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The Delta Seat Selection Guide

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Table of Contents

How Delta seat selection works

Delta seat selection fee, ticket types and seat selection rules, delta air lines seats for elite members, delta plane seating chart, how to pick seats on delta, final thoughts on selecting a seat on delta air lines.

Booking a Delta Air Lines flight and wondering about Delta’s seat selection? It’s no wonder — with differing benefits for elite members and strict restrictions on basic economy tickets, figuring out how and when to choose your Delta seat can quickly become overwhelming.

Here's a look at Delta seat assignments, how Delta Air Lines’ seating system works and the costs of choosing a seat.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Delta operates a variety of cabin classes on its aircraft, including economy, Premium Select, first class and Delta One seats.

Like most airlines, Delta will allow you to select your seat when booking, though the cost to do so and any upcharges will vary depending on the flight you’re taking. Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.

» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while budget airlines Frontier and Spirit charge the most.

Delta sits in the middle, charging an average of $15-plus for each flight that you'd like to select a seat for. The cost will vary depending on the type of ticket you book with the airline — which we'll discuss next.

» Learn more: How to navigate costly airline seat selection fees

How much is seat selection on Delta Air Lines? That will depend on the ticket type you’re purchasing, be it basic economy, main cabin, Premium Select (premium economy), first class or Delta One.

Basic economy

Basic economy tickets have the most restrictions of any Delta ticket, and this extends to seat selection. Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket.

If you reserve a basic economy ticket, it’s possible to purchase a specific seat starting seven days before departure. Pricing for this varies by trip and is priced by segment.

Main cabin seating, also known as regular economy, includes complimentary seat selection. As a main cabin customer, you also have the option to purchase an upgrade to preferred or Delta Comfort Plus seats while remaining an economy class passenger.

You can also book upgraded economy tickets with additional seat selection perks:

Main Cabin Preferred: Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows. These are the least expensive upgrades from standard economy seating.

Comfort Plus: When available, a Delta Comfort Plus ticket can be purchased directly while booking and the price will include seat selection. The cost to upgrade is higher than for a preferred seat in main cabin. Comfort Plus features more legroom than main cabin and offers passengers dedicated overhead bins. In addition, Comfort Plus guests will receive complimentary beer and wine on all domestic and short-haul international flights.

Main cabin passengers can also choose to upgrade to a Comfort Plus seat either before or after purchasing their ticket.

Premium Select

Premium Select is Delta’s version of premium economy, with larger seats and better recline, two free checked bags, earlier boarding and premium extras. Those who book Premium Select can choose any seat within the cabin for no additional fee.

Delta One and first class

Both first class and Delta One ticket holders can choose any seat within their cabin for free. These spacious seats come with two free checked bags, premium snacks and meals, priority boarding, and a dedicated flight attendant.

GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD

Regardless of where you sit once you're on the plane, a Delta-branded credit card can make your trip go a little smoother. Most include free checked bags and priority boarding, and some really stack up the perks. Among options:

on American Express' website

$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• Companion certificate (main cabin).

• Airport lounge access.

• Companion certificate ((first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).

• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

Those who have joined the Delta SkyMiles program and earned Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights.

Main Cabin Preferred

When booking main cabin tickets, all four tiers of elite status members can select main cabin preferred seats for no additional charge.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to earning Delta SkyMiles

Comfort Plus

Platinum and Diamond level elite members (the two highest tiers) can choose Comfort Plus seats shortly after ticketing for free. Mid-tier Gold members, meanwhile, will be able to select these seats starting 72 hours prior to departure, and low-level Silver members can pick from available Comfort Plus seats starting 24 hours before departure.

Delta elite members will also receive upgrades on select first class and Delta One flights depending on their elite status.

You can find Delta Air Lines seating without needing to book a flight. To do so, you’ll want to first search for your preferred route on Delta’s website. On the search results page, you’ll find a variety of flights from which to choose.

Each flight presents a seat map, which you can preview by selecting "Seats."

Once you’ve picked "Seats," you’ll be taken to a new page that shows a live preview of your aircraft’s seats.

You’ll also be able to view the seat map during the booking process. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’ll be taken to another page prompting you to pick a seat.

How do I choose my seat on Delta?

During booking

The process for reserving a Delta seat is fairly simple. As we mentioned above, you’ll be able to pick seats when booking your flights on the website; Delta will automatically prompt you to do so before checkout.

You may not be able to select seats on codeshare flights, which are operated by Delta’s partners . In this case, you’ll want to go directly to the other airlines’ webpage to manage your seat selection.

After booking

If you need to choose or alter your seat after you’ve booked your flight, go to "My Trips" on the Delta homepage.

If you’re logged in already, you’ll be able to view all the trips you have booked with Delta. You’ll find seat selection options by going down to the "Passenger Information" section.

» Learn more: 6 ways to save on Delta flights

Delta has a variety of ticketing options available for every type of passenger. This includes the highly restrictive basic economy class ticket as well as main cabin tickets for those who prefer certainty with their seats.

Upgrading to Main Cabin Preferred and Comfort Plus seats offers better benefits for those in economy. Loyal members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can also expect to receive complimentary access to these seats and upgrades to higher classes depending on their level of status.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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More Control in Main Cabin

Enjoy more peace of mind with no change fees for tickets originating in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. 

Welcome Aboard

It’s simple: no change fees, receive ecredit upon cancellation, increased seat choice & selection, eligible to purchase upgrades, delta studio®.

We have answers. Explore our frequently asked questions and learn more about seats. 

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Airline overview.

Founded in 1924, Delta Air Lines (DL) is one of the world's oldest operating airlines. It operates 13 hubs worldwide, the largest of which is located at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The airline flies to about 335 destinations worldwide throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. A founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta also has codeshare agreements with seven other airlines. The airline's fleet of 809 aircraft includes Airbus, Boeing and McDonnell Douglass planes. Depending on the aircraft, planes may include First Class, Business Class, Delta One (international Business Class), Delta Comfort+ (Premium Economy Class), Main Cabin (a form of Economy Class) or Basic Economy cabins.

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Delta seating chart, delta air lines (dl): general information.

Delta Air Lines started in 1925 as a crop dusting service but evolved to become one of the top airlines in the US. Having operated for longer than most others, it’s no surprise that it has racked up one of the most impressive aircraft fleets in the world. And its merger with other airlines like Delaware, Southern, and Chicago Airlines further gave the company more resources to grow.

By 2000, Delta had begun breaking records, carrying 120 million passengers across 221 cities that year and making over a billion dollars. Now, with flights to six continents comprising 129 countries and 596 cities available to Delta flights, the company is taking giant strides in its industry.

