If you have traveled by air frequently, you will know that all seats are different. The experience of traveling on a window seat is a lot different than flying in the middle one, even if you are traveling in the same cabin. Some seats offer the most comfort no matter when and where you travel. It will be every passenger’s preference. Are you looking for that “P sign” on your seat? This guide will show you the way to these so-called Delta Preferred Seats. What does it mean, what are its benefits, what are the eligibility criteria, and how can I apply for it?
What Is Delta Airlines Preferred Seating?
Flight seats that are set in the most desirable location in the plane are said to be the “Preferred Seats.”

The preferred seats on Delta Airlines are:
- Seats closer or in front of Main Cabin
- Window seats
- Aisle seats
- Bulkhead seats
- Exit row seats
Why Choose Delta Airlines Preferred Seats?
Here are some reasons why Delta preferred seats are the most favored among passengers.
- Convenient Location: It provides quick boarding and deplaning of the flight, saving time.
- Relaxed Journey: These seats give you more control and freedom of movement and are the least affected by other passengers’ movement compared to middle seats. They give you peace of mind and a relaxed trip.
Who Is Eligible For Delta Preferred Seating
Not everyone can access these premium seats for their ventures. Delta and Delta Connection offers these complimentary seats as a complement to some of its valued passengers.
See if you fit into any of these categories to be able to get this perk for free.
- Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members: Those who have Diamond, Platinum, Gold, or Silver frequent flyer status with Delta Airlines.
- Passengers with certain fare types: If you have purchased a full-fare ticket, such as Y, B, and M fares.
- Partner Members: You are a member of the Joint Venture Elite, SkyTeam Elite, or Elite Plus partner program.
- Group Travel of 8 with a SkyMiles Member: If you are traveling in a group of at least 8 members in which one of them is a SkyMiles member.
- Corporate Agreement: Travelers who have corporate accounts that have agreements with Delta.
Even if you don’t get a Delta preferred seat for free, you can purchase it in the following scenario:
- Medallion Member: If you are a medallion member, you can request a seat upgrade to Delta Airlines preferred seats. If available, the airlines will provide you these seats with additional charges.
You are not qualified for the seat in cases such as:
- Basic Economy Fare: Those passengers who have purchased the Basic Economy airfare can neither purchase it nor are offered this seat as complimentary.
Rules For Obtaining Delta Preferred Seat
It should be noted that Delta Airlines holds the complete authority to assign or reassign you with a preferred seat at any point in your flight journey. Even if you are an eligible member, you may not get a preferred seat if it is unavailable. Moreover, if you have purchased or received a Delta preferred seat, the airline has the right to retrieve it from you even after boarding your flight, if required.
When Are Delta Preferred Seats Available To Purchase?
Delta releases its preferred seats for sale 45 days before the date of departure. Within this duration, if you are eligible, you can purchase your flight ticket through the check-in window. You can also buy a preferred seat on Delta via a travel agency that is subscribed to Amadeus or Travelport (Worldspan, Apollo, and Galileo) GDSs. The process of buying these seats from a travel agency is the same as with Delta. However, additional charges may apply as per the agency’s guidelines.
How To Book Delta Airlines Preferred Seat
Here’s a step-by-step process through which you can book your preferred seat on your Delta Airlines flight.
During Flight Reservation:
- Visit Delta Airlines Website: You have to first log into the Delta Airlines official web portal or their mobile application.
- Enter your flight details: At its home page, you will be prompted to input your departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers.
- Select your flight: Choose the flight that best suits your needs from the available options.
- Choose your fare: Pay close attention to the fare type you will choose. Remember, Basic Economy restricts seat selection. So, you have to choose full fare or other fare types.
[Important Note: If you are a SkyMiles Medallion Member, make sure to include your SkyMiles number in your reservation. It will give you access to complimentary preferred seats.]
- Select Your Seat: If you are eligible, you will be presented with a seat map during the booking process. Here you can view available seats, identify preferred seats, and select the one you desire.
- Complete your booking: Provide the passenger information and payment details to finalize your flight booking and you are done.
After Flight Booking
- Manage your seat: If you wish to change your seat after booking, you can visit the “My Trip” option. Under the seat assignment option, you can make your seat changes.
While Checking In
- Online Check-in: When the online check-in portal opens (usually 24 hours before flight departure), you may have another opportunity to review and change your seat assignment.
- Airport Check-In: You can also request seat changes when checking in at the airport.
How To Change Or Get Refund For Purchased Delta Preferred Seat
There are situations when you may have to change your Delta preferred seat selection. To alter your flight seat, you can follow these steps:
- Log in to your Delta account on their official website or mobile application.
- Go to the “My Trip” option and check your trip details.
- There, you will find the option to change or cancel your seat assignments.
- Make the changes and confirm.
There are times when you purchase a preferred seat and may be deprived of it due to unwilling changes made from the airline’s end. In such scenarios, you are entitled to a refund by Delta. To process the reimbursement of your purchased preferred seat option, you should directly contact Delta customer service for reservation assistance. The officials will offer personalized guidance to your query.
[Note: As per certain rules of the airlines, you may not get a direct refund for your Delta Airlines preferred seat. Instead, the airlines can provide you with an eCredit that you can redeem on future travel. You can learn about these rules in detail from Delta’s customer care representatives.]
Conclusion
You have learnt everything about the Delta Airlines preferred seat. As you know, these seats are available for a limited time, head to the Delta Airlines website and start searching for flights. Make sure to choose any flight other than the Basic Economy fare as you won’t be able to purchase Delta Airlines preferred seats through this ticket. If you are an airline’s loyal passenger, don’t forget to check if you can get these desirable seating options as complimentary.
See if you are eligible and avail of the opportunity to travel comfortably with the Delta carrier and reach your destination all refreshed. Have a great journey ahead!
Common Passenger’s Questions
Delta offers its preferred seat as complementary to Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion Members, passengers with full fare tickets, travelers with Delta approved corporate accounts, and companions traveling with a Medallion member passenger.
You can get Delta Airlines preferred seat for free if you purchase a full fare ticket, have a Delta approved corporate account, travel with a Medallion member, or have a SkyMiles Medallion status.
If you want to willingly change your Delta preferred seat selection, you can do so online through Delta’s website. If Delta takes away your purchased preferred seat unwillingly, you have to contact their customer service to obtain a refund from them.
Seats in front of the Main Cabin, aisle seats, window seats, and exit row seats are considered Delta preferred seating options.
No, Delta Airlines preferred seats aren’t guaranteed. While you may get Delta preferred seats as complimentary or on purchase if available, the airlines may change your seating depending on operational needs.