Cabin Extra
Online pitch: "A little bit more of everything"
Perks: Extra legroom (up to six inches); complimentary beer, wine and spirits;priority boarding (group 5).
Where you'll find it: On every plane.
Extra cost: Main Cabin Extra is sold as a seat upgrade.
- Philadelphia-Orlando, Florida: $67. (Compared with $29-$35 for a preferred seat.)
- Orlando-Philadelphia: $61-$64 (Compared with $35 for a preferred seat.)
Premium Economy :
Online pitch: "An elevated travel experience.''
Perks: More legroom, wider seats, foot rest; priority check-in, security and boarding; two free checked bags for international flights and one free bag on Alaska and Hawaii flights; free premium meal and drinks; amenity kit ; blanket and pillow.
Where you'll find it: Available on 124 widebody jets on international routes, with plans for more on new planes.
Extra cost: Passengers must buy a premium economy ticket to nab a seat in that section of the plane.
- Dallas Fort Worth-Paris: $1,759 round trip versus $1,359 in regular economy (main cabin).
Delta Air Lines
Online pitch: "It's simple, plus means more.''
Perks: Up to three extra inches of legroom; early boarding; dedicated overhead bin space; free drinks; pillow, blanket and headset.
Where you'll find it: All Delta mainline jets except its Airbus A350s. CDelta Premium Select is currently available on certain widebody aircraft (A350s and modified 777s) but our goal is to have every widebody in our fleet to be fitted with DPS by 2021.
Extra cost: Comfort+ is sold as a type of ticket and as a seat upgrade after booking.
- Atlanta-New York LaGuardia: $475 round trip versus $327 round trip for regular economy.
- Los Angeles-Maui: $730 round trip versus $502 in economy.
Premium Select
Online pitch: "A superior cabin on select international flights.''
Perks: Up to 8 inches more legroom, meals and drinks, early boarding, two free checked bags and more.
Where you'll find it: Select widebody jets including the A350, with plans to have it on all widebody jets by 2021.
Extra cost: Passengers buy a premium select ticket or can upgrade after ticket purchase.
- Seattle-Shanghai, China: $3,000 round trip versus $582 for Comfort + and $504 for main cabin.
Economy Plus
Online pitch: "A little extra legroom goes a long way.''
Perks: Up to six inches of extra legroom, in-seat power
Where you'll find it: All United flights and most United Express flights.
Extra cost: Economy Plus is sold as a seat upgrade.
- Chicago-Los Angeles: $112-$143 depending on the seat location.
- Los Angeles-Chicago $129-$159 depending on the seat location.
Premium Plus
Online pitch: "Where comfort meets convenience.''
Perks: Extra legroom and recline; meals, complimentary beer, wine and liquor; two free checked bags; an amenity kit; Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow; noise-reducing headphones; power outlets and more.
Where you'll find it: More than 20 wide-body jets flying international routes.
Extra cost: Premium Plus is bought as a type of ticket.
- San Francisco-London: $2,400 round trip versus $698 in regular economy.
5 things to know about airline extra legroom seats and sections
1. Upgrades to the roomier seats are not available for basic economy passengers on United and Delta. American allows travelers holding one of the no-frills tickets to buy a Main Cabin extra seat when and if seats open for sale a week before the flight .
2. It pays to do seat selection fee math when booking a ticket. With fees to reserve an ordinary economy seat on the rise , it might be worth paying a little more to get extra legroom and, on American and Delta, free alcoholic beverages.
3. You can often use miles to upgrade to better seats, even last minute.
4. On United, you can upgrade your seat once you're on board, for a price of course. Delta lets you upgrade as late as three hours before your flight. American allows it as late as the airport.
5. You might luck into one of the seats if you didn't pick a seat when you booked your ticket and that's all that's left for an airline to assign, or if you had flight troubles and were upgraded as a token of apology.
More From Forbes
The most comfortable flights to hawaii.
- Share to Facebook
- Share to Twitter
- Share to Linkedin
With Southwest Airlines’ latest announcement that they will be flying to all four Hawaiian islands at some point in the next year, there are more options than ever before to fly from the US to Hawaii. But how do you decide which airline to fly? Do you look for the best price, the shortest trip, or somewhere you can use your miles? Here’s one more thing to think about: how comfortable is your flight going to be? Here’s a rundown of the most comfortable flights from the US mainland to Hawaii.