Because of Delta’s many aircraft models like the Airbuses, Boeings, Bombardiers, and Embraers, passengers need a way to preview the plane cabins before booking flights. This need led to the introduction of the Delta Airlines seating chart. Delta makes their aircraft layouts and seating arrangements public, helping passengers who aren’t familiar with the differences in cabin classes.

The best part is that passengers don’t need to book a flight before seeing the Delta Airlines seat selection preview. All they need is to check on the Delta website for their route, select the aircraft playing it, and view its seats. With the Delta seating chart, passengers can choose between the four cabins available in most Delta planes — Delta One and First Class, Premium Select, Basic Economy, and Main Cabin.

Delta Seat Selection: Overview

Basic economy.

The Basic Economy cabin is Delta’s offering for passengers looking to save some cash. From the Delta seat map, it is clear that this cabin offers the basics, cutting most luxuries to provide value for people who just want to get from point A to B. Some perks that passengers won’t get with the Basic Economy are the option of picking seats, changing plans, or requesting refunds.

Most passengers in this cabin merely use the Delta Airline seating chart to know what to expect in-flight, not to influence it. They also board last and won’t earn miles. However, these passengers can still enjoy complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, access to WiFi to book and check their flight’s status, in-flight entertainment, and messaging.

The Delta seats in the Main Cabin are comfortable and will suit passengers on international flights. The seats are often aisle and window seats and near exit rows. For an extra fee, the passengers can buy Main Cabin tickets and get more control over their flying experience.

Main Cabin passengers can manage their trips, choose their preferred Delta Airlines seating position before checking in, and enjoy a few extra perks. This section also serves complimentary snacks on flights longer than 250 miles and free meals for long-haul flights. Those flights also grant Main Cabin passage complimentary alcoholic beverages they would otherwise have paid for on shorter flights.

Premium Select

Delta plane seats in the Premium Select cabin have steeper recline angles, letting passengers feel more relaxed while traveling. They include adjustable footrests on most widebody aircraft in the company’s fleet, giving passengers more legroom. The passengers can also pre-select their seats after checking the Delta plane seating chart without paying extra.

The in-flight entertainment is also better, as the seatback screens are wider. Passengers in the cabin also get an amenity kit to make their journey smoother. The meals and drinks are complimentary.

Delta One and First Class

The occupants of Delta One and First Class enjoy Delta’s best amenities. They get to choose any seat at no extra cost and can expect direct aisle access every time. The Delta First class seats can recline fully to become a flatbed, and passengers get a pillow and blanket when they want to nap.

The Delta One seats guarantee privacy with a suite-style design, and the passengers get free assistance and access to all foods and drinks, thanks to the premium dining.

Basic Economy Seat Assignment Purchase Option for International Itineraries   

Beginning April 10, 2019, Delta is extending the option for customers who have purchased a Basic Economy fare to obtain a seat assignment prior to their flight for a fee, for international itineraries on DL- operated flights. Previously, this option was only available to customers with wholly domestic itineraries.

Additional Details:

·       Customers who have purchased a Basic Economy fare will have the option to purchase a seat assignment from seven days prior to departure up until the check-in window opens, based on availability. 

·        Seat assignments obtained within the check-in window will continue to be free.

·        The fee is nonrefundable; however, seat assignments may be changed after purchase (i.e. from 30A to 25C).

·        Seat assignment purchases may be made on delta.com or via Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations. 

·       Basic Economy seat assignment purchases are also available via Travelport (Worldspan, Apollo, Galileo) and Amadeus GDS.

When purchasing a seat assignment via this option, all other Basic Economy fare restrictions still apply, including the inability to make changes.

Additional information regarding Basic Economy is available on the Products & Services tab.

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What Does “Seat Request” Mean on a Delta Ticket?

A “seat request” on a Delta flight (or on any other airline) basically means that you are requesting a seat that will be assigned to you at your boarding gate. In other words, your ticket is confirmed, but you don’t have a seat assignment yet, so you’re essentially toward the top of the standby passenger list. It’s not a big deal and has happened to me on various occasions in the past.

Reasons you may have a Delta “seat request” include:

• When Delta changes the aircraft for a flight (resulting in a different seating configuration on the plane.
• If a flight is overbooked. You’ve probably heard airlines asking for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for a voucher.
• If you miss a connection and need to have a seat re-assigned to you for your connecting flight.
• If you haven’t selected a seat for yourself by flight time, or booked your flight at the last minute.
• If your seat was available when you booked your flight, but was assigned to another passenger before you completed the transaction.
• If you’re re-booked from another flight for any reason.
• Delta is assigning your seat at the gate in order to leave certain seats open for passengers with certain disabilities.
• It might be for weight and balance (W&B) reasons. To make sure the weight is distributed evenly throughout an aircraft, airlines sometimes have to reassign seats.
• If Delta is saving seats for preferred passengers.
• Delta might reassign you a seat if they are trying to accommodate a family that wants to sit together.

If you have an unassigned seat, it’s a good idea to keep checking the itinerary/schedule as the day of your flight approaches to make sure everything’s still OK with seats and schedules.

Related: Is Delta Comfort Plus Worth It?

Can You Choose Your Seat on a Delta Flight?

In most cases, yes, you can when you purchase your ticket. There are circumstances within which you may have a confirmed ticket, without a seat assignment, so your seat will be assigned after you check in for your flight, at the gate. Instead of a seat number on your ticket, it will say “Seat Request.” There are various reasons you may have a ticket but no seat assignment yet, including that the flight was simply overbooked, or because you missed a connecting flight and have to travel on a different aircraft (and still need to have a seat assigned).

Related: What Size Luggage Can Hold 50 LBS

Why Does Delta Assign Some Seats at the Gate?

There are a number of reasons Delta (or another airline) might assign you a seat until you’re checked in for the flight, and at the gate. Flights get overbooked sometimes, special needs passengers (or families) need to be accommodated, or perhaps you simply missed a connecting flight, but still need a seat assignment on a different flight. It’s possible to have a confirmed ticket for a flight, but without an assigned seat yet.

It also allows for frequent flyers who book their flights at the last minute (or who are flying ‘Same-Day Confirmed” or “Same Day Standby”) to get a better selection from the remaining unassigned seats. If a flight is booked full or near full capacity, sometimes the only remaining seats are near the back, between two other passengers, so last-minute seat assignments help avoid this.

What Happens If I Don’t Reserve a Seat on a Delta Flight?

