When choosing an airline for your next trip, you might've considered Delta Air Lines — one of the "Big Four" U.S. carriers. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, it ranks third for the highest percentage of on-time arrivals and departures. However, a traveler's timely departures and arrivals are only part of a stellar flight.

Your onboard experience, from ticketing to boarding and in-flight amenities, impact how refreshed you feel after disembarking a Delta plane. This experience, however, can vary based on the seat class you choose. This overview compares Delta's Comfort Plus versus first-class cabins to help you decide which is best for your preferences.

The main differences between Delta Comfort Plus vs. first class

Delta Comfort Plus and first-class cabins share some general characteristics. For example, increased legroom, a dedicated overhead compartment above your seat, and earlier boarding and deplaning compared to other main cabin passengers.

However, the most significant differences are:

Checked bags. First class offers two free checked bags per person, one free carry-on luggage and a personal item. Delta Comfort Plus fares generally only include a free carry-on and personal item — checked luggage will incur baggage fees.

A dedicated flight attendant. Regarding Delta Comfort Plus versus first-class cabin service, first class has a dedicated Delta attendant who can readily assist with requests during the flight. In contrast, Delta Comfort Plus passengers share attendants with other cabins.

Fare cost. With a first-class fare, you'll receive a premium level of service on board, which means you can expect to pay a higher price than Delta Comfort Plus. Although Delta Comfort Plus provides additional convenience, it's still considered part of the main cabin.

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BROWSE CARDS

Delta Comfort Plus

Fare flexibility/ticket changes

Delta doesn't charge change fees to travelers who purchased a main cabin flight or higher — including Delta Comfort Plus flights. In addition, you won't incur a fee for changes on domestic Delta Comfort Plus flights or those that originate from North America to another country, giving you the utmost flexibility if your plans change.

Baggage and boarding

Delta Comfort Plus boarding pass holders get earlier boarding privileges. You'll board after passengers who meet pre-boarding eligibility, Delta One, Delta Premium Select and first class. But you will board before Sky Priority, main cabin and economy groups. You'll also deplane the aircraft earlier than main cabin passengers.

Once on board, Delta Comfort Plus passengers have easier access to their carry-on luggage with an overhead bin solely for this class.

Seat selection

In addition to selecting your seat in advance, Delta Comfort Plus provides up to three inches of additional legroom compared to the main cabin. Long-haul international flights also let you recline more for greater comfort.

Earnings rates (towards status)

Delta SkyMiles members earn 5 miles for each dollar spent toward a Delta Comfort Plus fare. So whether you purchase a Delta Comfort Plus seat during or as an upgrade after booking, you'll earn miles for the premium cabin option. The exception is if your Delta Comfort Plus seat was a complimentary upgrade from the main cabin.

Medallion members will earn a higher mileage rate, based on their elite status tier, at the time of booking.

Upgradability

If you'd like to upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus, you can make the selection at booking or before departure through the Delta app or Delta.com.

Complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort Plus are unavailable once you've boarded the aircraft. Delta Comfort Plus isn't available as an upgrade from a basic economy seat.

Delta first class

Delta's first-class product is not the same as Delta One. Learn more about the differences between these two premium cabin options here.

Fare flexibility/ticket changes

A first-class fare gives you access to the same level of flexibility as a Delta Comfort Plus seat. As a first-class ticket holder, you have more flexibility to change your trip if needed since Delta dropped its change fees.

Seat selection

First-class seats provide as much as five extra inches of legroom compared to Delta Comfort Plus and up to eight inches of total legroom compared to the main cabin. You'll also have wider reclining capabilities of up to 5.4 inches.

Baggage and boarding

Priority boarding is offered to first-class passengers who board the plane after pre-boarding groups and Delta One but before Delta Comfort Plus passengers. First class is also among the first to deplane the aircraft.

A significant perk to purchasing a first-class seat is the complimentary two checked bags. This benefit saves you $30 for each bag, compared to Delta Comfort Plus, which doesn't include complimentary checked baggage.