Shutterstock
Alaska Airlines (Airbus A320 aircraft – formerly Virgin America)
Although the Virgin America brand was officially retired on April 24th, 2018, it will be quite some time before the former Virgin America airplanes are re-configured (and re-painted) to match the rest of Alaska’s fleet. Until that happens, keep an eye out for Alaska flights to Hawaii operated by Airbus A320s – they feature a generous 32” of legroom in standard economy, 38” in Premium Class, and a whopping 55” in first class.
Although these planes don’t support wifi over the ocean, you’ll find complimentary seatback entertainment and power outlets at every seat. Look for these flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
If you end up on one of Alaska’s Boeing 737 aircraft instead of an Airbus, it won’t be quite as comfortable – legroom is 31” in Economy, 35” in Premium Class, and 41” in First. But you’ll still get power outlets and free entertainment. And no matter what aircraft you’re flying, if you’re paying cash for your ticket, you can save a ton of money using the Companion Fare discount from the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is the expert when it comes to flying to Hawaii, and although they recently started flying smaller Airbus A321neo planes to a few West Coast destinations, the majority of their flights to the mainland are on a widebody, two-aisle planes – Boeing 767s and Airbus A330s.
Their 767s have 32” of legroom in economy with a 2-3-2 seating configuration (fewer middle seats), while First Class has 42” of legroom in a 2-2-2 configuration. However, these planes have no power outlets, no wifi, and may or may not have entertainment on board (so make sure you bring a fully charged phone with some downloaded movies).
Standard seats on Hawaiian’s A330s aren’t quite as comfortable with only 31” of legroom in economy, and a 2-4-2 seating configuration though they also offer Extra Comfort seats with 38” of legroom, like Premium Class on Alaska’s Airbuses. But in First, these planes have lie-flat seats. That's a big deal. The A330s also have onboard power (USB outlets in economy, plus power outlets in Extra Comfort and First) and onboard entertainment (free in Extra Comfort and First, available for a fee in standard Economy). Hawaiian also provides complimentary meals on all flights between Hawaii and the mainland. You can find Hawaiian Airlines flights from every major West Coast airport as well as Las Vegas, Phoenix, and New York.
United Airlines
United mostly flies Boeing 737 and 757 narrowbody aircraft from its West Coast hubs, which are pretty similar to Alaska’s 737 experience, but if you’re coming from Chicago, Washington DC, or Newark you can grab a Boeing 767, while these aren’t terribly exciting in economy (31” of legroom in a 2-3-2 seating configuration), in Economy Plus you’ll get 35”, and like Hawaiian’s Airbuses you will find lie-flat seats in United’s Polaris Business Class, in a 2-1-2 layout. (If you’re flying out of San Francisco, you might also find a Boeing 777, which has the same legroom but in a 3-4-3 configuration in economy and 2-4-2 in Business).
All of United’s widebodies have Wifi, power outlets, and onboard entertainment; if you end up on one of the smaller planes, you probably won’t have wifi, and onboard power is hit-or-miss.
Delta Air Lines
Delta flies Boeing 767 planes to Hawaii from its hubs in Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Atlanta (and seasonally from New York-JFK). In Economy and Comfort+ these are basically the same as United, but in Delta One (business class) you’ll find nicer lie-flat seats in a more spacious 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access. Like on United, these planes feature wifi, power, and entertainment, and you’ll get complimentary meals in all classes when flying from Minneapolis, Atlanta, and New York.
American Airlines
Due to its partnerships with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, American only flies to Hawaii from three cities: Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Dallas. Of these, only Dallas has particularly comfortable planes. The Boeing 777 with real Premium Economy. While their standard economy seats are a typical 3-4-3 layout with 31” of legroom, those Premium Economy seats are wider, with a 2-4-2 layout, and have 38” of legroom, footrests, and lots of recline. In Business, you’ll find a similar layout to Delta’s 767s a 1-2-1 layout with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access. Passengers in all classes of service will enjoy power outlets, wifi, seatback entertainment, and complimentary meals on these flights.