If you booked your flight at the last minute, or if a flight is overbooked, you might find yourself flying with a “Seat Request” status. This is like being at the top of the standby passenger list. You have a confirmed ticket for the flight, just no assigned seat. These types of seats are assigned at the gate at the discretion of the gate representative. This works out well for travelers who are traveling by themselves and is a sometimes necessary procedure for Delta (and other airlines). 

Is It Worth Paying For Seat Selection?

It’s common for air travelers to book a flight, then have to select a seat. Many airlines now charge for “in-demand” seat assignments, like those near the front of the plane, aisle seats, or window seats. 

Should you pay for a seat selection? There are a variety of opinions on this, but basically, it just depends on how much it’s worth it to you to be comfortable. You might not want to get a “leftover seat,” sitting way in the back of the plane between two other passengers.

Back at BDL for Round 2. “Why does it say seat request if I had a confirmed seat?” Delta guy: “Oh don’t worry you have a seat.” …. I’m worried. pic.twitter.com/WAjUREFX8F — Carlin Sanderson (@carlinsanderson) July 22, 2019

Why does my Delta ticket say “Seat at Gate”?

A Delta ticket that says “Seat at Gate” or “Seat Request” means just that. You have a confirmed ticket for your flight, but no assigned seat yet. It means you’re essentially at the top, or near the top, of the standby passenger list. Delta and other airlines sometimes overbook flights and need to reassign some seats at the gate, or for some other reason, like if a passenger missed a connecting flight and needs to have a seat reassigned.

Is a Delta “Seat Request” the Same as on Standby?

Not exactly, but close. Delta “Seat Request” tickets mean that you have a confirmed ticket, but no seat assigned yet. There are a number of reasons for your being issued a “Seat Request” ticket that include a flight having been overbooked, if you’ve missed a connecting flight and have to have a seat reassigned to you on another flight, etc. “Seat Request” tickets are essentially at the top of the standby passenger list.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an Assigned Seat on Delta?

If you’ve purchased a ticket for a Delta flight, you may find yourself with a seat confirmed, but without a seat assignment yet. This means that you’re essentially at the top of the standby passenger list and that your seat will be assigned at the gate. This could happen for a number of reasons, including an overbooked flight, a passenger missing a connecting flight and needing to be assigned a seat on another aircraft, or to accommodate a special needs passenger. Sometimes, it might just be so that Delta can accommodate a family that wants to sit together.

So: What Does “Seat Request” Mean on a Delta Ticket?

Remember, if your Delta flight ticket says “seat request” it basically means your ticket is confirmed, but you don’t have a seat assignment yet, so you will be assigned one at the gate. It’s like being at the top (or near the top) of the standby passenger list. 

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Yes, Airlines Do Have the Right to Change Your Seat Without Warning

Here's what to do when it happens.

When right-wing pundit Ann Coulter resorted to complaining on Twitter about having her seat moved on a 2017 Delta flight, she gave the world a golden example of how not to behave.

Perhaps she wasn’t fully aware of her rights — or the airline’s — but the tweetstorm that unfolded reminds us why it’s always important to know your rights as a passenger.

When you purchase an airline seat, you are required to acknowledge that you agree to the contract of carriage, a legally binding agreement between you and the airline, usually by checking a box next to the phrase “I agree to the terms and conditions of the contract of carriage” or some variation thereof.

Delta’s contract of carriage states : “Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion.”

When you buy a plane ticket, the airline is only obligated to get you from point A to point B. Everything else that comes with it (reserved seating, overhead bin space, baggage allowance, and food and beverage service) is at the discretion of the airline. Because you’re not buying an actual seat — you’re purchasing transportation.

What to Do When an Airline Moves Your Seat

When you’re asked by a flight attendant or gate agent to change seats, it’s usually to help families sit together, allow caregivers to sit next to patients, or accommodate an air marshal or other airline employee. They also might ask you to move for safety reasons or to help redistribute the weight balance of the aircraft, especially on smaller planes.

If it happens to you, respond politely and graciously. Over the years, I’ve been asked countless times to move seats and have done so without complaining. Nearly every time, the flight attendant thanked me for my willingness to be flexible with free bottles of wine or a snack.

Your Boarding Pass Is Your Assigned Seat

If a gate agent comes onboard and hands you a new boarding pass, that is the seat you are required to sit in, regardless of how much you paid for your ticket or the class of service you purchased. The gate agent has supreme power of seating assignments for every flight and dictates who sits where. If they ask you to move, do it.

You May Be Entitled to a Refund

If you’re downgraded from a seat with extra legroom to a regular economy seat, the airline will reimburse you the difference. In Coulter’s case, Delta refunded her the $30 extra fee she paid for the Delta Comfort+ seat that was given to another passenger.

The contract of carriage for American Airlines , as another example, states that you can request a refund for a variety of reasons , including getting re-booked on a flight that causes you to miss a connection, or if you get moved from a preferred seat to a non-preferred seat or a preferred aisle/window seat to a preferred middle seat. Those “preferred” seats refer to the coveted seats near the front of the economy cabin or in emergency exit rows that typically cost extra.

If your seat gets moved and you feel you are owed a refund, contact the airline’s customer service department to request one.

Related Articles

Basic Economy   

The following information and guidelines are provided to help our travel partners understand and identify Basic Economy fares.   Topics include:

Basic Economy - Overview

How to identify basic economy fares, basic economy waiver assistance, fare shopping, low fare finders, and gds or self- booking tools, voluntary changes and refunds, seat selection, basic economy overview chart, additional key points.

• Basic Economy Market List

Basic Economy (E booking class) is Delta’s value-fare product for price-driven customers offering limited flexibility. Customers who purchase a Basic Economy fare enjoy the same flight experience as Main Cabin customers, including Delta’s world-class service, a Main Cabin seat, complimentary snacks, meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (depending on flight distance), Wi-Fi for purchase and free access to hours of movies, shows and more on Delta studio, but with restrictions related to the ticket transaction.

