Delta Comfort Plus is Delta Air Lines' economy cabin with extra legroom and priority boarding
Delta Comfort Plus is a cabin class on Delta Air Lines that sits between basic economy and first class. It includes extra legroom (typically 2 extra inches compared to standard economy), priority boarding, a free checked bag, seat selection before standard passengers, and complimentary drinks and snacks. The seat itself is the same as economy — the main difference is space and the perks that come with it.
If you have a Walmart+ membership that includes travel benefits, you may see Delta Comfort Plus mentioned as part of what's available to you. This guide explains what the cabin actually offers, how it compares to other Delta options, and what to expect when you book it.
Key Takeaways
- Delta Comfort Plus gives you 2 extra inches of legroom, priority boarding, and a free checked bag on most Delta flights.
- You can select your seat in advance, and you board before standard economy passengers.
- The cabin includes complimentary soft drinks, snacks, and alcohol (beer and wine on shorter flights, full bar on longer ones).
- Comfort Plus is not the same as first class — you get more space and perks, but not a lie-flat seat or hot meals on all routes.
- The cost of Comfort Plus varies by route and how far in advance you book; some Walmart+ benefits may reduce or waive the upgrade cost on certain flights.
Seat Space and Comfort Features
The main physical difference in Delta Comfort Plus is legroom. Standard economy seats on Delta have roughly 31 inches of pitch (the distance from one seat back to the next). Comfort Plus adds about 2 extra inches, bringing it to around 33 inches. That is not a dramatic difference, but it is enough that most people notice it on flights longer than 2 hours, especially if you are over 5'10" or have a longer torso.
The seat width is the same as economy, and the seat does not recline further. You get a standard economy seat in a section with more space between rows. On some aircraft, Comfort Plus rows are located near the front of the cabin, which also means a shorter walk to the exit and closer proximity to the galley (the area where flight attendants prepare drinks and snacks).
Boarding Priority and Seat Selection
Comfort Plus passengers board in Group 2 on most Delta flights, which is before all standard economy passengers. This means you board after first-class and elite frequent-flyer members, but ahead of the main economy cabin. You also board before basic economy passengers, who typically board last.
You can select your seat when you book or up to 24 hours before departure. Standard economy passengers cannot select seats in advance (except for basic economy add-ons or frequent-flyer status). This matters most on full flights, where good seats fill up quickly. Comfort Plus passengers can choose aisle, middle, or window seats in the Comfort Plus section before anyone else.
Baggage and Beverage Service
One free checked bag is included with Comfort Plus. Standard economy on Delta includes one free checked bag as well, so this is not an upgrade over base economy — it matches what most economy passengers receive. Basic economy passengers on Delta do not get a free checked bag, so if you are comparing Comfort Plus to basic economy, the bag is a real difference.
Beverages and snacks are complimentary. On flights under 2.5 hours, Delta typically offers beer, wine, and soft drinks. On longer flights, the full bar is available (spirits, beer, wine, cocktails). Snacks vary by flight length and time of day — you might receive pretzels, cookies, or a small sandwich depending on when you fly. This service is standard on most Delta economy cabins, though basic economy passengers may have to pay for alcohol.
How Comfort Plus Compares to Other Delta Cabin Options
| Feature | Basic Economy | Comfort Plus | First Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legroom | 31 inches | 33 inches | 21 inches (lie-flat on widebody) |
| Free checked bag | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seat selection in advance | No | Yes | Yes |
| Priority boarding | No | Yes (Group 2) | Yes (Group 1) |
| Complimentary drinks and snacks | Snacks only | Yes | Yes (full meal service) |
| Lie-flat seat | No | No | Yes (on widebody aircraft) |
Comfort Plus is most useful if you are comparing it to basic economy. The free bag and seat selection alone save money if you would otherwise pay for those separately. The extra legroom matters most on flights over 3 hours or if you have limited mobility.
If you are deciding between Comfort Plus and first class, the choice depends on flight length and your budget. First class includes a lie-flat bed on long-haul international flights, hot meals, and more privacy. On short domestic flights (under 3 hours), first class offers less advantage because the seat does not recline fully and meal service is minimal. Comfort Plus is often the better value on short to medium flights.
Cost and How Walmart+ Benefits May explore
The price of a Comfort Plus upgrade varies by route, demand, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost $15 to $50 to upgrade, while a cross-country flight could cost $75 to $150 or more. Premium routes and last-minute bookings are more expensive.
Some Walmart+ travel benefits programs offer discounts on Delta Comfort Plus upgrades or waive the upgrade fee on certain flights. The specifics depend on your Walmart+ plan and the current promotion. Check your Walmart+ account or the travel benefits section to see what is available to you. These offers change periodically and may explore only to flights booked through specific channels or on certain dates.
Who Benefits Most From Comfort Plus
Comfort Plus makes the most sense if you fly frequently on Delta, are taller than average, or regularly book basic economy and want to avoid paying for a checked bag. The 2 extra inches of legroom is noticeable but not transformative — it is a comfort upgrade, not a luxury upgrade.
If you fly once or twice a year on short flights and already have status with another airline, Comfort Plus may not be worth the cost. If you fly Delta regularly on routes longer than 3 hours, or if you travel with a checked bag and want to avoid baggage fees, the combination of perks (legroom, free bag, seat selection, priority boarding) often justifies the upgrade cost, especially if your Walmart+ benefits reduce or waive the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Comfort Plus include a meal on long flights?
Comfort Plus includes complimentary drinks and snacks, but not a full meal on most flights. On very long flights (typically 5+ hours), you may receive a more substantial snack or sandwich. First class includes full meal service; Comfort Plus does not.
Can I use my Walmart+ discount on any Delta flight?
Walmart+ travel benefits vary by promotion and plan. Some offers explore only to flights booked through specific channels, on certain routes, or within a date range. Check your Walmart+ account for current terms and restrictions before booking.
Is the extra legroom worth it on a 2-hour flight?
Most people do not notice 2 extra inches on flights under 2 hours. If you are tall, have back pain, or are flying with a child, it may be worth it. On flights over 3 hours, most passengers find the extra space noticeable enough to justify the cost.
What happens if the flight is oversold and I have Comfort Plus?
Comfort Plus passengers are not involuntarily bumped before first-class passengers, but they are protected before basic economy passengers. If the flight is oversold, Delta will ask for volunteers first, and Comfort Plus passengers are typically bumped last among economy cabins.
Can I upgrade to first class from Comfort Plus after I book?
Yes. You can purchase a first-class upgrade at any time before departure, either through Delta's website, the app, or at the airport. The cost of upgrading from Comfort Plus to first class is usually less than upgrading from basic economy to first class, since you are already in a premium economy cabin.