Bottom Line
No matter how you're getting to Hawaii, you're bound to have a great time once you're there, so don't stress too much about making sure you're on the best plane. Rather, consider prices and airline schedules too. However, if you do have the choice between two different itineraries, now you know how to make sure you're flying the most comfortable seat in the sky that you can.
- Editorial Standards
- Reprints & Permissions

IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Aircraft Overview | Delta Air Lines Overview Our Aircraft Before you take off, take it all in. Explore our aircraft to learn about specifications, seat maps, child seat fit guides, amenities, and more for Delta and Delta Connection® Carriers. Airbus Boeing Bombardier Embraer Airbus A350 Airbus Fleet Airbus A220-100 (221) Airbus A220-300 (223)
For your next Delta flight, use this seating chart to get the most comfortable seats, legroom, and recline on . Seat Maps; Airlines; Cheap Flights; Comparison Charts. Short-haul Economy Class; Short-haul First/Business Class ... Airlines > Delta > Planes & Seat Maps > Delta Seat Maps. Overview; Planes & Seat Maps. Airbus A220-100 (CS1) Airbus ...
Maximum dimensions for an assistive device carried in the cargo hold: 36 in (height) x 29 in (width) Maximum weight for an assistive device carried in the cargo hold: 85 lb/sq ft Wheelchair accessible lavatory location (s): Behind Row 39, Seats DEF Movable armrest locations: Delta One: 1C, 2 ABD, 3C, 4 ABD, 5C, 6 ABD, 7C, 8 ABD, 9C *
Aircraft Type: The aircraft manufacturer, aircraft model, and three digit aircraft identification code. Seat Pitch: The distance between two rows of seats, this is the best indicator of legroom. More is better. Seat Width: The distance between the armrests of a single seat. More is better. Video Type:
With Delta Comfort+ comes extra legroom, one of the biggest benefits of this seating area. At up to 4 inches more per seat, it allows you to fly in comfort without feeling cramped. Here are the Delta Comfort+ seat measurements on all Delta planes according to SeatGuru: Dedicated Overhead Bin Space
Delta Air Lines seats for elite members Those who have joined the Delta SkyMiles program and flown enough to earn Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights....
Delta Airlines Most Delta planes offer a seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches, the airline says. For more space, the Atlanta-based carrier offers Delta Comfort Plus which features up to four inches of extra legroom. Comfort Plus prices vary, but The Points Guy paid $39 for such a seat on a one-stop flight from Newark to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Seats with legroom of 36-40 inches are available in the forms of bulkhead and exit row seats, and upgrades to those seats will cost additional. Related: U.S. Airlines with the Widest Seats in Coach Right Down the Middle: Average Legroom - 31-30 Inches American
March 3 (Reuters) - Airline passengers who have long felt squished in cramped seats suffered a setback on Friday as a U.S. appeals court refused to order the Federal Aviation Administration...
FILE PHOTO: Video screens are shown built into the backs of passenger seats on board a Delta Airlines Boeing 737-900ER aircraft in San Diego, California, U.S., January 10, 2018.
The biggest advantage of Delta Comfort Plus seats is more legroom. ... Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is the second-largest airline in the world by number of flights.
By Jonathan Stempel. March 3 (Reuters) - Airline passengers who have long felt squished in cramped seats suffered a setback on Friday as a U.S. appeals court refused to order the Federal Aviation ...
Delta brands its extra-legroom economy as Comfort+ while American sets it as Main Cabin Extra. Seat pitch is pretty standard at about 34-36 inches on both American and Delta. Extra legroom in Main Cabin Extra on American Airlines. Photo: Jay Singh - Simple Flying
Perks: Extra legroom (up to six inches); complimentary beer, wine and spirits;priority boarding (group 5). Where you'll find it: On every plane. Extra cost: Main Cabin Extra is sold as a seat...
Standard seats on Hawaiian's A330s aren't quite as comfortable with only 31" of legroom in economy, and a 2-4-2 seating configuration though they also offer Extra Comfort seats with 38" of ...