Basic Economy Restrictions:

• Seat assignments are available for purchase starting seven days from departure until 24 hours prior to departure; pricing will vary per trip and may be purchased segment by segment. Otherwise, seat assignments are only available after check-in or at the gate for no fee. 
• Passengers traveling together, including families, may not be seated together
• Not being eligible for same-day changes or ticket refunds
• Boarding in the last zone
• Overhead bin space may be limited (checked luggage fees do not apply for gate-checked carry-ons)
• Not changeable unless noted in the fare rule
• For tickets issued on/after Dec. 9, 2021, for travel on/after Jan. 1, 2022, customers may cancel their reservation for a cancellation charge and apply the remaining value toward the purchase of a new ticket. The reservation associated with the original Basic Economy ticket must be canceled prior to departure or the full value of the ticket is forfeited. Check the fare rules to confirm cancellation charge and eligibility. 
• Not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades or preferred seats, even with SkyMiles® Medallion® Status. 
• For tickets issued prior to Dec. 9, 2021, or for tickets issued on/after Dec. 9, 2021, for travel through Dec. 31, 2021, Medallion Members earn miles, Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs – U.S.-based Members only).
• For tickets issued on/after Dec. 9, 2021, for travel on/after Jan. 1, 2022, no mileage or Medallion status is earned.
• Not eligible to combine with other Delta fares.

Additional information can also be found  here   on delta.com.

BACK TO TOP

The below information outlines how you can identify Basic Economy fares:

• The booking code for Basic Economy fares will be “E” class; however, the fare basis code may indicate X, V or other classes.
• Fares identified via a "B" in the 2 nd to last position of the Fare Basis Code for all markets, except Europe, but including UK point of origin fares
• Europe point of origin fares will have “LR” in position 5&6 of the fare basis code, for tickets issued for travel before April 1, 2020
• Effective for travel on/after April 1, 2020, Europe point of origin fares will have “L” in position 7 of the fare basis code
• Effective for travel on/after April 1, 2020, Africa/Middle East point of origin will have “R” in position 7 of the fare basis code  
• The Basic Economy fare will require both ‘E’ Class and the class of service of the fare basis code to be available (dual inventory check).
• Fare type codes EOU, ERU and PFD are used to identify Basic Economy.
• Fare type code PRU is used to identify Basic Economy for exit Europe to the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

View complete information regarding   Delta’s Fare Basis Code structure  used to identify Basic Economy fares.

Additional Information 

Agencies or corporate accounts may elect to suppress or inhibit Basic Economy fares from their customer booking tools. Corporate customers desiring to suppress or inhibit Basic Economy Fares should contact their agency.  Agencies with questions on the latest suppression capabilities provided by a GDS should contact their GDS provider.

Important:  If a travel agent makes a reservation using a Basic Economy fare and ends the PNR, then decides they want to use a higher fare (not a Basic Economy fare) so that their customer can get an advance seat assignment, they must cancel the original reservation and rebook the new itinerary for the higher fare in a new PNR, prior to ticketing the original reservation.

Basic Economy fares use dual inventory when pricing an itinerary. To qualify for a Basic Economy fare, dual inventory requires both the Main Cabin fare class of service (e.g. K) and the Basic Economy fare class of service (E) to be available at time of booking  and  ticketing. 

Under certain conditions, AFKLDL Trade Support may assist qualifying Travel Agencies with ticketing a reservation when the Main Cabin class of service is no longer available at time of ticketing.

If the required classes were available at the time of booking, but the Travel Agency didn’t ticket immediately, it is possible that the Basic Economy fare will not price at the time of ticketing. Because both classes of service for dual inventory (e.g. K and E) are no longer available, the result will most likely be a higher fare because only a higher booking class is available (e.g. U).

If this happens, qualifying Travel Agencies may contact AFKLDL Trade Support and request a waiver to issue the ticket for the original fare quote at the time of booking, provided the below conditions are met:

• Basic Economy booking needs to be issued on Delta (006), Air France (057) or KLM (074) ticket stock.
• No changes have been made to the original PNR.
•  All fare rules for the Basic Economy fare, including advanced purchase and ticketing time limit, must be met.
• The fare is still valid.

The Travel Agency will need to manually store the original fare to issue the ticket.

If Basic Economy is not suppressed, when using certain self-booking tools or low-fare finder functionality that search for the lowest fares, it is important to note the following:

• Basic Economy will likely be returned in markets with availability, as it is typically the lowest fare.
• To shop for Delta products beyond Basic Economy that are eligible for advanced seat assignments and full Medallion benefits, travel agents should consult the GDS or self-booking tool provider to determine the most effective entries and processes.
• Basic Economy fare rules are published and available via the GDS.
• Interline combinations are only permitted with partner basic fare products.  Additionally, combining Basic and non-Basic Economy segments is not permitted.
• Like other fares and based on competitive needs, Basic Economy fare rules may include advance purchase requirements, minimum or maximum stays, and in some cases, Saturday night stays.
• Markets with a Basic Economy fare offering are subject to change without notice.
• Basic Economy fares are not eligible to make same-day confirmed or same-day standby travel changes, regardless of Medallion or other elite status.
• Non-refundable, except due to involuntary cases such as Irregular Operations (IROPS).
• Not changeable unless noted in the fare rule.
• ​Customers may cancel their reservation for a charge and apply the remaining value toward the purchase of a new ticket.
• The remaining value must be used within the validity of the original ticket
• For travel within the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands or for travel between the United States or Canada and Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico there is a $99 cancellation charge. Check the fare rules to confirm cancellation charge and eligibility.
• For most long haul international travel there is a $199 cancellation charge; however, cancellation charge amount may vary internationally, and some exceptions apply for international points of sale. Check the fare rules to confirm cancellation charge and eligibility .
• Or the equivalent in miles if ticket was purchased with miles.
• To qualify, the reservation associated with the original Basic Economy ticket must be canceled prior to departure. Cancellations are available anytime post-purchase up to departure. No Show forfeiture policy is in effect, resulting in no remaining value if the reservation is not canceled prior to departure.
• If the cancellation charge exceeds the ticket price, no value remains on the ticket; the customer will not be asked to pay the remaining amount of the cancellation charge.
• Customers can work with their Travel Agency to apply the value towards new travel. Full details can be found in the Policy Library under Self-Service Exceptions . 
• The fee is nonrefundable; however, seat assignments may be changed after purchase (i.e. from 30A to 25C).
• Seat assignment purchases may be made on delta.com or via Global Sales Support or through Delta Reservations. 
• Basic Economy seat assignment purchases are also available via Travelport (Worldspan, Apollo, Galileo) and Amadeus GDS
• All other Basic Economy fare restrictions still apply.
• Fee is subject to change without notice.  
• For customers who do not wish to purchase a seat assignment, a seat will be assigned in the Main Cabin after check-in.
• Delta Comfort+®and Preferred Seat purchase will not be made available to Basic Economy fares, for purchase or assignment.

Basic Economy fares are not eligible for paid, complimentary or discounted upgrades Delta Comfort+® or paid or complimentary upgrade to Preferred Seats, regardless of Medallion or other elite status. However, Medallion Members can still receive these benefits when traveling on a Main Cabin fare.

Baggage fees are assessed in U.S. domestic markets, U.S.-Europe markets and U.S.-Latin America and the Caribbean markets for Basic Economy fares. Exceptions apply, click here for details.

Please note:

• The Basic Economy fare for travel between the U.S., Canada or Mexico and Africa (excluding North Africa*) and the Middle East will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00.
• The Basic Economy fare for travel between the U.S., Canada or Mexico and Europe (including Turkey and certain Eastern Europe (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia and Ukraine) will offer a first checked bag for a fee of USD $75.00 and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00 
• The Basic Economy fare for travel between the U.S., Canada or Mexico and Australia will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00

*For the North Africa markets of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco:

• The Basic Economy fare for originating from the U.S. to North Africa will offer a first checked bag for a fee of USD $75.00 and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00
• The Basic Economy fare for originating in North Africa to the U.S. will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00
• The Basic Economy fare for travel between CA/MX  and North Africa will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00
• Basic Economy customers will board last; access to overhead bins may be limited.
• Priority Boarding for purchase as a Trip Extra/Travel Extra will not be offered for Basic Economy fares.
• Medallion Members, others with elite status, and Delta SkyMiles American Express credit card holders continue to enjoy their boarding benefits.

Basic Economy FAQs

For additional details, or to compare seat options, please visit delta.com.

Medallion Members

When flying on a Basic Economy fare, Medallion Members will continue to enjoy waived checked baggage fees, Priority Check-in, and Priority Boarding. However, please note Medallion Members will not receive paid or Complimentary Upgrades when flying on a Basic Economy fare.

For more details, please visit  delta.com. 

• If a GDS, agency or corporate account has elected to suppress or inhibit the Basic Economy fare from their customer booking tool, our updated Basic Economy product will be suppressed.
• Customers that purchase a Basic Economy fare will travel in Delta’s Main Cabin and experience the same superior on-board experience as customers that purchase a Main Cabin fare. To view complete details, terms and conditions of Delta’s Basic Economy product, visit delta.com .

Basic Economy Markets                     

Basic Economy fares are broadly available in U.S. Domestic markets, markets between the U.S. and Latin America,  between the U.S. and Europe, from Australia to North America (US/CA/MX) for Australia Point of Sale and from certain countries in Africa, the Middle East, Turkey and certain Eastern Eropean markets to the U.S. for Africa, the Middle East , Turkey and Eastern Eropean Points of Sale. Basic Economy is also selectively available in other markets. All Delta fares are available real-time with the Airline Tariff Publishing Company (ATPCO) and visible in the GDS.

Partner Basic Fare Products

Delta's partner airlines may offer their own basic fare products similar to Delta’s Basic Economy fares. For additional details, please visit their respective websites. 

Air France and KLM - Business Solutions

Aeromexico - Aeromexico Business

Korean Air - KALMATE

Virgin Atlantic - Virgin Atlantic Partner Hub

December 13, 2021

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If your flight is canceled, here's what to know about securing a seat assignment on your new flight

When your flight is canceled , your mind immediately starts racing to figure out logistics. It's easy to get swept away in the details of booking a new flight, verifying your luggage will make it on your new route and more.

However, one aspect many travelers overlook when rebooking is seat assignments. While getting any seat can quickly become more important than securing your favorite seat, where you sit does matter to some people — especially families trying to sit together.

Personally, I'm team aisle when it comes to seats on airplanes, and while things happen, I wouldn't be thrilled if my aisle turned into a window seat (let alone the middle) through no fault of my own.

The good news is that travelers should be refunded for any paid seats on canceled flights, though the specifics of policies vary by airline. If you received a seat assignment without paying — such as via an elite status benefit — you shouldn't have to pay for a seat assignment on the rescheduled flight, either. Don't necessarily expect to get your seat of choice, though.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

You need to be proactive

We'll get to refunds, terms and conditions in a moment, but the first thing to know if this happens is you need to be proactive with securing a seat assignment on your new flight following a cancelation if where you sit on the plane is a priority for you.

With flights taking off as full as they are, the odds are high that there aren't going to be a ton of seats still available when you're being moved to a new flight in the final days and hours leading up to departure. Don't just assume the airline is giving you and your family seats together — there may not be any available.

However, don't despair. Be proactive in trying to select your own seat, ask the airline for help and then keep an eye on the available seats as departure nears. Sometimes, certain seats are blocked for assignment until just before departure and often a few people will either be upgraded or have a change of plans at the last minute, thus freeing up some additional choices. Also, don't be shy at asking for seats together — even if all that is left is in an extra legroom seat that normally costs extra — if the airline canceled your original flight.

You can turn to seat alerts using ExpertFlyer (owned by the same parent company as TPG) as an extra layer of help.

Paid seats will be refunded

As mentioned, a traveler who paid for seat selection on a flight that is canceled is entitled to a refund for that seat across the board, including at the big three U.S. airlines — United Airlines , American Airlines and Delta Air Lines .

United's paid seat policy

United offers maximum flexibility for travelers. The carrier automatically refunds travelers the cost of their paid seat assignments in the event of a canceled flight, whether the flight was voluntarily or involuntarily canceled.

"Any paid seating assignments, such as Economy Plus or preferred seating, will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment after the scheduled departure time of the flight," a United spokesperson wrote in an email.

Economy Plus seats feature up to 6 inches of extra legroom and are located near the front of the economy cabin. These seats and all other preferred seats are complimentary for United MileagePlus members with Premier status (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Premier 1K). Depending on their status tier, these members get free preferred seating for themselves as well as for one to eight companions.

In short, if United is unable to reseat you in the same type of seat you originally booked, expect to be automatically refunded the ancillary charge if you paid one.

"There are certain scenarios where you may be reaccommodated in a seat other than the one you've purchased, such as in instances of irregular operations, a last-minute aircraft change or an oversell," United says on its website . "In these cases, you will be issued a new boarding pass. If you find that you have not been reaccommodated in a seat of similar or greater value, fees paid for the seat will usually automatically be refunded."

Related: How to get seats together as a family on Southwest Airlines

American's paid seat policy

Like United, American refunds paid seats for flights it cancels or the airline will attempt to rebook you in your preferred seat.

"We make every effort to reseat passengers in the same seat or in a like seat when that isn't possible," a spokesperson for American said. "Customers can also use aa.com or the mobile app to view any available open seats if they'd like to make a different, available seat selection."

Customers can expect a refund of the paid seat charge if they are unable to get a similar seat to the one they had paid for.

However, unlike United, American will not extend a refund to passengers who cancel a flight on their own.

"Paid seats are nonrefundable if you change, cancel or miss your flight," according to the airline website. "Paid seats are nonrefundable if you change your seat assignment on the same flight to a lower priced or free seat."

There are two paid seat options, which are complimentary for AA Advantage Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold status holders: Preferred seats and Main Cabin Extra. As you might suspect, preferred seats are located in preferred areas of the plane, which could mean they are closer to the front or in a row of two seats instead of three. Main Cabin Extra seats provide additional legroom (33 to 43.5 inches of pitch, depending on the aircraft, versus the 30 to 33 inches you'll find in standard economy seats). Those sitting in Main Cabin Extra seats will also receive a free alcoholic beverage.

Delta's paid seat policy

As is the case with both United and American, Delta will refund any paid seat charges for canceled flights to your original payment form, while also attempting to rebook you in your desired seat.

"We will absolutely work to accommodate customers in their desired seat on an individual basis in these cases," a Delta spokesperson said via email. "We will be able to refund these payments to the original form of payment in the event that's not possible."

Like American, when Delta rebooks customers on a new flight after canceling their flight , their seat selection will carry over to the new flight (based on availability).

But if a customer purchases a ticket with a preferred seat, and then cancels their ticket, the preferred seat is not eligible for a refund, per a Delta spokesperson.

"If the customer is impacted by an involuntary cancelation scenario, they would be eligible for a refund," they told me.

All Delta Medallion status holders — specifically Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion — receive free preferred seating, which may include seats at the front of the plane or in exit rows. Delta flyers can also upgrade to the carrier's extra-space economy class known as Comfort+, which provides up to 3 inches of additional legroom, among other perks. Unlike United's Economy Plus and American's Main Cabin Extra, Delta's Comfort+ is a separate fare class that requires Medallion members to get on a list for an upgrade; these members, especially top-tier ones, generally don't have issues clearing.

Unpaid seats

In the case of free seat selection, you essentially start from square one.

An airline will often automatically give you the same seat if it's available or a similar one if it is not; it may also allow you to pick your own seat once it rebooks you, but you are basically at the mercy of the airline in this case.

Bottom line

Overall, if an airline cancels your flight, it should refund you for any paid seats. If you choose to rebook a new flight in response to a cancelation, your airline will rebook you in the same seat as your original reservation (if available) or a similar seat. If not, you can pick your own seat once you're rebooked.

This process can be frustrating, especially when multiple people are traveling together, because sometimes one person in your party may get a seat assignment while another does not.

Airlines could soon be changing their ways, though. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation sent a letter to airlines urging them to adopt policies that minimize the chances of families getting separated on planes. When the USDOT begins monitoring this in November, it may respond with new regulations enforcing such rules.

For families booking flights and hoping to sit together, TPG senior family writer Tarah Chieffi has some advice for the three airlines we've discussed:

• American: The only way to guarantee seats together on American is by choosing seats for your whole family at the time of booking.
• United: Purchase a United economy fare or higher that includes complimentary seat assignments at the time of booking.
• Delta: Avoid booking a Delta basic economy fare because those do not include advance seat selection; book your children on the same reservation as the adults in your party.

Read her guide for more tips on increasing the likelihood of getting seats together.

While airlines do their best to assign you a specific seat and keep families together, they do not guarantee this in the case of rebookings, especially last-minute ones. The flight you'll be joining is probably already quite full and it may only have a few available seats.

Don't lose all hope, though. Some gate agents may take pity on you and give you an even better seat than originally booked — for free.

"Oftentimes agents feel bad for you and can give you a seat that would normally be a paid one for free in that scenario," TPG senior aviation reporter Ethan Klapper told me. "And you can often ask an agent for a better one, like an exit row."

Related: What you can ask from an airline after a delayed or canceled flight

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Southwest Airlines is considering changes to its quirky boarding and seating practices

FILE - Southwest Airlines plane prepares to land at Midway International Airport, Feb. 12, 2023, in Chicago. Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, ratified a contract that includes pay raises totaling more than 33% over four years, as airline workers continue to benefit from the industry’s recovery since the pandemic. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

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DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines is studying changes to its quirky boarding and seating policies as it searches for ways to raise more revenue .

Airline officials say they are studying possible changes but won’t have anything to announce until September. That tease is leading to speculation about whether Southwest might ditch some longstanding traditions, including the practice of passengers picking their own seats only after they board a plane.

CEO Robert Jordan says he is proud of Southwest’s “product,” but it was developed when flights weren’t as full as they are today, and customers’ preferences change over time, prompting the “deep dive” into “transformational options” in boarding and seating.

“Early indications, both for our customers and for Southwest, look pretty darn interesting,” he told analysts and reporters Thursday.

Every other major U.S. airline sells first- or business-class seats with more room and amenities. They assign seats long before passengers arrive at the airport. And increasingly, they charge extra if economy-class passengers want to pick a particular seat, such as one in an exit row or near the front of the cabin.

Those policies generate significant “ancillary revenue.” Delta Air Lines took in $4.4 billion in “premium products” during the first quarter.

Southwest doesn’t have a first-class cabin or assigned seats. Passengers line up in the gate area in an order determined partly by who checked in first and – increasingly – who paid extra to move up in line . The lucky or high-paying ones get in the “A” boarding group, followed by the middling “B” crowd and finally the dreaded “C” group, whose unfortunate inhabitants usually wind up in a middle seat, maybe in the back of the plane.

Over the years, Southwest customers learned to check in online exactly 24 hours before departure to get the best shot at grabbing the seat they wanted. In 2009, the airline began charging an extra fee — called EarlyBird — to move up in the boarding line. The fee starts at $15 per flight but goes up when planes are full.

Jordan said any changes must generate significant new revenue and can’t slow down flights . Beyond that, he was deliberately and repeatedly vague, but executives did indicate that two possible changes have been ruled out already.

Ryan Green, Southwest’s chief commercial officer, said the airline won’t impose baggage charges — it’s the only U.S. carrier that lets passenger check one or two bags for free. He said Southwest also won’t install curtains like those that separate premium cabins from the economy-class section on other airlines.

Savanthi Syth, an airlines analyst with Raymond James Financial, said the lack of assigned seating is “a huge pain point for passengers,” although a shrinking contingent still likes it. Syth thinks passengers would prefer the ability to select a seat in advance to trying to get a better spot in the boarding line.

“More importantly, I think it opens you up to a greater pool of passengers that would not consider (Southwest) because of the stress of the current process,” she said. “This is particularly important now that Southwest has lost the differentiation of no change or cancellations fees.” Southwest’s closest rivals dropped change fees too during the pandemic.

Syth is less convinced that Southwest needs a first-class cabin, but she thinks adding extra-legroom seats could be attractive. “There are plenty of tall people who could use the extra space,” she said.

Southwest executives are frequently asked about changes in their policies around baggage, seating and first-class cabins. At an industry conference in November, Jordan said there was nothing in the works.

What changed?

Southwest’s financial results have become more dismal. The company reported Thursday that it lost $231 million in the first quarter, which was worse than analysts expected and a wider loss than a year ago.

The Dallas-based airline faces sharply rising labor costs — up 19% or $462 million from a year ago, and that was before flight attendants ratified a new contract with sharply higher wages. Spending on maintenance and airport fees are rising by double-digit percentages. And Southwest can’t add as many flights as it would like because a production crisis at Boeing means there are fewer new planes.

The company is freezing hiring other than critical positions, and it will take the rare step of pulling out of four airports in August to cut costs. Even with revenue rising on strong travel demand , the airline needs more to offset inflation.

The airline promises that whatever it decides, it won’t change Southwest’s unique character. That could be a tricky balancing act in the view of its many loyal customers. They must wait out the next several months.

“We are committed to a set of new strategic initiatives. I have hinted at boarding and seating and the cabin, and we’re going to share those with you at investor day” in September, Jordan told analysts.

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Is the Delta SkyMiles Blue card worth it? 

Delta skymiles blue card rewards, delta skymiles blue card benefits, delta blue card fees, rates & limit, how the delta blue card compares, is the delta skymiles blue card right for me, how do i apply for the delta blue card, faq: delta skymiles blue card.

Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card: Good for Occasional Delta Flyers

• The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a simple travel rewards credit card that earns miles for every qualifying purchase.
• What we think: The Delta SkyMiles Blue card is not nearly as perk-heavy as other Delta cards, but if paying an annual fee for an airline credit card isn’t something you want to do, this is a decent option. However, if you fly frequently, you’ll certainly find more value in a higher-tier card.
• If you spend $1,000 in six months after opening the account, you’ll earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 SkyMiles. 
• The Delta SkyMiles Blue card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees ( see rates and fees ).
• Restaurant orders, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., earn 2 miles per dollar.

If you’re not a regular traveler, it can be hard to get enough value from a premium travel credit card to justify the annual fee. That’s where the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card comes in — this card gives you the opportunity to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to understand about this Delta card from American Express , including:

• How to earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles rewards
• Cardholder benefits
• Fees and interest rates
• No annual fee
• 20% in-flight savings
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• Low earning rate
• No free checked bags
• No priority boarding

If you’re loyal to Delta but don’t travel frequently, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card could be a good option. 

It offers an easy way to earn SkyMiles on your everyday purchases, so you can save money on flights in the future — and you don’t need to pay an annual fee. Plus, you’ll get a few perks that come in handy on vacation and in real life, including car rental insurance and purchase protection.

Pros and cons of the Delta SkyMiles Blue card

• Solid welcome offer
• Straightforward SkyMiles earnings tiers
• Discount on Delta in-flight purchases
• No intro APR offer

Learn more about Delta SkyMiles Blue card

Terms apply / Rates & fees

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card from American Express is a co-branded card; instead of points, it earns Delta SkyMiles. That’s a great perk, especially if you tend to fly Delta more than other airlines.

Welcome bonus

If you spend up to $1,000 in the first six months of having the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, you’ll earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles. Only purchases of goods and services count toward this spending threshold; fees and interest charges, prepaid card purchases and gift cards do not.

Keep in mind that American Express may decide you’re not eligible for this welcome offer if you’ve ever had one of the following cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Earn Delta SkyMiles Blue rewards

The most exciting aspect of this SkyMiles credit card is, of course, the rewards. There are three easy-to-understand earnings tiers. You’ll earn 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar for every purchase you make at restaurants and directly with the airline. For all other eligible purchases, you’ll earn 1 mile for every dollar you spend. If you’re a Delta flyer, it’s relatively easy to accrue miles — a $500 flight earns 1,000 SkyMiles.

Redeem Delta Blue rewards

Delta and American Express offer a variety of ways to redeem the SkyMiles you earn with your Amex Delta Blue card. One of the most popular is the Pay with Miles option. When you book a flight on Delta, you can redeem miles to pay for part or all of the flight. Every 5,000 miles gives you up to $50 off the cost, which is a maximum value of 1 cent per mile.

However, it’s important to note that you can only redeem blocks of 5,000 miles. If your flight isn’t an exact multiple of $50, you’ll lose a bit of value. To pay for a $175 flight entirely with rewards, you’ll need to redeem 20,000 miles.

Can’t fly with Delta? You can also use SkyMiles to book SkyTeam Alliance flights. Member airlines include KLM, AirFrance, AeroMexico, Virgin Atlantic and Korean Air.

Other ways to redeem your Amex Delta SkyMiles rewards include:

Once you book a flight on Delta, use your SkyMiles to purchase an upgrade or select a preferred seat.

Checked bags:

Use miles to cover the fees for standard checked bags. This option is only available at a few airports in the United States.

Hotel stays:

With Delta Stays, you can use SkyMiles to pay for hotels.

Charity donations:

Don’t need your miles? Donate them to charity through Delta, and they’ll go to organizations that help children, veterans and natural disaster victims, among others.

Delta Vacations:

Make a booking through Delta Vacations, and you can use miles to pay for some or all of the cost.

Magazine subscription:

Choose from a wide variety of magazines, including Better Homes & Gardens and InStyle.

Premium drinks in Delta Sky Club lounges:

There’s no need to shell out for an expensive gin fizz the next time you’re in a Sky Club; just use your miles to cover the cost.

Delta Sky Club lounge memberships:

If you’re a SkyMiles Medallion Member, you can use your SkyMiles to buy lounge memberships. An individual annual membership is 69,500 miles, which is a value of $659.

Delta SkyMiles Experiences:

Get access to one-of-a-kind experiences, ranging from special chef dinners to VIP seating at sporting events — then pay for them with miles.

SkyMiles aren’t the only perk you get with a Delta Blue card from American Express. Your card also entitles you to a variety of benefits you can use while traveling or going about your life.

Travel benefits

Taking a trip? Make sure you’re taking advantage of these Delta SkyMiles card benefits:

• Car rental insurance:  With the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, you don’t need to worry if your rental car is damaged or stolen. As long as you book and pay for it with your card — not with miles — you’ll be covered for up to $50,000.
• In-flight savings:  Pay for food and drinks with your Blue card on a Delta flight, and you’ll automatically get a statement credit that equals a 20% discount.
• Global Assist Hotline: In trouble on the road? The Global Assist Hotline can help you access a range of services, including referrals for medical or legal assistance. It can even wire you cash if you can’t access it otherwise.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/​benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Shopping and entertainment benefits

If you love to shop and seek out entertainment experiences, these Delta SkyMiles Blue card benefits may save you money:

• ShopRunner membership:  Your Delta SkyMiles Blue card entitles you to free two-day shipping if you enroll in a ShopRunner subscription.
• Amex Offers:  Use your Delta Blue card to enroll in Amex Offers, and you can earn extra SkyMiles on certain deals.
• American Express Experiences: Get access to exclusive tickets for events, including concerts and sporting events; these deals are available only to American Express cardholders.
• Send & Split: This special feature allows you to split payments with friends who use PayPal or Venmo — without ever logging into either platform. You can manage the split right in the American Express app.

Protections and assistance

If you love to shop, these Delta SkyMiles Blue card benefits can help you save:

• Purchase protection:  When you make a purchase with your Delta Blue card, American Express will reimburse you if it’s damaged or stolen in the first 90 days of ownership. That means if your brand-new laptop is stolen, you can get your money back — coverage includes up to $10,000 per item.
• Extended warranty: Get an extra year of warranty protection on eligible purchases with manufacturer’s warranties of up to five years. If you need to make a claim against the extended warranty, you can get up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per card per year.

Before you make a final decision on the Delta Blue Amex card, make sure to consider the fees and interest rates ( see rates and fees ).

Delta SkyMiles Blue fees

When it comes to fees, the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card offers a good deal — you won’t pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

Here are the card’s standard fees:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Balance transfer fee: N/A
• Cash advance fee: The greater of $10 or 5% of the transfer
• Late or returned payment fee: Up to $40

Delta SkyMiles Blue card interest rates

Your Delta Blue card from American Express includes a variable annual percentage rate (APR) of 20.99% to 29.99%. American Express will determine your APR based on your application and credit profile.

Here’s a look at variable APRs available at Delta SkyMiles Blue card:

If you make a late payment or if your bank returns a payment, American Express is within its rights to switch you to a penalty APR of 29.99%. It may not, depending on your creditworthiness and account history. After you’re hit with the penalty, this APR will stay for a minimum of six months.

Delta SkyMiles Blue credit limit

If American Express approves you for the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, your credit limit will be assigned based on a range of factors. This might include your income, credit history, credit score, debt and other factors the issuer decides are relevant. Most cardholders have a limit of at least $1,000; yours may be considerably higher.

Compared to other Delta airlines cards , the Delta Amex Blue card is a pared-down option.

Although it earns miles and offers a few perks, it doesn’t include benefits that are standard on other cards — namely, free checked bags. If you travel frequently, you’re probably better off getting a different card; the lack of bag fees alone will likely make up for the annual fee. If not, this card is a solid option; it’s a basic airline credit card with no annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

American Express issues both the Delta SkyMiles Blue and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , but they sit at opposite ends of the travel card spectrum. While the Delta Blue is a no annual fee card , the Reserve will run you a whopping $650 per year ( see rates and fees ). 

The Reserve is geared toward frequent travelers — it comes with $2,500 Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars per year, free access to Delta Sky Clubs, a free round-trip companion certificate each year, and more. The Blue card, on the other hand, is intended for occasional travelers who are Delta-loyal.

Read our full Delta SkyMiles Reserve card review

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card falls somewhere between the Blue and the Reserve cards. It has a $150 annual fee after the first year ( see rates and fees ). For that, you get a free checked bag, priority boarding, a $100 credit to Delta Stays and a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend at least $10,000 in a year. Plus, you’ll earn 2 SkyMiles for every dollar spent, compared to the 1 mile per dollar with the Blue card. 

If you’re a somewhat regular traveler but not quite ready for a luxury card, the Gold card is better than the Blue — it only takes five flights to make up for the annual fee in checked bag fees alone.

Read our full Delta SkyMiles Gold card review

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a general travel credit card; instead of SkyMiles, it earns points that you can redeem for travel. You’ll need excellent credit to be approved for this Capital One card , compared to the good credit that’s required for the Delta SkyMiles American Express card.

Both cards eliminate foreign transaction fees, but the VentureOne is accepted in more places around the world — an important consideration if you plan to travel internationally.

Read our full Capital One VentureOne card review

You might choose the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card if you’re a Delta fan and you’re searching for a basic rewards credit card .

It’s an effective way to earn SkyMiles on your everyday purchases — and with no annual fee, you don’t have to worry about getting your money’s worth in perks. As long as you can spend an average of $167 per month in the first six months, you’ll earn a 10,000-mile welcome bonus.

If you don’t travel often, one of these general rewards cards may suit you better:  

• Amex Blue Cash Preferred card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred card

You can learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card and apply online. 

To get approved for the Delta Blue card, you’ll need good to excellent credit . 

While American Express doesn’t give a credit score requirement, this usually means 690 FICO score or higher. When you apply, expect to provide your employment information and financial details.

What credit score do you need for Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card?

There are no hard and fast credit score rules for the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, but you will likely need a minimum score of 690 to get approved. The decision will take into account factors that might include your score, credit history and income.

Is the Delta SkyMiles Blue credit card good?

The Delta SkyMiles Blue credit card is good if you’re a loyal Delta flyer and you want to earn SkyMiles. It doesn’t offer many perks, but it comes with a $0 annual fee.

Do you get a free checked bag with the Delta SkyMiles Blue card?

No, you don’t get a free checked bag with the Delta SkyMiles Blue card.

What is the credit limit for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card?

The credit limit for the Delta Blue card from American Express varies based on your qualifications.

What are the benefits of Delta Blue Card?

The Delta Blue Card comes with benefits that include rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and access to American Express experiences and offers.

Elizabeth Smith is an experienced travel and finance writer who specializes in topics including credit cards, travel insurance, and personal finance. Travel insurance, in particular, has both professional and personal significance for Smith. She’s traveled to 73 countries, and has extensive experience choosing and using various policies — she understands how valuable the right plan can be in an emergency, and loves to help readers find the perfect fit.

Smith comes to the world of finance from a scientific and technical background. She spent more than 10 years writing about engineering, science, and technology for universities and private companies. When she’s not writing or traveling, Smith can usually be found hiking or Nordic skiing.

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